TIXAN'AIR® Silicone Inflatable Seal
Pneumatic seals that create hermetic closure upon inflation and release when deflated. Controlled sealing between moving elements with expansion up to 25 mm. From single prototypes through to high-volume production runs.
Achieving reliable sealing between components with relative motion represents one of the most challenging problems to solve with conventional gaskets. When a door, hatch, shaft or panel must move freely during operation yet seal hermetically in the closed position, a seal capable of controlled retraction and expansion is required. This is precisely what the TIXAN'AIR® inflatable seal delivers.
The operating principle is straightforward: at rest, the seal remains retracted within its groove, permitting unimpeded movement of the adjacent component. Upon injection of the inflation medium (compressed air, water, nitrogen or other inert gas), the seal expands against the mating surface to create a hermetic seal whilst simultaneously locking the element in position. The system is compatible with binary logic automation and supports intermediate pressure states for proportional control.
TIXAN'AIR® seals are manufactured from extruded high-performance silicone profiles, joined via a proprietary welding process that eliminates stress concentration at the interface. Profile ends are either closed upon themselves to form a continuous ring, or plugged for linear configurations. Each seal includes an overmoulded cone for the inflation valve and is supplied ready for installation.
Inflatable seal or static gasket?
If your application does not require relative movement between the surfaces to be sealed, a conventional gasket will prove simpler and more cost-effective. An inflatable seal is justified when you need to alternately release and lock components, when the gap between surfaces is variable, or when closing force must be precisely controlled. For static sealing applications, please refer to our conventional silicone gaskets.
How an inflatable seal works
At rest (retracted)
The seal remains housed within its groove, with no contact against the mating surface. The moving element travels freely. For safety, seals are always installed slightly recessed relative to the groove edge.
Under pressure (expanded)
Upon injection of the inflation medium at the specified operating pressure, the seal expands against the mating surface. The profile geometry and material elasticity ensure uniform contact distribution. The result is twofold: hermetic sealing between system interior and exterior, plus mechanical locking of the moving element.
- Binary operation compatible with automated control systems (inflate/deflate)
- Intermediate pressure states for graduated sealing force control
- High cycle life owing to optimised profile geometry
- Expansion capability up to 25 mm depending on profile design
- Straightforward installation and integration into existing systems
Compatible inflation media
Expansion modes
Each TIXAN'AIR® profile can operate in three expansion directions depending upon installation orientation within the groove. The expansion direction determines the orientation of sealing force relative to the seal axis.
Axial expansion (A.E.)
The seal expands perpendicular to the mounting plane. Sealing occurs against a frontal surface parallel to the groove base.
Radio mín.: R1
External radial expansion (E.R.E.)
The seal expands outward from the axis of curvature. The seal is mounted on the internal diameter and seals against an external cylindrical surface.
Radio mín.: R3
Internal radial expansion (I.R.E.)
The seal expands toward the axis of curvature. The seal is mounted on the external diameter and seals against an internal cylindrical surface (a shaft, tube or bore).
Radio mín.: R2
To ensure maximum efficiency, the minimum bend radius specified for each profile must be observed according to the selected expansion direction.
Available TIXAN'AIR® profiles
HP Profile — High Pressure, Small Deflection
Specified when high sealing pressure is required with limited expansion. Compact profiles with cross-sections from 6.3×5 mm to 26×19 mm.
High-pressure sealing where the gap between surfaces is small, precision hermetic closures, equipment with tight tolerances.
| Reference | No. | L (mm) | H (mm) | L1 (mm) | H1 (mm) | Max. exp. (mm) | Op. pressure (bar) | R1 axial | R2 int. rad. | R3 ext. rad. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HP 6.3×5 | 5101 | 6.3 | 5 | 7.3 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 20 | 10 | 10 |
| HP 14×10 | 5027 | 14 | 10 | 15 | 11 | 3 | 2 | 50 | 37.5 | 37.5 |
| HP 16×12 | 5075 | 16 | 12 | 17 | 13 | 3 | 2 | 50 | 37.5 | 37.5 |
| HP 16×14 | 5028 | 16 | 14 | 17 | 15 | 4 | 2 | 50 | 37.5 | 37.5 |
| HP 16×14S | 5057 | 16 | 14 | 17 | 15 | 4 | 3 | 37.5 | 37.5 | 37.5 |
| HP 16×18 | 5064 | 16 | 18 | 17 | 19 | 4 | 3 | 80 | 80 | 80 |
| HP 19×11 | 5030 | 19 | 11 | 20 | 12 | 3 | 3 | 85 | 50 | 50 |
| HP 20×20 | 5032 | 20 | 20 | 21 | 21 | 4 | 3 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| HP 22×16 | 5029 | 22 | 16 | 23 | 17 | 4 | 3 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| HP 26×19 | 5031 | 26 | 19 | 27 | 20 | 5 | 3 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| HP 26×19S | 5066 | 26 | 19 | 27 | 20 | 5 | 3 | 85 | 80 | 80 |
L / H: profile cross-section dimensions. L1 / H1: recommended groove dimensions.
R1, R2, R3: minimum bend radii (mm) for each expansion direction.
Values are indicative. Additional references available upon request.
VV Profile — Variable Volume
Profile with high expansion capability and low operating pressure. The variable volume geometry enables bridging of large gaps with controlled sealing force.
Applications where the gap between surfaces is large or variable, sealing of large doors and hatches, systems with generous tolerances.
| Reference | No. | L (mm) | A (mm) | L1 (mm) | H1 (mm) | Max. exp. (mm) | Op. pressure (bar) | R1 axial | R2 int. rad. | R3 ext. rad. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VV 14×10 | 5035 | 14 | 10 | 15 | 11 | 7 | 1 | 80 | 60 | 0 |
| VV 16×17 | 5037 | 16 | 17 | 17 | 18 | 14 | 1 | 90 | 100 | 90 |
| VV 18×15.5 | 5039 | 18 | 15.5 | 19 | 16.5 | 10 | 1 | 80 | 70 | 60 |
| VV 24×20 | 5040 | 24 | 20 | 25 | 21 | 12 | 1.5 | 120 | 90 | 80 |
| VV 32×32 | 5089 | 32 | 32 | 33 | 33 | 20 | 1.5 | 150 | 100 | 100 |
| VV 22×13 | 5162 | 22 | 13 | 23 | 14 | 7 | 1.5 | 100 | 50 | 50 |
| VV 34×25 | 5192 | 34 | 25 | 35 | 26 | 10 | 1.5 | 150 | 100 | 100 |
A: profile section height.
Values are indicative. Additional references available upon request.
TGD Profile — Low Pressure, Very Large Deflection
Engineered to bridge very large gaps at low operating pressure. The TGD profile offers the maximum expansion capability in the range, with cross-sections up to 34×28 mm and expansion up to 20 mm.
Sealed chamber doors, large hatches, systems where the distance between seal and mating surface is substantial, perimeter sealing of large equipment.
| Reference | No. | L (mm) | A (mm) | L1 (mm) | H1 (mm) | Max. exp. (mm) | Op. pressure (mbar) | R1 axial | R2 int. rad. | R3 ext. rad. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TGD 16×14 | 5001 | 16 | 14 | 17 | 15 | 6 | 1.5 | 37.5 | 37.5 | 37.5 |
| TGD 16×16 | 5004 | 16 | 16 | 17 | 17 | 3 | 2 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| TGD 16×20 | 5005 | 16 | 20 | 17 | 21 | 5 | 2 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| TGD 20×25 | 5011 | 20 | 25 | 21 | 26 | 12 | 2 | 50 | 50 | 80 |
| TGD 20×32 | 5013 | 20 | 32 | 21 | 33 | 10 | 3 | 75 | 75 | 100 |
| TGD 22×20 | 5065 | 22 | 20 | 23 | 21 | 6 | 5 | 75 | 75 | 75 |
| TGD 25×30 | 5016 | 25 | 30 | 26 | 31 | 6 | 5 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| TGD 30×40 | 5023 | 30 | 40 | 31 | 41 | 20 | 5 | 100 | 150 | 150 |
| TGD 34×28 | 5019 | 34 | 28 | 35 | 29 | 15 | 4 | 150 | 80 | 100 |
Operating pressure in mbar (millibar) for this profile type.
Values are indicative. Additional references available upon request.
BP Profile — Low Pressure
Large cross-section profiles for low pressure and mechanical mounting. The generous dimensions provide a wide contact surface and very high expansion capability.
Mechanical assemblies where retention is via valves or gripsters, large doors and hatches, applications requiring extensive contact surface area.
| Reference | No. | L (mm) | H (mm) | L1 (mm) | H1 (mm) | Max. exp. (mm) | Op. pressure (bar) | R1 axial | R2 int. rad. | R3 ext. rad. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BP 30×20 | 5056 | 30 | 20 | 31 | 21 | 8 | 1.5 | 100 | 80 | 70 |
| BP 60×35.5 | 5105 | 60 | 35.5 | 61 | 36.5 | 15 | 1.5 | 170 | 100 | 80 |
| BP 40×30 | 5122 | 40 | 30 | 41 | 31 | 10 | 1.5 | 150 | 80 | 70 |
BP profiles are particularly suited to mechanical retention methods (valves, gripsters).
Values are indicative. Additional references available upon request.
Specified when high sealing pressure is required with limited expansion. Compact profiles with cross-sections from 6.3×5 mm to 26×19 mm.
High-pressure sealing where the gap between surfaces is small, precision hermetic closures, equipment with tight tolerances.
| Reference | No. | L (mm) | H (mm) | L1 (mm) | H1 (mm) | Max. exp. (mm) | Op. pressure (bar) | R1 axial | R2 int. rad. | R3 ext. rad. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HP 6.3×5 | 5101 | 6.3 | 5 | 7.3 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 20 | 10 | 10 |
| HP 14×10 | 5027 | 14 | 10 | 15 | 11 | 3 | 2 | 50 | 37.5 | 37.5 |
| HP 16×12 | 5075 | 16 | 12 | 17 | 13 | 3 | 2 | 50 | 37.5 | 37.5 |
| HP 16×14 | 5028 | 16 | 14 | 17 | 15 | 4 | 2 | 50 | 37.5 | 37.5 |
| HP 16×14S | 5057 | 16 | 14 | 17 | 15 | 4 | 3 | 37.5 | 37.5 | 37.5 |
| HP 16×18 | 5064 | 16 | 18 | 17 | 19 | 4 | 3 | 80 | 80 | 80 |
| HP 19×11 | 5030 | 19 | 11 | 20 | 12 | 3 | 3 | 85 | 50 | 50 |
| HP 20×20 | 5032 | 20 | 20 | 21 | 21 | 4 | 3 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| HP 22×16 | 5029 | 22 | 16 | 23 | 17 | 4 | 3 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| HP 26×19 | 5031 | 26 | 19 | 27 | 20 | 5 | 3 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| HP 26×19S | 5066 | 26 | 19 | 27 | 20 | 5 | 3 | 85 | 80 | 80 |
L / H: profile cross-section dimensions. L1 / H1: recommended groove dimensions.
R1, R2, R3: minimum bend radii (mm) for each expansion direction.
Values are indicative. Additional references available upon request.
Profile with high expansion capability and low operating pressure. The variable volume geometry enables bridging of large gaps with controlled sealing force.
Applications where the gap between surfaces is large or variable, sealing of large doors and hatches, systems with generous tolerances.
| Reference | No. | L (mm) | A (mm) | L1 (mm) | H1 (mm) | Max. exp. (mm) | Op. pressure (bar) | R1 axial | R2 int. rad. | R3 ext. rad. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VV 14×10 | 5035 | 14 | 10 | 15 | 11 | 7 | 1 | 80 | 60 | 0 |
| VV 16×17 | 5037 | 16 | 17 | 17 | 18 | 14 | 1 | 90 | 100 | 90 |
| VV 18×15.5 | 5039 | 18 | 15.5 | 19 | 16.5 | 10 | 1 | 80 | 70 | 60 |
| VV 24×20 | 5040 | 24 | 20 | 25 | 21 | 12 | 1.5 | 120 | 90 | 80 |
| VV 32×32 | 5089 | 32 | 32 | 33 | 33 | 20 | 1.5 | 150 | 100 | 100 |
| VV 22×13 | 5162 | 22 | 13 | 23 | 14 | 7 | 1.5 | 100 | 50 | 50 |
| VV 34×25 | 5192 | 34 | 25 | 35 | 26 | 10 | 1.5 | 150 | 100 | 100 |
A: profile section height.
Values are indicative. Additional references available upon request.
Engineered to bridge very large gaps at low operating pressure. The TGD profile offers the maximum expansion capability in the range, with cross-sections up to 34×28 mm and expansion up to 20 mm.
Sealed chamber doors, large hatches, systems where the distance between seal and mating surface is substantial, perimeter sealing of large equipment.
| Reference | No. | L (mm) | A (mm) | L1 (mm) | H1 (mm) | Max. exp. (mm) | Op. pressure (mbar) | R1 axial | R2 int. rad. | R3 ext. rad. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TGD 16×14 | 5001 | 16 | 14 | 17 | 15 | 6 | 1.5 | 37.5 | 37.5 | 37.5 |
| TGD 16×16 | 5004 | 16 | 16 | 17 | 17 | 3 | 2 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| TGD 16×20 | 5005 | 16 | 20 | 17 | 21 | 5 | 2 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| TGD 20×25 | 5011 | 20 | 25 | 21 | 26 | 12 | 2 | 50 | 50 | 80 |
| TGD 20×32 | 5013 | 20 | 32 | 21 | 33 | 10 | 3 | 75 | 75 | 100 |
| TGD 22×20 | 5065 | 22 | 20 | 23 | 21 | 6 | 5 | 75 | 75 | 75 |
| TGD 25×30 | 5016 | 25 | 30 | 26 | 31 | 6 | 5 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| TGD 30×40 | 5023 | 30 | 40 | 31 | 41 | 20 | 5 | 100 | 150 | 150 |
| TGD 34×28 | 5019 | 34 | 28 | 35 | 29 | 15 | 4 | 150 | 80 | 100 |
Operating pressure in mbar (millibar) for this profile type.
Values are indicative. Additional references available upon request.
Large cross-section profiles for low pressure and mechanical mounting. The generous dimensions provide a wide contact surface and very high expansion capability.
Mechanical assemblies where retention is via valves or gripsters, large doors and hatches, applications requiring extensive contact surface area.
| Reference | No. | L (mm) | H (mm) | L1 (mm) | H1 (mm) | Max. exp. (mm) | Op. pressure (bar) | R1 axial | R2 int. rad. | R3 ext. rad. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BP 30×20 | 5056 | 30 | 20 | 31 | 21 | 8 | 1.5 | 100 | 80 | 70 |
| BP 60×35.5 | 5105 | 60 | 35.5 | 61 | 36.5 | 15 | 1.5 | 170 | 100 | 80 |
| BP 40×30 | 5122 | 40 | 30 | 41 | 31 | 10 | 1.5 | 150 | 80 | 70 |
BP profiles are particularly suited to mechanical retention methods (valves, gripsters).
Values are indicative. Additional references available upon request.
Available silicone compounds
TIXAN'AIR® seals are manufactured from high-performance mechanical-grade silicone. Three formulations are available at different hardness grades, optimised to maximise service life under repeated inflation/deflation cycling.
| Property | EQ150 (50 Sh A) | EQ160 (60 Sh A) | EQ170 (70 Sh A) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness Shore A (±5) | 50 | 60 | 70 |
| Tensile strength | 7.5 MPa | 8 MPa | 8 MPa |
| Elongation at break | 400 % | 600 % | 500 % |
| Tear resistance | 35 kN/m | 40 kN/m | 35 kN/m |
| Density | 1.14 g/cm³ | 1.17 g/cm³ | 1.19 g/cm³ |
| Temperature range | –60 to +200 °C | –60 to +200 °C | –60 to +200 °C |
Guía de selección
- EQ15050 Shore A
- Maximum flexibility. Specified when low inflation force is required, when sealing against irregular surfaces, or when the substrate cannot withstand elevated pressure.
- EQ16060 Shore A
- Optimal balance between flexibility and mechanical resistance. The default selection for the majority of applications.
- EQ17070 Shore A
- Greater stiffness and pressure resistance. For high operating pressures or when superior dimensional stability is required.
All three formulations are high-performance VMQ silicone with tear resistance values of 35–40 kN/m, significantly exceeding standard silicone grades. Specialist formulations (food-contact, medical, rail EN 45545-2) available upon request for applications requiring certification.
Inflation system accessories
Each TIXAN'AIR® inflatable seal requires additional components for operation: overmoulded cones to house the valve, inflation valves and retention elements. All components are supplied with the seal or available for separate order.
Overmoulded cones
The overmoulded cone is the component connecting the inflation valve to the profile interior. It is overmoulded directly onto the seal during manufacture, creating a hermetic bond without weak points. Cone geometry is selected according to valve diameter and available space within the groove.
| Reference | Valve Ø (mm) | Large Ø (mm) | Small Ø (mm) | H (mm) | Valve groove Ø (mm) | Large groove Ø (mm) | Small groove Ø (mm) | Groove H (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 906/1 | 6 | 12 | 10 | 6 | 6.5 | 12 | 10 | 6 |
| 908/3 | 8 | 14 | 14 | 6 | 8.5 | 14 | 14 | 6 |
| 908/5 | 8 | 14 | 13 | 6 | 8.5 | 14 | 12 | 6 |
| 908/7 | 8 | 12 | 10 | 6 | 8.5 | 12 | 10 | 6 |
| 910/1 | 10 | 14 | 12 | 6 | 10.5 | 14 | 12 | 6 |
| 910/3 | 10 | 21 | 14 | 10 | 10.5 | 21 | 14 | 10 |
| 910/6 | 10 | 16 | 13 | 8 | 10.5 | 16 | 13 | 8 |
| 910/8 | 10 | 20 | 10 | 9 | 10.5 | 20 | 10 | 9 |
| 912/2 | 12 | 20 | 17 | 8 | 12.5 | 20 | 18 | 8 |
Valve diameter tolerances are (–0.2; 0) mm. All other dimensions ±0.2 mm. Additional configurations available upon request.
Inflation valves
Stainless steel or brass valves for connecting the pneumatic system to the seal interior. Mounted through the overmoulded cone. Available in 5 standard configurations to suit different mounting envelopes and connection requirements.
Valve stem M7.65×0.79 — Ø3 mm, compact configuration
Valve stem M8 — 50×6 mm, with 20 mm extension
Valve stem M8 — 50×6 mm, with 20 mm extension (variant)
Valve stem M8 — 60×3 mm, low profile
Valve stem M8 — 60×3 mm, 1/8 BSP connection
In addition to standard configurations, bespoke fittings can be manufactured to order. Do not over-tighten the valve: this may damage the cone and cause leakage.
Retention systems
Adhesive bonding
Using the adhesive recommended by Progress Silicones. Requires prior cleaning of seal and groove with alcohol or appropriate solvent, and application of primer if necessary. Curing time: 12–24 hours at ambient temperature before operation.
Mechanical retention
Via valve retention, gripsters or other mechanical elements. Preferred when periodic removal is required or when adhesive bonding is not viable due to substrate characteristics.
Which profile do you require?
Select according to your primary requirement. For combined requirements or non-standard profiles, contact our technical department.
| Requisito | Perfil | Presión | Expansión |
|---|---|---|---|
| High sealing pressure, small gap (<5 mm) | HP | 1–3 bar | 1–5 mm |
| Large and variable gap, low sealing force | VV | 1–1.5 bar | 7–20 mm |
| Very large gap, low sealing pressure | TGD | 1.5–5 mbar | 3–20 mm |
| Large contact surface, mechanical retention | BP | 1.5 bar | 8–15 mm |
| Maximum expansion (up to 25 mm) | TGD / VV | Variable | 12–20 mm |
| Precision sealing with tight tolerances | HP | 1–3 bar | 1–5 mm |
| Rapid binary automation | HP / VV | Variable | Variable |
Define your inflatable seal in 4 steps
The selection process follows the TIXAN'AIR® catalogue methodology. If you are uncertain about any step, our technical team will assist you in defining the solution.
Industry sectors
Rail
Sealing of access doors, inter-carriage gangways and ventilation systems.
Medical
Inflatable seals for diagnostic equipment, hyperbaric chambers and restraint devices.
Food & Beverage
Sealing of hatches in processing lines, packaging chambers and food-grade autoclaves.
Industrial
Technical silicone for general industrial applications: furnace gaskets, machine hatches and process equipment.
Related products
Bespoke silicone profiles
Extruded profiles manufactured to drawing with certified formulations for each industry sector.
Silicone gaskets
O-rings, flat gaskets, vulcanised joints and special seals for static sealing applications.
Moulded silicone components
Components moulded by LSR injection and HCR compression to customer drawing.
Silicone foam profiles
Cellular profiles for sealing applications requiring low closure force.
Require a TIXAN'AIR® inflatable seal?
Submit your application data: required sealing pressure, gap between surfaces, expansion direction, operating environment and mounting type. Our technical team will advise on the most suitable profile, hardness grade and accessories.
Request quotation