Dry Vacuum Pressure Impregnation Process

When sealing die castingmicroporosity with stringent leak test requirements, the two most common processes are Dry VacuumImpregnation  (DV) and Dry Vacuum Pressure (DVP). DVP differs from the DV process only in the application of overpressure. This overpressure provides the energy required to allow for the thorough penetration of the sealant throughout the casting.

Poiseuille Law

The effectiveness of the DVP process is rooted in the physics law of Poiseuille Law. Discovered in 1846 by French physicist Jean Leonard Marie Poiseuille, Poiseuille Law describes the flow of a liquid related to its viscosity, the applied pressure, and length and diameter of the hole. Concerning the impregnation process, an increase in pressure maximizes the flow of the liquid.

Dry Vacuum and Pressure Impregnation Process

The following example illustrates the DVP method impregnating an engine block.

Step 1

Parts are loaded into a dry impregnation chamber. The vacuum is applied until a predetermined setpoint is achieved. This vacuum setpoint has been specified in US military specifications 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 (Fig. 1, Godfrey & Wing).

Step 2

The transfer valve opens when the vacuum endpoint is reached. The sealant (shown in green) is degassed and pulled from the reservoir to the impregnation vessel while the vacuum is maintained (Fig. 2, Godfrey & Wing).

Step 3

The vacuum is released, and overpressure is applied (typically between 70-90 PSI) from above. The pressure is held to allow the sealant to penetrate the porosity. The transfer valve is re-opened, and the sealant is transferred back to the storage reservoir. The parts are removed to be washed and cured (Fig. 1, Godfrey & Wing).

Part Recovery

Comparing the two processes under the same process parameters, operational procedures, and casting quality, DV, on average, has a first time through (FTT) recovery of up to 90-95% of castings. The DVP process, on average, has an FTT recovery of 95-99% of castings. This difference represents a substantial saving in recovering castings, removing waste, and improving profitability.

Additional references:
Vacuum Impregnation Process
Impregnation chamber
Impregnation

 

  • Fig. 1: Step 1 (Godfrey & Wing)
  • Fig. 2: Step 2 (Godfrey & Wing)
  • Fig. 3: Step 3 (Godfrey & Wing)