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.
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.
While rubber may seem impenetrable due to how flexible it can be, it can definitely deteriorate under certain circumstances. This can cause major problems depending on what and where it breaks down. Rubber deterioration can happen due to a variety of factors, including heat, light, and other environmental factors. It most often impacts rubber seals and O-rings. Below you will find out the most common rubber seal deterioration causes and how you can prevent it.
Rubber Deterioration Defined
Elastomers are a natural or synthetic polymer that has elastic properties. Rubber is an example of an elastomer as rubber is stretchy. Due to the nature of the material, rubber can deteriorate over time. The most common causes of rubber deterioration include light, heat, and oxygen exposure. Things like rubber seals and O-rings are susceptible to deterioration due to the molecular changes these factors cause. They can significantly impact the mechanical properties, which results in a shorter lifespan of the rubber seal.
Rubber Seal Deterioration Causes
Light, heat, and oxygen exposure can cause physical and chemical changes to rubber seals. When exposed, the chain of molecules begins to break down. Light damage is referred to as UV degradation and can cause rubber to become hard, crack, char, and even fade in color. Heat has the effect of shortening the molecular chains which causes the material to stretch once cooled down. The continuous contraction and expansion lead to the same issues that light exposure causes. Oxygen attacks the double bonds in rubber chains, which leads to deterioration. While each of these issues causes damage to rubber seals, they can be prevented with the right preparation.
Rubber Deterioration Prevention Tips
It’s important to note that before rubber is manufactured, an analysis is done to predict its response to conditions that cause both stress and strain. With that, you’ll still need to properly care for your rubber seals to ensure they last. Once you have them, they need to be stored in a cool, dry, dark, and oxygen-free space. These are the most optimal conditions to store your rubber seals. It’s best to buy specialty seals in bulk to ensure they are all in the same or similar condition.
First, clean the area around the rubber seal, including dirt, water, or any other debris.
Second, scrub off the excess grime or hardened debris to prevent any future deterioration.
Third, you’ll need to check what products will work for your specific type of rubber in terms of conditioner.
Once you’ve found the right type of conditioner, apply it to your rubber seal.
Lastly, buff off the damaged areas using a file and reapply the conditioner for optimal restoration.
Specialty Seal Manufacturers
Because rubber seals often are parts of machinery and other important products, it’s important to have a professional help in the case of deteriorated seals. While the restoration techniques above can help restore your rubber seals, consulting with specialty seal manufacturers can help. 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 Real Seal today with any questions you have related to your rubber sealing needs.
What areas need industrial seals? Machinery and industrial equipment consist of a number of parts that work together to fully function. Certain parts of machines are different in how they function. This can create issues if they are not sealed properly. For example, some parts are static and others are rotating. This can run the risk of creating an opening between the two components. This can diminish the overall performance of the machinery making it less effective and possibly unsafe depending on the type of machine.
Industrial seals can remedy the issue and help with the machinery’s performance. So, as technical as this may be, it’s important to understand what a machine needs as there are a variety of types of equipment that require industrial seals. Below you will find the most common areas where industrial seals are needed.
What Areas Need Industrial Seals?
There are major benefits to using industrial seals when the machinery requires it. They are highly important parts that are likely the number one priority when it comes to your equipment. However, finding a sealant professional that is experienced and understands their function is highly important to find before you move forward with purchasing anything.
Die Casting:
Die casting equipment work for casting metal. So, metal casting requires forcing molten metal under high heat into a mold. Industrial seals are necessary for this equipment to function well and remove the risk of leakage.
Farm and Agriculture Equipment:
This type of equipment is outdoors. So, it gets exposed to UV rays and the elements, they can easily get contaminated. So, using an industrial seal can protect the equipment from contamination, harm, and even help increase productivity.
Clothing and Textile Manufacturing:
Due to the mass quantities that textile machines produce, industrial sealants are necessary. Various types of sealants prove crucial for this type of equipment, including:
Mechanical
Shaft
Teflon
High-performance polymers
So, these all work in the construction of the sealants needed. This allows for functions like compact spinning and continuous rotations needed to produce the products.
Publishing Printers:
Industrial Teflon seals often appear in publishing printers due to the mass quantities put out from these machines. So, this helps with performance as the printer requires continual movement for printing.
Cheese Manufacturing:
If it wasn’t for industrial seals, we just may not have one of our favorite foods! If you have ever seen the cheese-making process, you know it involves a lot of machinery. Still, that machinery is continuously moving and requires a number of seals, including pneumatic, spring, and energized seals.
Concrete Pumping Machines:
Because concrete is such an important component of many of our structures, it’s clear why the machines are integral to production. These machines require specially designed industrials as the pumping function is unique on this machinery. These packing seals prevent blockage that could be dangerous if there are issues with the pump.
Cars and the Auto Industry:
Industrial sealants appear in cars and other automobiles. They help with issues like leakage. Some of the seals comprise of rubber and polyurethane. And, this helps ensure proper automobile functioning.
Specialty Seals
Real seal is a manufacturer and distributor of specialty seal products and mechanical component goods. Established in 1970, the company has had decades of experience in the industry with excellent consumer satisfaction. Now, they offer a wide variety of performance-oriented plastic and rubber solutions for industrial 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 Real Seal today with any questions you have related to your industrial sealing needs.
Whether you are building a new home, renovating, or working on a commercial building, sealing materials are a vital component to the structural integrity of the building project. With so many factors going into a construction project, decisions like choosing your sealing material may feel overwhelming. With that in mind, a sealant professional can provide all of the information necessary. However, it does not hurt to know the basics yourself. Below you will find information about the best sealing materials and why they are so important.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Sealing Material
It is best to consult with a skilled professional about which sealant is right for your specific project. However, there are multiple factors to consider when choosing your sealant material.
Air Tightness: Wind can bring debris and water into your building. So having an air-tight sealant is vital for the long-term safety of your structure.
Water Tightness: Similar to airtightness, ensuring that water cannot penetrate your sealant and the joints of your building are important. Water damage can lead to mold and a variety of other health risks.
Bonding Performance: A good sealant won’t have issues bonding to various surfaces. The material has one purpose. And the initial bonding is vital for overall performance.
Heat Resistant: Depending on your structure, the surrounding areas, and the geographic location this may differ depending on your needs. However, resistance to heat is vital for the sealant to stay intact long-term.
Age Resistance: While renovations do happen, having a sealant that can last decades is important as you don’t want to have to constantly address sealant issues.
Tension-Compression Cycling Performance: Structures inevitably move even if it is slight. A sealant needs to maintain its integrity when it is both stretched (tension) and pushed together (compression) without causing sealant issues.
Best Sealing Materials
Finding the right sealing material for your project can be the difference between peace of mind or a headache later on. Depending on your project and the joints being sealed, your sealant will likely vary. For example, outdoor joints will require sealant materials that are water and age-resistant. At the same time, expansion joints require sealant materials that are strong enough performance-wise for a lot of tension and compression.
For the best sealant materials specific to your project, specialty seal manufacturers can provide you with curated formulas to ensure your sealant will last. Materials such as EPDM, fluorocarbon, silicone, NBR, and HNBR can be utilized. And a seal manufacturer can create a formula with specific technologies to meet your specific needs. With the amount of money allocated to construction, the sealant is not an area to spare any expense. It is essentially the glue that holds the integrity of the structure together. It’s important to do your own research, but consulting with a professional is the best decision for the long-term strength of your building project.
Specialty Seal Manufacturers
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 specialty seal manufacturers today with any questions you have related to your sealing needs.
While you may use your vacuum regularly to clean up your home, you may have never thought of the suction and vacuum process. Specifically how do we create this to clean your carpets and floors. The word “vacuum” often triggers people’s memory to think about the household cleaning device. However, a vacuum doubles as a scientific term used to describe a space entirely devoid of matter. Vacuums not only help when it comes to cleaning. But they provec necessary in piping, scientific experiments, food storage, and even your lungs create a “partial” vacuum when you breathe. Below you will find more information on the background and science of how a vacuum is created.
What is a Vacuum? How a Vacuum is Created
A vacuum is a complex process that can be broken down into three steps. A vacuum is essentially defined as:
(1) any pressure below atmospheric levels
(2) that requires something to keep it in (some sort of receptacle or chamber)
(3) a means of reducing the pressure via some sort of pump
Scientists have been studying the concept for a very long time and have determined that the idea of a vacuum is highly complex and almost impossible to achieve perfection.
However, the process is used in our daily life in a variety of ways. Simply put, a vacuum is a space that encloses little or no matter, including solids, liquids, and gases. This means that it is a space with gaseous pressure that is much lower than atmospheric pressure. A partial vacuum has low amounts of matter enclosed. The term vacuum comes from the Latin word “vacuus” which means empty. While the idea may still leave your scratching your head, there’s more as the suction process to create a vacuum is also highly scientific.
What Happens in a Vacuum?
To create the vacuum, a pump of some sort is necessary. A pump creates a pressure difference that can be strong enough to pump water. A pressure difference also means a suction force. The most common way to create this suction force uses a pump and chamber. The chamber before being pumped is likely filled with matter as even air is considered matter. The pump’s suction removes the matter and reduce the pressure in the chamber. Pumps can prove either manual or electronic. The process of a vacuum remains highly complex as it requires advanced knowledge of various scientific processes highly rooted in physics. However, this overview provides the basics of the process. Thinking about the process regarding your vacuum cleaner can help with visualization.
Sealing and Vacuum Pressure
Because the idea of a vacuum is void of matter, there are possible issues that can arise if the vacuum is not strong. To maintain strong vacuum pressure, it is vital to have a strong seal no matter what. Sealants can help maintain pressure and keep particles and debris from reducing the vacuum suction. Some of the best sealants include plastic and rubber-based solutions as they are flexible and can withstand the elements.
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. Still, 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. The company can assist in design challenges and formulate materials to meet a specific criterion. Contact Real Seal today with any questions you have related to your vacuum seal needs.
What is injection molding? It is a way to manufacture and produce parts in large quantities. It is often used in production scenarios where the exact same part is being produced over and over again in the thousands. The main advantage of using injection molding is the ability to scale production in the hundreds and thousands. Because of the ability to scale through injection molding, the price per unit is much lower. While the initial investment may come with costs, it will pay for itself over time and eventually result in profit.
Benefits of Injection Molding
In addition to cost, there are major benefits when it comes to utilizing injection molding. Injection molding reduces the amount of scrap, which ultimately reduces waste. Unlike traditional manufacturing processes where the machine cuts away substantial amounts of the original block or sheet, injection molding has little to no scrap waste. Another benefit of it is repetition in the thousands over a short period. When using injection molding, you can be sure that each piece will be the same. And this can work for large quantities. This also helps with brand consistency as the process is highly reliable and can ensure that consumers can count on your brand. Lastly, injection molding provides you with the ability to create exactly what you want. You can design and prototype your specific part to your own specifications. You can continue to fine-tune your product with little waste before mass producing it.
Working with a skilled seal manufacturer is vital for the success of your business. A skilled manufacturer will already have the necessary equipment and will be able to work within your needs and requirements. Real Seal has been manufacturing seal systems and mechanical component products for years with the added benefit of offering small and medium quantity requirements. This is a major benefit as most manufacturers, especially overseas, require large quantity orders due to precise specification requirements.
Real Seal manufactures, produces, and has experience with thermoplastic urethanes, thermoplastic elastomer materials, and rigid plastics. The benefit of Real Seal injection molding sealing devices is that they are a computer-controlled mechanization which ensures consistency. An additional benefit provided is on-site tooling operations, which adds another element of control in terms of manufacturing. This helps with reliability, conformity, and consistency for your brand.
Anatomy of an Injection Mold
While injection molds look like complicated and detailed machinery, each of the device’s respective parts have a function that supports the mold creation. Injection molding machines are also referred to as presses. They consist of a material hopper, an injection ram or screw-type plunger, and a heating unit. Molds clamp to the platen of the molding machine. There the plastic is injected into the mold through a part called the sprue orifice. Each injection mold needs to have an opening that allows the molten plastic to be injected into the cavity of the mold.
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. The company can assist in design challenges and formulate materials to meet a specific criterion. Contact Real Seal today with any questions you have related to your injection molding and production needs.
While gland and packing seals have been the industry standard for quite some time, mechanical seals are also a beneficial option due to their operational benefits. When it comes to choosing the best specialty seals solution for your pumps, agitators, or other equipment, the technological advancements in sealing have provided more options. Below you will find the respective benefits of packing seals as compared to mechanical seals. In other words, let’s look at gland seal vs mechanical seal.
Gland Seal vs Mechanical Seal
Before you decide which seal to use, compare the respective differences between mechanical and gland seals to see which one is right for your project.
Mechanical Seals:
For diverse applications where you need to avoid leaks, mechanical seals prove more beneficial than traditional packing seals. This is because mechanical seals are more durable and are designed to withstand a lot. Most basic mechanical seals use multiple sealing points to eliminate the leakage issue.
Packing Seals:
These have been the most widely used type of solution for many years. Packing seals use a material that is rope-like to wrap around the shaft of a pump. They can fill dead space and minimize fluid loss. Fluid loss increases as the packing materials being to wear down. This can impair regular lubrication and reduce the ease of placement required for it to function properly.
Best Uses for Mechanical Seals
Mechanical seals should be used when seal leakage is not an option for equipment or applications. This often occurs when pump leakage can cause environmental or safety issues. Mechanical seals are more durable and are a better choice for the long-term life of your pumps. However, they are more expensive than packing seals, but it is a good initial investment. Without using a mechanical seal, you will likely have to replace and repair the seals. Doing so often costs you more in the long run. Mechanical seal is also best for minimizing sleeve damage because they do not need to be replaced. Choosing packing seals can result in the need for a replacement, which can cause wear and tear on your pumps as they are disassembled and assembled over and over again.
Best Uses for Packing Seals
Packing seals are the most common and economical choice when it comes to sealing solution. This is the very reason why they are still widely used. One of the major benefits of packing seals is that they are much easier to install compared to mechanical seals. They also make for easy installation. And they take significantly less time than mechanical seals as they don’t require you to decouple the driveshaft. Packing seals are also much more forgiving than mechanical seals as they can adapt to the conditions and maintain their integrity well. Pumps and agitators have a lot of radial movement and issues with misalignment, and packing seals can easily adapt to the environmental changes.
When deciding which seal is right for you, it’s important to note the respective pros and cons. If you end up having difficulty determining which is right for you, consult with a seal specialist.
Specialty Seals
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 Real Seal today with any questions you have related to your specialty seal needs.
Corrosion is a naturally occurring process that converts refined metals into more stable forms. This includes oxide, hydroxide, or sulfide. Seal corrosion involves the gradual destruction of metal materials by chemical reactions within their environment. For metals exposed to moisture, the corrosion process can impact and cause the process to speed up. Moisture can be in the form of water or even moisture that’s in the air. The oxygen from the water works with the molecules in the metal, leading to corrosion. It’s caused by a difference in electrical loading which can impact the materials of your machinery, boat, or other structures like bridges. The issue with corrosion is that different types of materials corrode in their own unique way, which requires different ways to prevent seal corrosion.
Visible Signs of Corrosion
Some of the signs of corrosion include the following:
Discoloration of the paint covering the area at or near where the metal parts are joined
Protective coating flaking at or near the corrosion site
Flaking of one of the metals at the area where two metals are joined.
Solutions to Seal Corrosion
While seal corrosion may impact your metals, there are solutions to ensure the corrosion is stopped or prevented for good. Below you will find some of the most effective solutions to prevent seal corrosion.
Bronze Housing Parts:
As their name states, bronze comprises these. Bronze exists as an alloy that consists of mostly copper, and it does corrode. However, it corrodes much slower when compared to cast iron or even ordinary steel. You’ll know when it has corroded as it turns a green color. You’ll notice numerous green spots once corrosion has occurred.
Liner Coating:
Chrome steel serves as liner coating. This boils down to essentially steel with chrome added to increase corrosion resistance. The most common liner coating appears as a hard metal layer coating, as it drastically improves corrosion resistance. The layer proves harder than the rest of the metal materials. And contains of different materials that work as more resistant.
Anodes:
Another form of corrosion in metals would be pitting. Pitting is a type of localized corrosion that leads to the creation of small holes in the metal. Pitting can start with even just a small surface defect like a scratch change in composition, or even damage to the protective coating. If your machinery or boat ends up submerged in water, this proves the best way to protect the area in water. The anode blocks comprise of aluminum and will protect other metals from corrosion. In addition to aluminum, zinc or magnesium can also serve as anodes. However, magnesium can damage the paint layers.
Whether you are designing new assets or curbing the risk of corrosion in existing ones, consult a professional seal expert. They have the experience and expertise to provide a thorough survey of the situation and identify possible spots that may cause trouble.
Medical Grade Seals
Real Seal is a manufacturer and distributor of specialty seals, 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. The company can assist in design challenges and formulate materials to meet your needs, specifically when it comes to the prevention of seal corrosion. Contact Real Seal today with any questions you have related to your seal needs!
Due to the recent changes in global health and the impact it has had on the healthcare industry, medical-grade seals in healthcare are an integral component of the industry. The healthcare industry has continued to innovate in times of need due to various global health crises. And, the recent global pandemic has cast a major spotlight on the healthcare industry. From the supplies used to improve patient care and stop the spread of infectious diseases to protecting healthcare professionals on the front lines, medical equipment has never been so prevalent in the media and global conversation about health.
The medical industry relies heavily on rubber parts and seals for a variety of uses in healthcare. Medical-grade seals must meet stringent requirements by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). They are also required to undergo and surpass rigorous testing standards for use in healthcare. Two of the most common uses for medical-grade seals in healthcare include personal protective equipment (PPE) and ventilators.
Medical Grade Seals and PPE:
PPE was a part of the medical community before the recent global pandemic. Now, the words are understood and shared in conversations among those who are not professionals in the healthcare industry. Medical-grade seals play a large role in the effectiveness of PPE equipment. This is because they can help seal equipment to keep out harmful bacteria, viruses, and other unknown pathogens that can affect the health of healthcare workers and their patients. Below are some of the most common PPE that rely on medical-grade seals.
Facial respirators (half and full)
Vented eye shields
Air respiratory protection
Medical Grade Seals and Ventilators:
Before the pandemic hit, ventilators did not exist as an everyday word people used in discussions. Now, however, they are of major concern as the availability and production of them became a huge topic due to the recent increase in need from the spread of Covid-19. Nevertheless, for medical equipment like ventilators (and some other medical equipment), medical-grade seals are necessary for the proper engineering and effectiveness of the machine. One extra requirement for the medical-grade seals in ventilators is that it must be biologically compatible with the environment. This means that the material must be able to perform properly and without any reaction to human tissue. This is vital as ventilators come into contact with human tissue and provide life-saving support to those impacted by the virus and other harmful medical conditions. In addition to ventilators, medical-grade seals are used in medical pumps, IVs, feeding devices, and implants.
Medical-grade seals are vitally important in a large number of life-saving devices and applications. And, various companies manufacture medical grade seals, which help engineer and build ventilators. This is crucial now more than ever as the pandemic has changed the medical field like never before seen in modern history.
Medical-Grade Seals in
Real Seal is a manufacturer and distributor of specialty seals 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. The company can assist in design challenges and formulate materials to meet specific criteria, like medical grade seals. Contact Real Seal today with any questions you have related to your medical-grade seal needs.
Seals are small components that have a big function. At their most essential purpose, they keep fluid in and debris out. Failure to do this can lead to costly machine destruction, and even endanger the lives of people working around these machines. Preventing seal failure is very important on many different levels. If you need specialty seals that won’t fail, contact Real Seal today for a list of specialized seals.
What Seals Are Up Against
Many factors can cause a seal to fail. Being aware of these factors will help you in preventing an avoidable failure. Seals are under constant pressure because of the liquid or gas being contained. Typically, the seals in pipes or machinery have some type of matter within transferred at high velocities. This is a huge part of what they were designed to do, but too much or too little pressure could wear down the seals.
In addition, extreme temperatures can cause the seal to become brittle. A mixture of extreme temperatures and pressure is a recipe for cracking and leaking. Also, debris can contaminate the integrity of the seal. Even in clean environments, the small shavings from pistons or hydraulics can get into the seal. Chemical compounds can cause a much faster seal breakdown, so be aware of what type of matter stays concealed. Finally, time will cause the seal to break down. There is no way to avoid this one, so ensuring you mitigate the other factors can help the longevity of a seals life.
Different Types of Seals
Each seal has a specific purpose and function. Putting the right seal in the right environment will help you have a more successful operation.
O-rings are the most popular type of seal. They are meant for static conditions and can conceal liquid and gas.
Rod seals should work with hydraulic cylinders. They typically work best with concealing fluid and can withstand movement.
Piston seals should also be used with hydraulics, but specifically pistons instead of cylinders.
Wear rings find usage in sewage pumps mostly. They are used to decrease the leakage around an impeller, which is the rotor that increases the flow of liquid.
Preventing Seal Failure: How To
These are the main points of failure for seals and the best ways to avoid them:
Install the seal properly. Even with improper installation, a seal can work initially, but it will fail much quicker. Seals need to have the exact size for a precise fit. Or they will fail. Make sure to get the correct seal for the area in which you plan to install it.
Cleanliness is paramount. Although it is important to keep debris away from the seals, that is not where cleanliness needs to begin. You also need to make sure that the area is clean of debris during installation.
Find the proper rating for the environment. Seals have different ratings for temperature and pressure. Make sure the seal can handle these two factors for longevity.
The finish of the seal and the shaft need to match. You can’t have a smooth shaft with a seal that has edges or burrs. Anything that can be caught or cause friction will create debris. This mismatch can also throw the seal out of alignment.
Ensure all other parts of the machinery are functioning correctly. An anomaly somewhere else can cause undue stress to the seals.
Periodically check the fluid conditions. The purpose of a seal is to prevent leaks, but too much or too little fluid can cause damage. Verifying the fluid conditions stay consistent will keep the seal in good shape.
Replace seals promptly. This one comes more with experience. Always replace seals before they get too worn to stay effective.
