Metal Seal Fitting reduces vehicle A/C refrigerant leakage.
Press Release Summary:
Zero leak fitting has metal seal block fitting and seal structure that eliminates significant source of refrigerant leakage, reducing direct greenhouse gas emissions as well as costs associated with recharging vehicle air conditioning systems. Full-flow internal design minimizes pressure drop, while integrated seal design ensures protection during handling. Product is intended to replace conventional connector fittings that use flexible elastomeric seals.
Original Press Release:
Visteon's New Metal Seal Fitting Significantly Reduces Refrigerant Leakage in Vehicle Air Conditioning Systems
VAN BUREN TOWNSHIP, Mich. -- Visteon Corporation, a leading supplier of a full range of automotive climate products, has developed an innovative "zero leak" fitting that is designed to eliminate refrigerant leakage in vehicle air conditioning systems.
The patented metal seal block fitting and seal structure eliminates a significant source of refrigerant leakage, reducing direct greenhouse gas emissions as well as warranty costs associated with recharging vehicle air conditioning systems. Visteon's metal seal fitting replaces conventional connector fittings that use flexible elastomeric seals.
Advantages of the metal seal fitting include:
-- Reduced leakage - to a point that is practically unmeasurable - due to the superior metal-to-metal design;
-- Minimal pressure drop, due to "full-flow" internal design;
-- Dramatically reduced seal contamination;
-- Assembly and service robustness; and
-- Protection during handling, as a result of the integrated seal design.
Visteon's metal seal fitting technology is generating substantial interest among vehicle manufacturers and is specified for mass production beginning in 2011.
"Visteon's metal seal technology provides significant benefits, enabling automakers to meet new legislation requirements in multiple markets," said Brian Sullivan, Visteon's fluid transport global product line director. "Recognizing that climate system components are often sourced to different suppliers but must fit together, Visteon also plans to license the technology to enable adoption of this leading-edge sealing solution."
Fred Schroeder, Visteon fluid transport technical fellow and co-inventor of the technology, noted, "The metal seal fitting surpasses any requirements we have seen for today's R134A refrigerant and proposed future refrigerants including R1234yf, as well as the very severe temperature, pressure and leakage requirements of R744 (CO2) systems."
Visteon Corporation is a leading global automotive supplier that designs, engineers and manufactures innovative climate, interior, electronic and lighting products for vehicle manufacturers. With corporate offices in Van Buren Township, Mich. (U.S.); Shanghai, China; and Chelmsford, UK; the company has facilities in 25 countries and employs approximately 29,500 people.
