When water, oil, or air is used in machinery operation, keeping these substances isolated is critical to effective function. Hydraulic seals restrict the movement of liquids within these machines. High-quality seals are both effective and durable and can withstand the rigors of heavy use often found in industrial situations. They are the key to smooth and powerful hydraulic pump function.
Understanding The Role of Hydraulic Seals
There are two types of seals: static and dynamic, with hydraulic seals falling into the dynamic seal category. Static seals create seals between stationary parts that don’t move during operation. Dynamic seals, on the other hand, are used when the machinery around the seal is in motion.
To be more specific, a hydraulic seal is designed to ensure that pressurized fluids, such as oil or water, remain separated from their surroundings. The space where the seal is placed, the sealing gap, is located between a housing or cylinder and a moving piston. These seals serve a number of functions:
● Reduce air and humidity from getting into the system
● Keeps out debris, grit, and dust that can contaminate the fluid
● Ensures the hydraulic fluid remains within the system and at a proper pressure.
● Ensure the piston moves properly within the chamber.
A hydraulic cylinder seal is comprised of multiple components necessary for its operation. Each part plays a core role in ensuring that the seal functions properly. A fault in any of them can lead to the hydraulic seal failing to function, putting the machine at risk of breaking down.
Hydraulic Rod Seal: This seal is located where the rod exits the cylinder. It has an external and an internal component, with the external being a static seal. Within the seal is a dynamic seal that connects to the moving rod. The design of the rod makes it possible to apply pressure to only one side of the seal. If sealing isn’t necessary when the device isn’t under pressure, it can be installed easily. However, when it’s necessary to maintain the seal when it’s not under pressure, a pre-pressing seal will be needed.
Hydraulic Sealing Ring: There are two categories of sealing rings: single-acting and double-acting. The terms refer to whether the seal is receiving pressure from one or both sides. Single-acting seals have a static side that sits on the piston and a dynamic side that moves while the device is in operation. Double-acting piston seals can receive pressure from both sides and serve to separate two different chambers.
These are the basic elements of a hydraulic seal, but multiple variations can be found in individual cases. Hydraulic seals are used in an ever-growing number of industries and applications.
Exploring When And Where Hydraulic Seals Are Used
These are just a few of the places you may find hydraulic seals in use.
● Automotive Industry: These seals are found on multiple pieces of machinery used in assembling vehicles in automobile factories.
● Aerospace: The aerospace industry often uses custom seals within their aircraft systems. Aerospace often has numerous special-case needs where unique seal designs are needed.
● Oil and Gas: Hydraulic seals are essential for the manufacture of gas—and oil-based products due to the numerous caustic substances used. They keep contaminants out of the product and the product out of vital machinery.
● Amusement Parks: The rides in amusement parks are often powered by hydraulic systems. Effective seals that can withstand the test of time are essential to keeping visitors safe.
● Office Furniture: Hydraulic seals are found everywhere, including in workplace furniture. They are critical components of adjustable chairs, among other things.
Seal The Deal with High-Quality Hydraulic Repair Services
When your business relies on effective hydraulic seals, don’t leave it up to chance. Contact Servo Kinetics to explore the options available. We are an experienced industrial hydraulic repair company that provides unparalleled hydraulic repair services including addressing seal issues, Beach Russ repair, Vickers rebuilds, reverse engineering services and more. Our expert team and engineers will work with you to find the right solution to your hydraulic pump and motor function.