Hydraulic seals are often used for industrial and domestic applications (such as aerospace, electromechanical, climate control, filtration, fluid and gas handling, and process control) to facilitate the separation of liquids. The proper installation of hydraulic seals is vital for efficient operation in hydraulic systems.

There are different types of installation methods depending on the nature of the applications. Whether it is for maintenance procedure or a fresh new installation, different procedures are required. However, in both applications, there are common steps to execute to successfully install hydraulic seals.

The purpose of this blog is to provide you with 4 tips to install hydraulic seals in a safe environment.

4 Tips to Successful Hydraulic Seal Installation

Before starting your installation, consider the following:

• Inspect Installation Parts. Before the installation, inspect the parts that need to be sealed for any signs of damage. Scratches or cuts on the surface could lead installation failure and leakage.
• Prep and Clean Installation Tools and Seals. Before the installation, prep and clean the seals with lint-free cloths. Also, clean all installation tools to remove excess dust and other solid particles (chips, dirt and other foreign particles) that may affect the sealing performance, resulting in leakage.
• Protect Seal Surfaces. Next, protect seals from sharp corners and burrs to minimize surface damage.
• Lubricate Seals. Before the installation, lubricate the seal and its sealing path to prevent abrasion and enhance durability. Several lubricants used for this purpose: petroleum base, silicone grease or oil, barium grease, or fluorocarbon fluid. (Pro Tip: Select a lubricant that is compatible with the raw materials used to produce the seal.)
• Heat the Seals. Before the installation, heat the seals to improve hydraulic seals’ elasticity. You can also soak the seal in hot lubricant to soften the seal installation. However, do not heat the seal beyond its temperature limit to minimize damage to installation parts. Also, do not heat the seal when it is stretched. This will lead to reduction in size of the seal.

To ensure an optimal and efficient seal installation, use the right tools to eliminate the chances of denting or damages to installation parts and seals. Although these tips seem basic, they will lead you towards successful seal installation. However, following these tips will not ensure optimal success.

As an application user, you must review the user manual provided along with the purchase of hydraulic seals. This manual will include essential procedures to properly install hydraulic seals. Read and understand the installation procedures and follow the steps carefully for successful installation. If you have any questions, stop the installation process and seek a professional technician. You can also contact the manufacturer for further clarification.

Make sure you clearly understand the hydraulic seal installation procedures and best practices before starting the project. Good luck!

Partner with Real Seal

To help you identify the best materials to install hydraulic seals, contact Real Seal to create a customized solution and value for your business.

Real Seal manufactures and distributes seal products and mechanical components with a strong focus on performance oriented rubber and plastic materials. We are a full-service supplier of sealing and mechanical components, operating in hundreds of industries both nationally and internationally.

O-rings, also known as packing or toric joints, are hoop shaped gaskets designed for machinery. The difference between O-rings and more commonly referred to gaskets is that O-rings are almost exclusively used for very high-pressure applications such as hydraulics where a regular cork, paper or rubber gasket would fail. O-rings are usually compressed between two or more larger parts during assembly, creating a seal. They are used to keep fluid or air in or out of a defined space.

Although they are traditionally round in shape and come in standard sizes, you may be able to buy custom O-rings in variable sizes and shapes.
They are extremely common in machine design due to their affordability, reliability, and simple mounting requirements.

For more on industrial O-rings and mechanical component goods, contact Real Seal today for export performance solutions.

But what are Encapsulated O-Rings?

Traditional O-rings are made from elastomer. Elastomer is a synthetic rubber-like material which, at room temperature, can be easily bent or stretched and, when released, quickly returns to its approximate original dimensions and shape. Under normal conditions this is very useful. But sometimes, high temperatures or corrosive conditions make the use of the use of elastomer unacceptable. In these cases, we turn to O-rings made from other materials that can withstand harsher conditions.

What are Encapsulated O-Rings made of?

Encapsulated O-rings have two parts: an inner core made of flexible rubber, and an outer jacket made of Teflon. The rubber gives the O-ring elasticity, and the Teflon gives it protection against corrosion and resistance to high temperatures.

Core Types

Solid Core: Solid core O-rings are filled with either solid Viton® / FKM or silicone. The Viton offers high level compression and elastic qualities. The Silicon is very similar, but because it is softer, it works better under a wider range of temperatures.

Hollow Core: Hollow core Encapsulated O-rings are used in situations where extreme elasticity is needed for maximum flexibility.

Jacket Types

The Teflon jacket of Encapsulated O-rings can be made of either FEP (fluorinated ethylene propylene) or PFA (perfluoroalkoxy-copolymer).
FEP: FEP jacketed O-rings offer resistance to a variety of destructive chemicals. They can be operated under a very wide range of temperatures.

PFA: PFA jackets have many of the same benefits as the FEP jackets. In addition, they are mechanically stronger and resist stress and cracking more efficiently. PFA jacketed O-rings are usually used in situations where extreme durability and thermal stability are required. They also offer a longer service life.

How Are Encapsulated O-Rings Used?

Because their jacket may be damaged by quick-moving parts, encapsulated O-rings are best suited for static machines. However, they may also be used in machines that make slow, short movements such as in valve stem sealing. Powders and slurries can also damage the jackets. Sometimes, these issues can be addressed by adding graphite to the FEP or PFA, making the jackets more durable.

What are the Advantages of Using Encapsulated O-rings?

There are plenty of advantages to using Encapsulated O-rings beyond those already mentioned. They exhibit excellent resistance to nearly all media, with exceptions being alkali metals and some fluorine compounds. They are very well suited for use in the food, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries because they are FDA compliant, and also due to their low contamination and low permeation, among other reasons. Finally, their major lack of friction is preventative of the “stick-slip” effect.

When Should Encapsulated O-rings Not be Used?

As previously mentioned, encapsulated O-rings should not be used in dynamic applications because the outer jacket could be damaged. For the same reason, they should not be used with abrasive media. They cannot be used under high pressure or when highly elongated.

Where are Encapsulated O-rings made?

The two top producing countries of encapsulated O-rings are India and China.

Industrial O-Rings

Real Seal was established in 1970 as a distributor of industrial O-rings, and has since grown into a full-service supplier of sealing and mechanical components. We possess the ability to assist with design challenges, and can custom make materials to meet your specifications. Real Seal offers real solutions at a terrific value.