Case Study: Custom Seal Solution for Hard Cider Producer’s Reactor Vessels

May 16, 2024

How Motion combats costly tooling and product unavailability.

A hard cider producer seeking replacement seals for their reactor vessels realized their product was no longer available from their OEM supplier. Not only were they searching for a new supplier, but they also required a cost-effective solution without compromising on performance or safety. Their reactor vessels used manway doors that required reliable seals to maintain operational integrity. Their original seals were made from EPDM, which were difficult and expensive to replace due to their scarcity and the cost of tooling required for molding.

Motion offers cost-effective custom mold construction that is produced with the client’s needs at the forefront.

An Innovative Solution

After the client provided a sample for Motion to analyze, the team collaborated with raw material suppliers to develop an FDA-compliant polyurethane material.

“Polyurethane is a surprisingly versatile material used in applications ranging from skateboard wheels to food seals. The versatility in chemistry and molding technologies allows Motion to provide solutions designed to fit the customers’ needs,” says Stan Kulikowski, Sr. Product Manager – Gasket, Seals & Polyurethane. Motion engineered an inexpensive mold to replicate the exact dimensions of the original seal and began producing replacement polyurethane seals that matched the client’s performance and cost expectations. The company’s innovative approach to material selection, custom mold design and collaborative manufacturing resulted in a successful solution for the hard cider producer’s reactor vessel seals.

A Fruitful Collaboration

By understanding the client’s needs, Motion could formulate a mold specifically for durability, chemical resistance, and compliance with industry standards. The custom capabilities also helped to keep the solution cost-effective but retain the quality product they needed for continued success. These high-performance replacement seals helped the client maintain operational efficiency and reduce expenses, showcasing Motion’s commitment to customer satisfaction and technical expertise in the industrial components sector.