Generic sealing solutions often prove inadequate due to the chemical makeup of biofuels, which detrimentally impact the integrity of elastomers used in seals. In addition to that, inefficiencies in generic seal designs result in ill-fitted seals that are prone to leakage, which has serious implications in the biofuel industry. Developing robust biofuel sealing solutions becomes a significant challenge.
As specialists in fluid sealing technology, Master Packing and Rubber Company, also known as MPRC Seals, rises to the occasion by developing effective sealing products suitable for the industry. Since its inception in 1982, MPRC has been a name that signifies reliability and quality in sealing solutions to meet the demand of biofuel applications.
“As “Innovators in Seal Technology™,” we excel in overall seal performance and life cycle costing for sealing products,” states Robb Ridgway, Founder and CEO of MPRC Seals.
MPRC offers efficient, durable sealing solutions that withstand hostile environments across industries, require little maintenance and last for years. The company has extensive expertise and robust technological capabilities to produce effective seals and gaskets used in biofuel production. MPRC designs and manufactures a wide selection of rubber molded specialty components, precision CNC cut gaskets and gasket kits, replacement gaskets for rail car nozzles, oil separators, and pumps that fit the unique operating parameters of biofuel refining, distribution, and dispensing.
As Innovators in Seal Technology™, we excel in overall seal performance and life cycle costing for sealing products
Tech-Powered Sealing Innovation
Initially established as a provider of sealing solutions for steel mills and ethanol plants, MPRC expanded its operations to the oil industry. Noting the frequent leakage problems faced by rail oil tankers due to improper materials and seal designs, MPRC set out to design efficient sealing products to remedy spillage issues. Today, MPRC has a number of patent-pending seal designs in its vast solution portfolio.
“We brainstorm around the really difficult, challenging sealing applications to provide innovative fluid sealing solutions,” says Dave Leatherman, VP of Sales and Marketing at MPRC Seals.
The collage of pictures shows a gasket project that MPRC worked on for a specific customer—a shining example of innovation. The resulting gaskets—developed completely in-house and molded at MPRC’s plant in Cedar Rapids, IA—ensured far longer run times and less maintenance because of the dimensional accuracy and material used. For this client, MPRC spent months going back and forth with their maintenance department to design and produce well-fitting, high-performance gaskets in a remarkably economical way. This is in stark contrast to the expensive, mostly ill-fitting original equipment manufacturer (OEM)- made seals previously used by the client.
To add efficiency to its pioneering sealing products, MPRC uses materials sourced from sealing compound manufacturing companies that adhere to chemical laboratory specifications and ASTM International standards. The ISO 9001:2015 and American Association of Railroads (AAR) M-1003 certified company is also licensed by Chemours™, a renowned chemical company, to mold genuine Viton™ rubber used in O-ring seals.
MPRC’s high-end sealing solutions are delivered to clients through a well-defined methodology. MPRC performs a thorough assessment of a client’s sealing needs, considering the nature of the chemicals being pumped, internal pressure levels, and other relevant factors. Following this, MPRC defines the seal application and designs and manufactures seals and gaskets accordingly.
With a customer-centric approach, MPRC builds custom sealing solutions based on interactions with clients and their maintenance personnel. When needed, the company uses computer analysis to design the seals and evaluate their reaction in the intended operating environment by factoring in temperature ranges, fluid medium, and operating pressure. Instead of traditional steel rule dies, MPRC uses an advanced, computer-controlled, high-output Atom Flash cutter to produce gaskets and seals to precise dimensions and tolerances, which reduces material waste and costs, also allowing for quicker deliveries.
The Cornerstones of MPRC: Quality and Service
MPRC always goes the extra mile for clients with a deep focus on quality and service. Led by President Josh Hale with a stewardship leader’s approach, the company acts as a well-functioning unit driven by a shared vision to deliver efficiencies to clients with its sealing solutions.
What makes MPRC truly shine is the top-notch quality of its sealing solutions that match or exceed the performance of the sealing products used or made by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The resulting reduced downtime and repair and replacement expenses contribute to long-term cost efficiencies.
As part of its sealing services, MPRC can also reverse engineer OEM-made sealing parts or product with the goal of improving on design, performance, and durability in a cost-effective manner, with short lead times.
For a large food processing company, MPRC redesigned an existing OEM-made seal and modified the sealing material, reducing seal replacement instances from five per month to once in five months, offering huge savings in labor and down-time costs.
MPRC’s customized seal design and production has resulted in many success stories for clients. In a notable instance, MPRC designed a dome gasket for rail tankers in the Bakken oil field that was successfully tested, unlike gaskets from other suppliers that we were told split and cracked under similar loads. The seal’s success prompted MPRC to seek a patent for the product which has now received large repeat orders.
MPRC redesigned and installed pump replacement gaskets for another client to improve their fit tolerances, resulting in ease of installation and less tearing, showing significant savings in maintenance costs. MRPC also built a critical oil separator gasket, named Hula Hoop, for a renowned oil company, leading to improved performance and significant cost savings.
Built for Excellence
Driven to build and nurture long-term relationships with clients, MPRC strives for 100 percent customer satisfaction, with a focus on providing the finest sealing products and services on time and at competitive prices.
MPRC’s sealing solutions are designed and deployed by its team, bringing in-depth expertise in sealing technology and material knowledge to provide excellent customer service. The MPRC team engages with clients at every step of the product development process, answering all their queries and continually following up long after implementation.
In the event an issue comes up, even if it has been caused by improperly following maintenance procedures, MPRC fixes it. This level of dedication to serving customers for close to four decades has won the company immense respect among clients.
MPRC has served the MRO maintenance business with some OEM customers. Now, MPRC is expanding its portfolio of equipment and processes with the goal of producing seals and gaskets in far higher quantities as OEM demand would require. With quantity, the company also promises the same high quality and cost efficiencies.
As a prime innovator in sealing technology, MPRC continues to carry its legacy of developing solid fluid sealing solutions for various operations in diverse industries. All the while, MPRC will function as the go-to solution provider for unique sealing needs with outstanding customer service and a proven history of delivering top-notch sealing services.
