Types of Vacuum Impregnation Processes PDF

4/17/2018 Types of Vacuum Impregnation Processes
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Types of Vacuum Impregnation

Processes
Posted by Andy Marin on Mon, Aug 28, 2017 @ 10:09 AM
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Vacuum impregnation in metal castings and powdered metal parts refers to the
sealing of leaks resulting from porosity. In this post, we will discuss in detail one of
the selection variables, the three di erent types of vacuum impregnation
processes.
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In general, all vacuum impregnation process types follow the same four steps:
1. Impregnation-Impregnate the sealant into the porosity/leak path using

vacuum (and pressure).
2. Excess Sealant Recovery-Remove excess sealant through gravity, rotation or
centrifugal force.
3. Wash/Rinse Station-Wash residual sealant from the part's internal passages,
taps, pockets and features.
4. Cure Station-Polymerize the impregnated sealant in the leak path.
Related: Learn the 4 Steps to the Vacuum Impregnation Process
The impregnation process type is de ned by the rst step, which will largely
determine if the castings are sealed. The subsequent steps will have a greater
impact on assembly characteristics than on sealing performance. Armed with this
understanding, the three commercially viable impregnation process types are:
1. Dry Vacuum and Pressure (DVP)

2. Dry Vacuum (DV)
3. Wet Vacuum (WV)
Dry Vacuum and Pressure Impregnation

Dry vacuum and pressure impregnation is the most robust and thorough method
of impregnation. DVP is used when a casting or component’s sealing
requirements are critical or when parts have a design that makes them di cult to
seal using the other impregnation processes. Dry vacuum and pressure is the
preferred method for impregnating parts and components manufactured for the
automotive, aerospace, and defense industries.
What happens during the DVP process?

Step1:
English
Parts are loaded into a dry impregnation chamber, and the vacuum is applied
until a predetermined setpoint is achieved. This vacuum setpoint has been
speci ed in US military speci cations to be no less than 29” of mercury (23.4 Torr
or 31mbar). There is no liquid present in the vessel to impede air removal from the
porosity. All parts see a uniform vacuum pressure that originates from the
vacuum pump. This is the "Dry-Vacuum" portion of the process.
Step2:
When the vacuum end point is reached, the transfer valve is opened. The sealant
(shown in green) is de-gased and pulled from the reservoir to the impregnation
vessel while the vacuum is maintained.
English
Step 3:
Next, the vacuum is released, and overpressure is applied (typically between 70-
90 PSI) from above. The pressure is then held to allow the sealant to penetrate the
porosity. The transfer valve is re-opened and the sealant is transfered back to the
storage reservoir. The parts are removed to be washed and cured.
English
Dry Vacuum Impregnation

Dry vacuum impregnation is an e ective method to seal porosity and leak paths.
However, since it lacks the nal pressure stage to assist in sealant penetration, it is
less thorough and requires much longer cycle times.
What happens during the DV process?

Step 1:
Parts are loaded into a dry impregnation chamber, and the vacuum is applied. As
in the DVP system, vacuum is held until all of the air is evacuated and upon
completion of the vacuum cycle the transfer valve is opened, and the sealant
(shown in green) is de-gassed and pulled from the reservoir to the autoclave
while the vacuum is maintained.
Step 2:
Next, the vacuum is released. No pressure is applied. Sealant penetration is solely
dependent upon atmospheric conditions and the vacuum created within the
pores of the casting. Hence the rate of penetration is much slower and may not
seal all types of porosity. The sealant is then transferred back from the autoclave
to the storage reservoir, and the parts are removed, washed and cured.
English
Wet Vacuum Impregnation

Wet vacuum impregnation impregnation is suitable to seal larger porosity and
leak paths. The wet vacuum process, in general, uses anaerobic sealants which
cure at room temperature. It is less consistent in its sealing e ectiveness, but it is
the preferred process through which to seal powdered metal parts and electrical
components due to the large and open nature of the porosity. Because the wet
vacuum process does not require a certi ed pressure vessel, a sealant reservoir or
a sealant transfer line, it is a low-cost option, but it is limited in its application.
What happens during the WV process?

Step 1:
The sealant (shown in yellow) is stored in the vessel. Parts are loaded into the wet
impregnation chamber, and the vacuum (shown in green) is applied. The vacuum
is held until all of the air from the vessel and sealant. The vacuum level grows
weaker as it must overcome the hydraulic head pressure of the sealant in the ‘wet’
chamber.
English
Step 2:
Next, the residual vacuum is released into the atmosphere. Parts are left to soak in
the sealant at atmospheric pressure in order to penetrate into the porosity. After a
su cient amount of time, the parts are removed.

In Conclusion English
The three commercially available processes, DVP, DV, and WV each have distinct
elements that follow understandable physical and scienti c principles.
Manufacturers want sealed components that meet their pressure test
speci cations and their customer's program goals. The impregnation process can
deliver guaranteed results when manufacturers make their process decisions and
selections supported by science, physics, engineering, and con rmed data.
Topics: Dry Vacuum and Pressure, Wet Vacuum Process, Dry Vacuum Process, How Vacuum Impregnation
Works, Vacuum Impregnation Process
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4/17/2018 Types of Vacuum Impregnation Processes

Types of Vacuum Impregnation

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1. Impregnation-Impregnate the sealant into the porosity/leak path using

Related: Learn the 4 Steps to the Vacuum Impregnation Process

1. Dry Vacuum and Pressure (DVP)

Dry Vacuum and Pressure Impregnation

What happens during the DVP process?

Dry Vacuum Impregnation

What happens during the DV process?

Wet Vacuum Impregnation

What happens during the WV process?

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