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Stainless steel process equipment with a blue silicone door seal and an SC17A seal profile in the foreground.

INFLATABLE SEALING SOLUTIONS

Inflatable Seal
Applications

For doors, hatches and process connections.
Select a profile for your equipment.

Explore inflatable silicone seals for pharmaceutical equipment, cleanroom doors, industrial ovens, marine hatches and aerospace applications.

CHOOSE YOUR APPLICATION

Where are inflatable seals used?

Choose your equipment type to review the sealing joint, operating conditions and profile selection requirements.

Left: deflated. Right: expanded with air. Mounting diameter, retaining band and air inlet stay the same; the flexible body expands outwards.
Left: deflated. Right: expanded with air. Mounting diameter, retaining band and air inlet stay the same; the flexible body expands outwards.

BIG BAG FILLING

Big bag filling sleeves: controlled contact at the inlet.

We manufacture custom inflatable filling sleeves for the spout-to-bag neck connection. Fitting when deflated, establishing contact with air and releasing after venting are stages of the same sleeve.

  • Big bag filling
  • Sack filling
  • Drum unloading

What we assess when selecting a seal

  • Spout outside diameter and bag inlet size
  • Mounting surface and air connection
  • Product, temperature and cleaning conditions

APPLICATION DETAILS

How the filling sleeve works, its benefits and applications

See the seal close up, explore how it contacts the bag inlet and compare dust escape at an open connection. Machine examples show where the seal is used.

Big bag filling sleeve: Between the outside of the filling spout and the bag filling neckEnlarge image ↗
Seal location: Between the outside of the filling spout and the bag filling neck

01 / SEAL AND CONNECTION

Big bag filling sleeve

Controlled circumferential contact at the bag inlet, with an open central product passage.

The sleeve works between the outside of the filling spout and the inlet of an FIBC or a suitable necked sack. Inflation establishes circumferential contact; venting allows a bag change. Product passes through the open centre into the bag.

Where does the seal work?

The sleeve mounting bore is matched to the spout outside diameter. The bag neck is placed over the deflated sleeve; air pressure expands the flexible body outwards against the bag inlet. Filling stops before the air is vented and the bag is released. Product passes through the open central tube; the sleeve does not support the bag weight.

Benefits of the seal

  • Helps reduce dust escape. Circumferential contact helps limit product escaping to the surroundings at the filling connection.
  • Easier bag changes. Venting relaxes the sleeve so the bag inlet can be fitted or removed.
  • Accommodates inlet variation. A correctly selected flexible body can accommodate limited variations in bag neck dimensions.

Our production for this application

We manufacture broad inflatable filling sleeves to suit your spout outside diameter, bag inlet and mounting arrangement. The air connection is positioned for accessible maintenance and protection from movement.

The bag inlet connection, step by step

Four-loop FIBC with a central filling neck. The fabric opening is an illustrative cutaway showing sleeve contact; it is not an opening in the real bag.
Four-loop FIBC with a central filling neck. The fabric opening is an illustrative cutaway showing sleeve contact; it is not an opening in the real bag.
  1. 01 / Prepare the connection

    With the sleeve deflated, centre the FIBC inlet below the head. Hooks and/or a platform support the bag weight.

  2. 02 / Fit the inlet

    Place the neck over the sleeve without wrinkles. Keep the retaining band and air connection accessible above the inlet.

  3. 03 / Inflate and fill

    Establish circumferential contact with air. Confirm the connection before filling; product passes through the open central path.

  4. 04 / Stop, vent and release

    Stop product feed first. Vent the sleeve; remove the relaxed inlet and discharge the bag using its handling arrangement.

What can happen at an open inlet gap?

Escaping dust, product loss and contamination of the work area.

Left: dust escape at an open filling connection. Right: circumferential bag-inlet contact with an inflatable sleeve. This is illustrative, not a measured performance result.
Left: dust escape at an open filling connection. Right: circumferential bag-inlet contact with an inflatable sleeve. This is illustrative, not a measured performance result.
Open connection

The gap between the spout and bag neck can provide a path for powder to escape into the surrounding work area.

Sleeve contact

A correctly sized sleeve expands outwards against the inlet, helping reduce dust escape at this connection.

Dust near the breathing zone, escaped product and removal of powder deposited on equipment surfaces.
Dust near the breathing zone, escaped product and removal of powder deposited on equipment surfaces.
Worker exposure

Depending on dust type, amount and duration of exposure, respiratory problems or eye and skin irritation may occur. Assess the actual product and workplace exposure.

Dust exposure / HSE ↗
Product loss

Product escaping before it enters the bag can settle on the shoulder, platform or floor. Whether it can be recovered depends on the process conditions.

Cleaning and contamination

Deposits require cleaning of equipment and packaging surfaces. Transfer to nearby products is considered in hygiene and cross-contamination assessment.

The filling sleeve is one sealing component at the connection. Assess it together with dust extraction, ventilation, cleaning and appropriate personal protective equipment.

Selection and installation details
  • Fit the bag → inflate the sleeve → start filling → stop filling → vent the sleeve → release the bag.
  • Sleeve pressure and cycle times depend on the application; bag-body inflation and dust extraction are separate systems.
  • Bag weight is carried by the lifting hooks and/or the support platform.
  • Confirm the connection and bag position before filling; do not release the bag before filling has stopped.
Filling sleeve at a single head: At the bag filling neck around the central filling spoutEnlarge image ↗
Seal location: At the bag filling neck around the central filling spout

02 / SEAL AND CONNECTION

Filling sleeve at a single head

Sealing at the big bag inlet, independently of the bag support structure.

The sleeve at a single filling head is selected for the spout outside diameter and bag inlet. Contact length, retaining band and air inlet position are matched to the existing head. Hooks and/or a support platform carry the bag load.

Where does the seal work?

The sleeve sits on the outside of the filling spout. The bag neck is fitted over it and the flexible body is inflated to contact the inlet circumference. The lifting arrangement and platform carry the bag; the filling sleeve is not a load-bearing suspension.

Benefits of the seal

  • Dust control at the connection. Reducing the inlet gap supports more controlled filling.
  • Orderly bag changes. The deflated state allows the filling neck to be released from the spout.
  • Adaptation to existing equipment. Suitable mounting geometry can support a new filling head or a replacement seal.

Our production for this application

We manufacture sleeves matched to your unit’s spout, bag neck and retaining arrangement. We assess the pneumatic line, lifting mechanism and operator access together.

Selection and installation details
  • The filling spout and bag inlet must be concentric.
  • Lifting-loop positions should not pull the filling neck sideways.
  • Weighing, filling cut-off and any dust extraction are assessed within the machine control arrangement.
  • Bag neck height and sleeve contact length are measured together.
Filling sleeves in conveyor lines: At the spout-to-bag inlet connection on the filling headEnlarge image ↗
Seal location: At the spout-to-bag inlet connection on the filling head

03 / SEAL AND CONNECTION

Filling sleeves in conveyor lines

Repeatable connections in lines with sequential filling and bag discharge.

In a conveyor line, the sleeve works at the filling-head inlet. It establishes contact and releases during repeated filling and bag changes. Venting time and access for replacement are assessed against the line sequence.

Where does the seal work?

The bag is secured at the filling position and its neck is placed over the deflated sleeve. Once inflation, filling and venting are complete, the bag is released to the handling system. The sleeve works at the filling head; the connection is released before conveyor movement.

Benefits of the seal

  • Organised cycles. Inflation and venting can be included in the bag-change sequence.
  • Repeatable connection. Correct centring and mounting help establish similar contact from bag to bag.
  • Maintenance access. Suitable air inlet and clamp positions make sleeve replacement easier.

Our production for this application

We assess the sleeve length, mounting diameter and pneumatic connection for the line’s filling head using your drawing. Hose routing is planned to avoid trapping during bag entry and discharge.

Selection and installation details
  • Do not start conveyor movement before releasing the bag connection.
  • Allow for sleeve inflation and venting times in the machine cycle.
  • Clamp and spout surfaces must not have sharp edges that damage the flexible body.
  • Provide access for cleaning and sleeve replacement.
Independent sleeves at two heads: Around each station’s own filling spout and bag neckEnlarge image ↗
Seal location: Around each station’s own filling spout and bag neck

04 / SEAL AND CONNECTION

Independent sleeves at two heads

Independent inflatable sleeve connections at two separate filling heads.

Each of the two filling heads uses its own sleeve. Matching heads may share a seal geometry; different dimensions require separate parts. Inflation and venting are assessed independently at each connection.

Where does the seal work?

Each sleeve works at its own bag inlet. Inflation and venting are controlled separately according to bag position and filling status. Changing a bag at one head must not release the connection at the other head.

Benefits of the seal

  • Independent connections. Each bag neck has its own contact and release sequence.
  • Flexible operating sequence. Bag preparation and filling can alternate where the machine design permits.
  • Standard maintenance parts. Matching heads can share a sleeve geometry to simplify spare-part management.

Our production for this application

We assess the spout and bag dimensions at each head, preparing shared sleeve geometry for matching heads or separate geometry where needed. Air inlet directions are planned around each station’s movement envelope.

Selection and installation details
  • Confirm bag position and filling connection separately at each station.
  • Arrange air lines and control valves so the stations do not interfere with each other.
  • Product routing and filling cut-off in a shared supply depend on the machine design.
  • Check installation and maintenance space for both heads.
Drum follower-plate seal: Around the perimeter of the follower plate travelling inside the drumEnlarge image ↗
Seal location: Around the perimeter of the follower plate travelling inside the drum

05 / SEAL AND CONNECTION

Drum follower-plate seal

A follower-plate seal providing controlled contact with the drum’s inner wall.

For viscous products, this seal works between the follower-plate perimeter and the drum bore. Its mounting geometry differs from a filling sleeve: perimeter contact is maintained as the plate follows the product level.

Where does the seal work?

The circumferential inflatable seal works between the follower-plate edge and the drum wall. Inflation expands it outwards against the wall, helping maintain perimeter contact as the plate follows the product level. The seal is vented in accordance with the machine’s plate-lifting sequence before removal.

Benefits of the seal

  • Circumferential contact. Helps limit the gap between the plate edge and the drum.
  • Reduced product loss. A suitable plate and seal arrangement can help reduce product remaining on the wall.
  • Drum changeover. Controlled venting helps release the plate and prepare for a new drum.

Our production for this application

We manufacture closed-loop inflatable seals to suit your drum bore, follower plate and groove. We assess product compatibility, wall friction, cleaning conditions and protection of the air inlet throughout the plate’s travel.

Left: follower plate before entry. Right: the perimeter seal contacts the drum bore. The opening in the drum wall is an illustrative cutaway.

Selection and installation details
  • Check drum bore, ovality and the condition of the internal wall.
  • The follower plate must travel centrally; the seal is not a mechanical centring device.
  • Plan pumping, plate movement, venting and any pressure equalisation within the machine’s own operating sequence.
  • Seal pressure, plate travel and elastomer friction are determined for the application.

Images illustrate the product and its applications; cutaways reveal the contact interface. Final dimensions, material and operating conditions are determined for your application.

Let us assess your operating conditions

Temperature and environment

The temperature, cleaning agents and environment to which the seal is exposed.

Dimensions and mounting

Groove cross-section, contact gap, overall length and corner transitions.

Pressure and movement

Air supply, pressure differential between surfaces and the opening and closing cycle.

From your application
to the right profile.

Define your requirements in three steps.

01

Identify your application

Describe your industry and operating environment.

02

Explore profile options

Compare cross-sections, dimensions and contact directions.

03

Share your technical drawing

Let us select a suitable solution for your project.

Need a solution
for your application?

Share your technical drawing or an application photograph.

PHARMA & MEDICAL

Controlled sealing for hygienic processes.

For doors and lids that open frequently, controlled air pressure brings the seal into contact with the mating surface. Releasing the air before opening allows free movement. Profile selection takes account of the equipment geometry and process requirements.

Information to share about your application

  • Cleaning agents and surface contact conditions
  • Sterilization method and temperature at the seal
  • Groove cross-section, corner radius and air connection
Discuss your application with our technical team

CLEANROOMS

Continuous door sealing for controlled environments.

The inflatable seal fitted to the frame expands towards the mating surface after the door closes. To maintain continuous contact, straight sections, corners and the threshold are considered as parts of a complete mounting arrangement.

Information to share about your application

  • Door movement and frequency of opening and closing
  • Room pressure differential and required sealing performance
  • Disinfection method, cleaning agents and threshold design
Discuss your application with our technical team

INDUSTRIAL OVENS

Door sealing solutions for thermal processes.

The process temperature inside an oven may differ from the temperature at the seal mounting point. Seal material, positioning and any necessary protection are assessed against these actual operating conditions.

Information to share about your application

  • Continuous and short-term temperatures at the seal
  • Door expansion, tolerances and insulation clearance
  • Process environment, cycle time and maintenance access
Discuss your application with our technical team

MARINE

Door and hatch sealing for marine conditions.

On large doors and hatches, surface tolerances and structural movement affect the contact gap. The sealing arrangement is designed to accommodate changes around the hatch perimeter and the operating conditions.

Information to share about your application

  • Exposure to water, salt, UV and cleaning agents
  • Hatch dimensions, mounting arrangement and expected pressure differential
  • Air supply, drainage and maintenance access
Discuss your application with our technical team

AEROSPACE

Controlled door sealing in test facilities.

In jet engine test cells, inflatable seals can close the gap between an access door and its frame. The illustrated application is aerospace ground test equipment; the seal is not fitted to the engine fan or air intake.

Information to share about your application

  • Pressure differential between the test cell and its surroundings
  • Door surface, perimeter gap and acoustic targets
  • Air supply control, deflation and maintenance arrangements
Discuss your application with our technical team
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