All types of equipment, systems, and mechanisms require mechanical seals to properly operate. Mechanical seals are products used to seal openings of joints. The purpose of mechanical seals is to:

• Form a barrier that protects against external contamination
• Limit fluid leakage
• Contain pressure

Types of Mechanical Seals

Depending on the specific needs of the equipment. These types of seals are required in a variety of industries as certain equipment is dependent on the technology. Some of the industries include the medical field, military machinery, electronics, marine work, construction, and medical equipment and devices. Below you will find the most common types of mechanical seals and their respective details.

Most Common Types of Mechanical Seals

Depending on your profession and needs, there are a variety of mechanical seals to accommodate your needs. 

Gaskets: 

Gaskets come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and materials due as they are one of the most common types of mechanical seals. They are often made with a flat, thick, and flexible coating. Most often gaskets find use to fill the area between the flat portions of stationary components (machinery or equipment) to prevent leaks.

Bellow Seals: 

These seals can find use for two purposes as they can function as a primary seal for dynamic systems. Also, the function as a spring for reciprocating equipment. Bellow seals also have a secondary seal that is static and made of plastic, metal, or thick flexible coating.

O-Rings: 

We also referred to these as “packing.” They exist as circular mechanical seals that can find use in stationary or dynamic machines, equipment, or systems. Thus, their shape is designed to stay within the connections between two different components. Still, the mechanical seal is meant to be a fluid-tight seal that can withstand major pressure and tremendous temperatures.

Labyrinth Seals: 

For systems or equipment that have components that rotate, labyrinth mechanical seals can provide non-contact sealing movement. The reason: they have an inner and outer ring which can rotate due to its grooved path. Thus, this helps restrict fluids from getting in or out of the specific component.

Cartridge Seals: 

The main benefit of cartridge seals is that they are quick and easy to install and remove. They are available in tandem, double, and single configurations. Still, we comprise them of:

• A shaft sleeve
• Seal
• And gland plates 

So, they prove one of the few self-contained and pre-assembled mechanical sealants.

Radial Shaft Seals: 

These mechanical seals compose of a metal and a thick, flexible diaphragm, in addition to a spring-loaded sealant lip. These should to prevent leakage. They serve as stationary seals that wrap around the entire perimeter of a system that rotates. We often refer to them as “lip seals” due to the unique spring-loaded sealant lip and how we use them to prevent things from getting in to the system. 

Seal Manufacturer

Because mechanical seals are integral to the successful function of machinery, equipment, and other important systems, it’s crucial to have a professional help when looking for just the right seal. The pros at Real Seal have skill in mechanical seals and determining what’s best for your unique needs. Real Seal is a manufacturer and distributor of seal products and mechanical component goods. 

Established in 1970, the company has had decades of experience in the industry with excellent consumer satisfaction. They offer a wide variety of performance-oriented plastic and rubber solutions for sealing and mechanical applications. As one of the most technologically advanced companies in the industry, Real Seal maintains a fully equipped laboratory with a full-time chemist and technical staff. Contact the best seal manufacturer today with any questions you have related to your mechanical sealing needs.