REFEL is a specially formed, reaction bonded silicon carbide which gives superior performance in mechanical seals.
In independent tests REFEL mechanical seals have demonstrated the lowest levels of counterface wear. This is due to the fine grain structure of REFEL and the high degree of bonding between the silicon carbide grains. The mechanical seals made with REFEL have longer life, reduced leakage, and less seal failure.
The table of wear data below is taken from ''Influences of the microstructure of Ceramic Materials on their wear behaviour in Mechanical Seals'' Journal of the Society of Tribologists and lubrication Engineers Volume 50, 10, P789-799 by R Wallis
| Material |
Sintering Aid |
Carbon/Graphite wear rate nm/hr |
Ceramic wear after 150 hrs nm |
| Fine grained Reaction bonded Silicon Carbide |
N/A |
28 |
Not detected |
| Coarse grained Reaction Bonded Silicon Carbide |
N/A |
1254 |
0.4 |
| Sintered Silicon Carbide |
Boron |
38 |
Not detected |
| Sintered Silicon Carbide |
Aluminium |
30 |
Not detected |
| Sintered Silicon Carbide |
Aluminium |
3062 |
8 |