Oil seals, also known as oil lip seals, dirt seals, grease seals, shaft seals, or rotary seals, are used to fill the gaps between stationary and revolving parts of the equipment. They are designed to prevent the leakage of fluids from the machinery and inhibit contaminants from reaching these fluids. They contribute to the longevity and reliability of the equipment like engines and gearboxes in industrial equipment. This post discusses the importance of oil seals, the different types of materials that are used in the manufacturing of oil seals and many more.
For bisphenol-cured VDF/HFP/TFE polymers, calcium hydroxide level should be low and magnesium oxide level should be high to promote adhesion to metal inserts. Thermal black or mineral fillers generally give good adhesion.3 For most adhesive systems, it is necessary to limit postcure temperatures to about 200°C (392°F).3
The basic principle of an oil seal is fairly straightforward. It is installed adjacent to the bearing, with the flexible lip against the rotating shaft and the casing pressed into the housing to hold the seal in place. It’s important that the sealing lip is lubricated to prevent it from overheating as a result of any generated friction. It’s also crucial to understand which type of seal is appropriate for your particular machinery. Before selecting your seal, consider the environment, temperature, pressure and shaft speed of your machine, as well as the type of medium the seal will come into contact with during operation. These considerations will all determine the size, colour, and type of lip material or sealing element to choose, and whether it can be sealed in or sealed out.