5 Things to Know Before Buying Oil Seal for Agricultural Equipment

If you deal with rotatory shaft equipment, you would probably be having rubber seals in your mechanical assembly. For any manufacturing company, optimal functionality, efficiency, and long service life are essential to your success in the market. A component that is majorly underappreciated within a machine assembly, would be oil seal. 

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Shaft seals are used to prevent lubricant leaks like oil or grease and protect machinery from dirt, dust, and water'which makes them invaluable to industrial operations. In this post, we will dive deeper into oil seals and discuss everything that one must know, such as what it is, how it works, types, applications, and what to keep in mind when buying oil seals. 

What are rubber oil seals? 

Rubber oil seals are placed between moving and static parts of mechanical equipment to prevent damage caused by moisture, contaminants, etc. Also known as rotatory shaft seals, grease seals, fluid seals, lip seals, and dirt seals; oil seals play an important role in closing the gaps between moving and stationary parts of machines. 

Their main purpose is to retain or separate fluids from mixing and escaping the gauge, as well as stop moisture, abrasives, corrosive materials, and foreign contaminants from entering the parts, thereby ensuring maximum machine efficiency. Moreover, shaft rubber seals help prevent lubricant leakage at high pressure, for instance, when the machine is working at an extremely high pace.

How does rubber oil seal work? 

Oil seals work by retaining lubricant in a thin layer between the lip and the shaft. These seals are attached to the bearing, with their lip pressing against the rotating shaft and the casing resting against the housing to hold the seal in place. 

Oil seals perform some functions that ensure functionality at all costs and they do this by retaining lubricants at all costs and not making them escape no matter how high the pressure is.  Whenever an oil seal fails, it creates seal leakage allowing abrasives, corrosive moistures and sediments to enter machines. Oil seals are especially used in equipment that has rotating, oscillating, and reciprocating shafts ' pumps, pistons, etc. 

Different types of seals offered by rubber products manufacturers in India include ' Single and double lip oil seals, metal cased, external and internal oriented oil seals, and spring-energized oil seals and you can pick the one that best suits your industry requirements. 

Applications of Oil Seals 

Practically, all machine equipment including assembled machines, car engines, and PTFE machined parts use these oil seals to prevent harmful interactions that could possibly result in damaged parts. They are used in the assembly of Elevators, conveyor belts, engines, grinding mills, pipelines, wind turbines, and more. 

When equipment is under high pressure, lubricants tend to escape, and dry parts clash. Oil seals help prevent this by sealing holes where lubricants can leak out. rubber seals are designed to offer optimum sealing performance and extreme durability even under high-peripheral speed. They are lightweight, compact, and exhibit high self-lubricating properties. Oil seals are manufactured with high-grade materials and last long without showing any signs of hardening, softening, or aging. 

Moreover, oil seals are widely used throughout the aerospace industry in both space exploration and aviation applications. Sujan Industries manufactures all aircraft rubber items including O-rings, Gaskets, Seals, Pistons, Grommets, Washers, and Protective Boots & Bellows. In the aviation sector, pneumatics and hydraulics are used to operate components like landing gear and wing flaps. Rubber gaskets are needed in these systems to keep dust and air out while ensuring aircraft components run effectively.

How to Choose the Right Oil Seal 

Picking the right type of oil seals is crucial for the proper functioning of machines because in some situations not all types can fit to work on certain machines. 

There are quite a few factors to put into consideration when you're choosing the right oil seal for your machine. Some of these factors include ' dimensions, pressure, temperature, type of fluid, lubricant, shaft speed, shaft and bore tolerance, and more.

The capacity of oil seals to handle different intensities of pressure varies with their composition and application, so it is important to understand the compression set of your equipment. Just like the pressure, the temperature that your oil seal will be operating in must be known to be able to choose one that can withstand the working temperature. 

Likewise, different types of fluids like grease, water, oil, fuels, etc. will come into contact with oil seals. So, knowing what type of fluids will be in constant contact with oil seals will help you choose the one capable of withstanding the surrounding conditions. When we talk about lubricants, seals always perform well when lubricated, however, in some machines there are dry spells.  If you are a supplier of aftermarket parts in India or a user looking for oil seals in the aerospace industry, your search might end with Sujan Industries. 

Wrapping Up

Oil seals are critical to a machine's functionality. A machine's oil seals are critical to its functionality. Picking the right seal for your machine is vital as it not only guarantees the optimum performance of applications but also ensures a safe working environment for years to come. With so many rotary shaft seal options available, it can be hard to know which one to choose for your machine! Contact us today to speak to one of our experts and pick the best one for you.

Inside of your hydraulic cylinders, there are a number of seals that perform important functions, keeping your cylinders working efficiently while protecting internal components from being damaged by contaminants, corrosion, and other factors. These often-overlooked components are one of the most important parts of your hydraulic system ' in fact, without those seals, your systems wouldn't work at all.

While you'll almost never see these hydraulic cylinder seals during operation, it's important to be familiar with the different types of seals that your machines use. When you know the function of each seal, as well as the differences between the materials used to fabricate hydraulic cylinder seals, you'll ensure that your equipment will not only be best suited for its intended function but that it will also stand the test of time.

Types of Hydraulic Cylinder Seals

Hydraulic cylinder seals can be divided into two large categories: Static and dynamic. Static seals are used in situations in which the component parts aren't designed to experience relative movement. These seals include O-rings, D-rings, backup seals, and other seals that are intended to remain in a fixed relative location.

One kind of static seal is usually found where the piston and the rod join. A static piston seal sits within the piston with the rod running through it. The pressure from the rod creates an impermeable seal that prevents hydraulic fluid from being pushed through to the other side of the piston. This is especially important in single-action pistons, which only have hydraulic fluid on one side of the piston.

Dynamic hydraulic cylinder seals, on the other hand, are intended for areas in which there is relative motion between two components. Because there are a number of different functions performed by dynamic seals within your hydraulic cylinder, it's probably best to look at some of the specific seals you're likely to come across in greater detail.

Piston Seals

Piston seals provide the power for your hydraulic cylinder by preventing hydraulic fluid from flowing past your piston. This makes piston seals one of the most important hydraulic cylinder seals in your system.

The seal formed by a piston seal keeps contact between the piston and the cylinder bore, helping to control the motion of your cylinder and keeping your cylinder at the same position when at rest ' even when it's under a load.

Piston seals can be either single- or double-action. As mentioned earlier, a single-action piston has hydraulic fluid on only one side of the piston, which means that the piston seal must remain extremely close to the bore, otherwise fluid can seep through and lessen the effectiveness of your cylinder.

Double-acting cylinders, as the name implies, have hydraulic fluid on both sides of the piston. Because of this, the shape of a double-acting piston seal is symmetrical, possessing the same sealing properties in both directions.

These seals can also allow for more clearance between the piston and the cylinder bore, as they are not designed to prevent fluid leakage.

Rod Seals and Buffer Seals

Rod seals perform two seemingly contradictory functions. First, they keep hydraulic fluid from leaking outside of the cylinder during operation. However, these seals are also responsible for ensuring that there is a thin layer of lubrication on the piston rod. This not only prevents corrosion but also lubricates other important parts of your cylinder.

Depending on the duty level of your cylinder, you may or may not also have a buffer seal, which is set further within the cylinder, past the rod seal. These hydraulic cylinder seals are intended to smooth out the pressure within your cylinder, preventing pressure peaks resulting from external factors. They also prevent any contaminants within the cylinder, such as metal flakes, from causing damage to your rod seals.

Wiper Seals

Sometimes referred to as dust seals, excluders, or scrapers, wiper seals protect your equipment by preventing contaminants from entering your cylinder as the piston rod retracts.

Since the piston rod is coated with a thin layer of fluid to prevent corrosion, it can also pick up dirt and other contaminants, which could quickly damage the interior components of your cylinder. Wiper seals keep these contaminants outside of your system.

Guide Rings

These seals are intended to maintain moving parts in the proper position throughout the process of relative motion. In addition to keeping the important components properly aligned, guide rings prevent any metal-on-metal abrasion that might occur during operation, preserving the life of your equipment.

These seals also add another level of protection against contaminants by keeping your more sensitive seals safe from added wear.

Materials Used for Hydraulic Cylinder Seals

Hydraulic cylinder seals can be manufactured from a number of different materials. Each material has different properties that make them better suited to different conditions, including high pressures and temperatures, as well as caustic chemicals. Here are the different materials you're likely to encounter:

Rubber

Rubber seals are used in situations that require a high degree of flexibility and compressibility. Nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), fluoroelastomer (FKM), and hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR) are all commonly used to fabricate dynamic cylinder seals. They possess good resistance to grease, mineral oils, and other hydraulic fluids.

PTFE

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) offers superior durability under extreme conditions, including temperature, pressure, and caustic chemicals. PTFE also has a very low coefficient of friction, which means that it requires less lubrication than other seals and can actually function quite well in dry operation.

Rigid Plastics

Encompassing a wide range of materials, plastic hydraulic cylinder seals offer moderate resistance to temperature and pressure, as well as chemical reactivity. 

The durability of a plastic seal is largely dependent on the quality of the material itself, which can range from engineered plastics, which are superior to commodity plastic, to high-performance plastics. Because they have less flexibility than rubber or PTFE, these seals focus more on adding strength to your cylinder.

Thermoplastic Elastomers

Thermoplastic elastomers, or TPEs, combine the strength of plastic with the flexibility of rubber, which means that they stand up to high use while also providing superior elasticity. These hydraulic cylinder seals are highly resistant to abrasion and tearing and will maintain a constant pressure for longer than other materials can.

Choosing the Right Hydraulic Cylinder Seals

Choosing the right seal is about more than materials, however. There are a number of external factors that you need to consider when you're designing your cylinders. Each of these factors can go a long way toward determining which hydraulic cylinder seals you'll need to ensure that your system can work efficiently for the long haul.

Cylinder Application

One of the most important considerations to keep in mind as you're designing your hydraulic cylinder is to know precisely what you will need your cylinder to do. In general, you can break your application down into three different categories:

• Light Duty:  Pressures up to 2,300 psi, temperature up to 70˚ C
• Medium Duty:  Pressure up to 3,625 psi, temperature up to 90˚ C
• Heavy Duty:  Pressure up to 5,800 psi or more, temperature over 90˚ C

Having realistic expectations about the duty level that you'll require from your cylinder will ensure that you won't end up having to replace your equipment prematurely. If you're unsure where your cylinder falls, or if you think you're right on the dividing line between two service levels, it's usually a good idea to choose a heavier-duty model ' just in case.

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Temperature

You'll need to know your average operating temperature, but also the temperature of your equipment when it's at rest.

Speed

This is the speed at which your piston operates within your cylinder. Typically, the faster the cylinder operates, the hotter the cylinder will become.

Fluid Pressure

It's important to know what kinds of pressure your cylinder will encounter, which is usually expressed as a range. You'll also want to identify any pressure peaks, noting both intensity and frequency.

Hydraulic Fluid

There is a wide range of different hydraulic fluids available, and each fluid possesses a different viscosity, which will affect the hydraulic cylinder seals you'll require.

Dimensions

The shape of your cylinder will also have an impact on which seals you'll want to use in your cylinder. You'll need to know the exact measurements of these parts:

• Rod diameter
• Bore diameter
• Stroke length
• Overall cylinder length

Each of these factors will play a part in determining other considerations, including pressure, speed, and power. These can go a long way in helping you choose the right hydraulic cylinder seals to keep your equipment working properly.

MAC Hydraulics

No matter what your hydraulic system needs, MAC Hydraulics is here for you. Our team of experts can answer all of your questions about hydraulic cylinder seals. And our highly trained technicians will make sure that you get the information you need.

We're always happy to offer you on-site repairs for any problems you encounter, as well as preventative maintenance to ensure your hydraulic systems continue working at peak performance. 

We have extensive experience in a number of industries, including food and beverage, construction, manufacturing, and waste management. If you're looking for a trusted partner to help you with hydraulic services, contact us today!

What is Oil seal:

Oil seals play a crucial role in preventing the leakage of lubricants or fluids in a wide range of applications. From automotive engines and transmissions to industrial machinery and equipment, oil seals ensure proper functioning and avoid damage caused by leaks. These essential components are designed to tightly seal the gaps between moving parts, thus keeping contaminants out and lubricants in.

An oil seal, also known as a rotary shaft seal, consists of a flexible, circular lip made from materials such as rubber or metal. The lip is pressed against the shaft or housing in which it is installed to create a seal. The lip's contact with the rotating or stationary parts prevents the escape of fluids, such as oil or grease, while allowing the shaft to rotate smoothly.

One key aspect of oil seals is their ability to withstand high temperatures and pressure conditions. They are made from materials that can handle the demands of various applications, ensuring optimal performance and longevity. These materials often include elastomers such as nitrile rubber (NBR), fluoroelastomers (FPM), or silicone rubber (VMQ).

Oil Seal Product Description:

Introducing our high-quality oil seals engineered to provide exceptional performance and reliability in a variety of industrial and automotive applications. Our oil seals are meticulously designed with precision and constructed with durable materials to effectively seal and protect against the ingress of oil, grease, and other contaminants.

Function:

Oil seals, also known as rotary shaft seals or lip seals, function as essential components in mechanical systems. They are primarily used to prevent the leakage of lubricants, such as oil or grease, and to retain fluids within a system. By creating a barrier between the stationary and rotating components of machinery, oil seals effectively minimize friction, extend the longevity of equipment, and ensure its optimal function. Moreover, they provide protection against external contaminants, such as dirt, dust, moisture, and corrosive fluids, which could potentially lead to damage and wear.

Features:

1. Superior Sealing Performance: Our oil seals are engineered with precision to deliver exceptional sealing performance, ensuring that lubricants stay within the system and contaminants are effectively kept out. This not only helps to maintain the integrity of the equipment but also reduces the risk of downtime, maintenance, and associated costs.

2. High-Quality Materials: We utilize only the finest quality materials in the construction of our oil seals, providing excellent durability and resistance to wear, temperature variations, and chemical exposures. Our seals are manufactured from premium elastomers, such as nitrile rubber, fluoroelastomer (Viton®), silicone, PTFE, or a combination of materials, depending on the specific requirements of the application.

3. Optimal Design: Our oil seals are intricately designed to meet the precise needs of different industries and applications. With a variety of configurations, sizes, and lip profiles available, we ensure an optimal fit and sealing solution for your specific machinery. Whether you require a single lip, double lip, or specialized designs such as cassette seals or mechanical face seals, we have you covered.

4. Easy Installation: Our oil seals are designed for easy installation, reducing the time and effort required to replace or fit seals within existing systems. They come with a flexible lip that can be easily pushed onto or around the shaft, providing a secure and reliable seal.

5. Wide Range of Applications: Our oil seals are suitable for numerous applications, including automotive engines, power transmission systems, hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders, gearboxes, pumps, electric motors, agricultural equipment, and more. From small assemblies to heavy-duty machinery, our seals effectively address various sealing requirements across industries.

6. Custom Solutions: We understand that every application comes with unique demands. Therefore, we offer custom-engineered oil seals tailored to your specific requirements. Our highly skilled engineering team can work closely with you to develop a solution that perfectly matches your application's needs, optimizing efficiency and durability.

How do you choose an oil seal?

1. Understanding the Basics of Oil Seals: Oil seals consist of an elastomeric lip bonded to a metal housing, usually made of steel or stainless steel. The lip contacts the rotating shaft, forming a dynamic seal that prevents fluid or oil from leaking. The metal housing ensures stability and provides a mechanical barrier against external forces. These seals are available in various designs, such as radial lip seals, axial seals, and rotary shaft seals, each tailored for specific applications.

2. Identifying Key Factors for Selection: To choose the ideal oil seal, several factors should be considered:

a) Shaft Diameter and System Pressure: Match the inner diameter of the oil seal to the shaft diameter for a secure fit. System pressure is another critical factor, as higher pressures may require seals with additional reinforcement or alternative materials.

b) Operating Conditions: Consider the environment where the oil seal will be used. Extreme temperatures, chemicals, fluids, or abrasive conditions necessitate the selection of specialized materials offering resistance to these factors.

c) Speed and RPM: High-speed applications require oil seals with lower friction to minimize heat generation and ensure smooth rotation. Understanding the required operating RPM of the shaft will help determine the appropriate lip design and material.

d) Seal Performance: Evaluate the expected lifespan and seal efficiency. Look for seals with high wear-resistant properties to enhance their durability and ensure long-term reliability.

e) Seal Type: Different applications require specific seal types. Radial lip seals are commonly used for rotating shafts, axial seals are suitable for linear motion applications, and rotary shaft seals are versatile options for various applications.

3. Choosing the Right Material: The material selection plays a crucial role in the performance and longevity of oil seals. Commonly used materials include:

a) Nitrile (NBR): Ideal for general-purpose applications, nitrile provides excellent resistance to oil, water, and some chemicals. It has good temperature resistance but may not be suitable for extreme conditions.

b) Fluorocarbon (FKM / Viton®): These materials offer superior resistance to high temperatures, chemicals, and fuels. Fluorocarbon seals excel in harsh environments and are often chosen for applications involving extreme temperature fluctuations.

c) Silicone (VMQ): Silicones are resistant to temperature extremes and have good low-temperature flexibility, making them suitable for food-grade applications and environments with high heat or low-temperature requirements.

d) Polyacrylate (ACM): ACM seals are known for their resistance to petroleum-based oils and lubricants. They perform well in applications with moderate temperature ranges.

4. Consulting Experts and Industry Standards: When in doubt, consult industry experts or manufacturers who specialize in oil seals. They possess in-depth knowledge and can guide you in choosing the most suitable oil seal for your specific requirements. Additionally, consider ISO and ASTM standards that outline quality criteria, physical properties, and performance benchmarks for oil seals.

Choosing the right oil seal is critical to ensuring smooth operations, minimizing leaks, and maximizing the lifespan of equipment or machinery. By considering factors such as shaft diameter, operating conditions, speed, seal type, and material, you can confidently select a high-quality oil seal tailored to your needs. Partnering with reputable suppliers and adhering to industry standards will further guarantee optimal performance and reliable sealing solutions.

Are you interested in learning more about Oil Seal for Agricultural Equipment? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!