A shaft oil seal, also known as a lip seal, is typically made of rubber or other flexible materials, with a lip that seals against the rotating shaft. It is designed to effectively seal the interface between the shaft and the housing, preventing the entry of dirt, dust, water, and other contaminants that could potentially damage the machinery.
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In this blog, we attempt to highlight what are Oil Seals and the various Rotary Shaft Seals including Mechanical Face Seals, Water Pump Seals, Gland Packings, and V-Seals that are readily available.
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Conclusion
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1) Common seal types and their features
The basic principle of sealing is straightforward – the flexible lip is held against the rotating part (usually the shaft) whilst the casing (or O.D.) is pressed into the housing or bore and holds the seal in place. The sealing lip needs some form of lubrication to avoid overheating and is usually energized by means of a garter spring.
Cracks or swelling
Engine Oil Seal:
Regular inspection and maintenance of engine oil seals, power steering oil seals, and motor oil seals are essential to identify signs of wear, damage, or leakage. Proper lubrication and adherence to recommended service intervals can help extend the lifespan of these seals. When replacement is necessary, selecting the correct seal type and ensuring proper installation are critical to maintaining the integrity and performance of the vehicle's systems.
Leather is probably the oldest of the lip materials still in common use, but the move towards mass production methods has seen a massive increase in the development of synthetic rubbers which lend themselves to accurate and repeatable injection and compression moulding. Nitrile (NBR) is still by far the most common elastomer for “normal” use, whilst Viton® (FKM/FPM) is rapidly replacing Polyacrylate (ACM) and Silicone (VMQ) for high-temperature applications. Viton® also has high resistance to abrasion and chemical attack making it a preferred elastomer. Recent developments in the use of PTFE for Rotary shaft seals has caused widespread interest particularly for high-speed shaft rotation or poor lubrication applications.
Nitrile rubber (NBR)