Oil seals are vital to the daily operation of most factories and a wide range of industrial and commercial equipment. They are available in imperial and metric dimensions for both single- and double-lip design. Motors, Mechanical Hydraulic systems, pistons, and pumps utilize oil seals to protect internal components. Depending on the application, there are various material, size, and configuration options to best fit your needs. Learn more about oil seals, their composition, and the wide range of advantages they offer for your equipment.
What Is an oil seal, and What Are Its Elements?
An oil seal has two tasks: Keeping the lubricant in and keeping dirt and contaminants out of rotating components. This separation must be accomplished between surfaces in relative motion, usually a shaft or bearing inner ring and a housing. With correct installation, oil seals can also prevent seal leakage and maintain the lubricity of a bearing to ensure that the rotary shaft and its bearings remain fully functional.
A typical oil seal consists of three common parts: an outer ring, the sealing element, and a spring. The exterior metal ring component provides strength and rigidity to the oil seal in the bore or recessed groove. Attached to that ring is the sealing element. This flexible interior component of the oil seal, the O-ring, prevents any fluid leaks between the shaft and housing. A spring ensures the constant pressure that deforms the O-ring, creating a reliable seal while maintaining radial force on the shaft.
Generally, oil seals vary in materials and types based on the corresponding application. Common materials include:
Nitrile Buna-N 70. NBR is compatible with numerous environmental conditions and is also relatively cost-efficient, which makes it one of the most popular and best-suited materials for the industry. Nitrile works well in the -30° to 250° F range and when exposed to anything from water and hydraulic fluids to gas, silicone, vegetable, or animal oils.
Fluoropolymer. FKMs, or Viton®, are perfect for high-temperature applications up to approximately 400° F. Additionally, they feature low compression characteristics. Seals of this material are highly resistant to solvents, gas, and petroleum or transmission oils, so they are a good fit for applications around these materials.
Silicone. Vinyl-methyl-silicones (VMQs) maintain performance in temperatures from -140° to 392° F. In addition, silicone is resistant to adverse weather conditions, light, and ozone. The healthcare and food industry sectors, as well as pneumatic and hydraulic systems, often use silicone.
Polyacrylate. Polyacrylate is a good combination of quality and cost benefits. It is highly resistant to oxidation and heated oil, withstanding temperatures from -25° F to 300° F. This material has applications in vehicle transmissions, shaft seals, O-rings, and more.
What Benefits Do Oil Seals Provide?
Oil seals can offer:
Low levels of friction. The lubrication within the seal ensures that the seal lip does not come into contact with the rotary shaft, eliminating the risk of burning or wear.
Compact size and lightweight. Oil seals possess a small and lightweight design, which belies their strong endurance capabilities.
Reliable, rugged performance. Even under harsh conditions or extreme temperatures, these durable components will maintain their seal.
Simple construction. Easy to handle and assemble, oil seals only take a matter of minutes to replace as technicians do not have to take a machine apart.
Versatility. Standard lip seals are best for applications within dry environments, or those lacking lubrication. Oil seals can act as an alternative with increased functionality.
Why Should You Choose Emerson for Your Oil Seal Needs?
Choosing high-quality oil seals for your roller bearings, precision bearings, and more is an important decision, so at Emerson Bearing Company, we do more than manufacture oil seals. We draw from over 50 years of expertise in the area of bearings and bearing-related components so that our team can help you choose the right oil seals for your exact needs, regardless of the nature and complexity of your application. Should we not have a particular part in stock in our vast inventory, we also utilize a worldwide sourcing network to deliver on premium products. The Emerson team strives to provide a one-stop experience for our customers, from sourcing and budgeting to assistance in oil seal selection and timely delivery with same-day shipping options.
Our oil seals serve a wide array of industrial sectors both domestically and internationally, and we offer the following as part of our online product catalog:
We also believe very strongly in providing superior customer service and are here to support you 24 hours a day. Contact us to learn more about our oil seals and additional services.
The Benefits of using OE Oil Seals over Cheap Replicas
In the present day we are often conscious of cost and time as both normally work together. We often want something that costs as little as possible and takes the least amount of time to source and fit
In the present day we are often conscious of cost and time as both normally work together. We often want something that costs as little as possible and takes the least amount of time to source and fit. However, going for the cheaper option isn’t always the right thing to do. Often when it comes to vehicle maintenance or repairs buying a cheap part could cost you more in the long run due to additional damage to surrounding components as well as replacing the original part that failed to start with.
As a brand of Freudenberg, the leading manufacturer of oil seals, we believe quality is key and we want to help you choose quality over cost.
This doesn’t just apply to cars and end users but also applies to Light Commercial and Commercial Vehicle companies as down time for their vehicles can have a big impact on cost more than anything. More downtime due to repairs means less vehicles on the road completing consignments for customers leading to less revenue.
Below we will run through the benefits of using original equipment over buying cheaper unbranded oil seals from within the automotive aftermarket.
· Originally installed by vehicle manufactures – Corteco oil seals are selected by vehicle manufacturers and are installed into new vehicle while in production, demonstrating the accreditation in which the brand holds. If OE seals are good enough for vehicle manufacturers then why wouldn’t you replace like for like to ensure that it is maintained to the highest possible standard?
· Better quality – As the aftermarket division for the largest seal manufacturer in the world, all products are made from high quality material that undergoes rigorous testing to ensure the parts meet the requirements set by the vehicle manufacturer.
· Less likely to fail, due to the materials and testing mentioned above, this allows you and your customers to have confidence in repairs carried out on the vehicle.
· Come with warranty – unlike many cheap replicas all quality and original equipment parts will come with a warranty allowing you and your customer reassurance that the part will not fail and if the part does fail prematurely then you can get this easily sorted by contacting the supplier and resolving this in a timely manner.
As these are only some of the benefits of using quality products over cheap replicas we believe it is right to share the negatives to buying a cheaper product.
· Cheaper material, as replicas are trying to keep the cost of their parts down this often is done by using materials that are of a lower quality making them less expensive to produce and to sell on however, cheaper material means a lower quality part being pushed into the market.
· No warranty – Unlike with quality parts, replicas often do not come with warranties, this allows them to reduce cost and to sell more parts in the market as failures will often be replaced by the same part causing a repetitive cycle.
· Less miles before another replacement is needed, due to cheaper material being used. As the parts are cheaper the material will be weaker, meaning the pressure it can withstand will be less, causing it to fail more quickly. A part failing early can have an impact on surrounding components causing them to absorb leaks or take on additional stress this can result in bigger repairs being needed costing your both more time and more money.
· Prone to premature failures this links back to all of the above points, premature failures occur due to cheap material wearing out or leaking quicker than OE parts.
Although the OE parts cost more initially you will save money in the long run due to the reliability and the parts being able to perform as expected in comparison to the cheaper parts. Just remember buy cheap then be prepared to buy twice.
Head to www.corteco.com/en/products/sealing to view Corteco’s sealing range which consists of oil seals and much more.
By mkcseal |
10
March 2023 |
0
Comments
Oil seals are an essential part of any machinery, from cars and motorbikes to industrial engines and powerplants. Not only do they keep dirt out, but they also prevent fluids from leaking out into the environment. High-quality oil seals play a vital role in extending the life cycle of your machinery by reducing wear and tear on components as well as preventing costly repairs or replacements. Read on to learn more about why it’s so important to invest in high-quality oil seals for all types of equipment.
An Overview of Oil Seals and Their Function
Oil seals are rotary shaft seals that play an incredibly important role in preventing oil leakage from rotary components. These seals are typically made from rubber, metal, polymeric or a combination of all three materials to create a strong seal that is resistant to extreme wear and temperature variance. Oil seals are used to lubricate inner rotors or cylinders of moving parts, allowing them to spin faster and more efficiently. While these rotary shaft seals provide friction so that the rotors stay in place, they also work to prevent external contaminants from getting into the moving parts and ruining the machine's operation altogether. In conclusion, oil seals remain one of the most important components for rotary machinery and their effectiveness should not be overlooked.
Common Materials Used in Oil Seals
Oil seals are essential parts of engine components to prevent leaks and maintain engine efficiency. Common engine oil seals generally consist of a variety of materials, including neoprene, nitrile rubber, PTFE, silicone rubber and Viton®. Neoprene is resistant to ozone breakdown and common engine oils as well as other chemicals, making it one of the most highly sought-after materials for engine oil seals. Nitrile rubber provides excellent resistance against engine fuel and mineral oils but not gasoline-derived products. PTFE is used because it has low coefficient of friction and excellent corrosion protection characteristics while providing optimal mechanical strength in engine gaskets that require high levels of stiffness. Silicone rubber tends to be more expensive than other materials but has superior heat resistance and can handle higher temperatures that are typical in engines undergoing multiple long-distance trips. Finally, Viton® provides outstanding permeation resistance compared to other commonly used engine seal materials and is compatible with a variety of fluids including hydraulic brake fluids and gasoline fuels. By choosing the right engine oil seal material for the application, engineers can ensure maximum efficiency and performance for engines.
Benefits of High-Quality Oil Seals
Oil seals are a critical component of any oil-powered system, and having access to a reliable oil seal kit can make all the difference. High-quality oil seals help to maintain oil cleanliness by keeping oil away from adjacent components that may be sensitive to oil contamination. Furthermore, they help form a barrier between two parts that may move relative to each other, helping reduce wear on both components. Through their sealing properties, high-quality oil seals also ensure fluids are contained within the system and don't spill out or lead to other problems. Ultimately, investing in a high-quality oil seal kit can offer lasting protection for your system and reduce costs associated with having to replace or repair your equipment due to oil leaks or contamination.
As is evident, oil seals are an important factor in keeping lubricants and contaminants out of equipment. The material used for the seal can greatly influence its effectiveness. High-quality oil seals made from nitrile rubber are preferred because of their durability and long-lasting performance. This material offers superior resistance to oil, heat, and moisture while also providing flexibility. Sealing systems with proper lubricant maintainance will keep your machinery running efficiently and extend its overall lifetime. The benefits of high quality oil seals far outweigh the initial cost associated with them; they provide a valuable investment as they will keep your equipment functioning at optimal levels throughout its entire life cycle. In short, it pays to use good quality oil seals. So if you're looking for a way to get the most out of your machines and make sure they last as long as possible, invest in adequate lubrication system maintenance with high-quality oil seals.
Oil seals are used for critical applications in industries such as oil, gas, and petrochemicals. They are designed to prevent leakage from the sealing lip and rotary shaft by creating a thin oil layer between them. Oil seals can be produced using well-known sealing materials including PolyTetraFluoroEthylene (PTFE), silicon, nitrile, and fluoroelastomer.
The different types of oil seals makes them a dynamic product, which can be used in a number of different industrial applications such as:
Electric motors
Gearboxes
Paper rolls
Industrial pumps and fans
Customized equipment
Benefits of Oil Seals
The strength, flexibility, and durability of oil seals provide a number of benefits to various industrial applications:
Performance under Extreme Environments:
Oil seals have the capability to work under extreme duress in terms of temperature. This makes them perfect for fluid environment applications. Oil seals work at optimum levels between temperatures of – 70oC and +260oC.Low Friction Properties:
Oil seals are designed for low friction applications. The lubrication within the oil ensures that the sealing lip does not touch the shaft and prevents burning of the sealing lip.Long Shelf Life:
Sealing materials such as PTFE and fluoroelastomer ensure that the oil seals can be used for long periods of time.
Easy Assembly: Oil seals can be easily replaced within a few minutes without disassembling the entire machine. Oil seals are also compact in size, making easier to handle and replace when it comes to assembly.
Reduced Weight: Manufacturers design oil seals to be light in weight, while having the required strength properties to work under stressful environments.
Good Substitutes for Standard Seals: Specialized oil seals can be used as an alternative for standard lip seals that are used for dry or poorly lubricated conditions.
As one can see, there are many benefits that come with using high performance oil seals for industrial applications.
Oil seals are vital to the daily operation of most factories and a wide range of industrial and commercial equipment. They are available in imperial and metric dimensions for both single- and double-lip design. Motors, Mechanical Hydraulic systems, pistons, and pumps utilize oil seals to protect internal components. Depending on the application, there are various material, size, and configuration options to best fit your needs. Learn more about oil seals, their composition, and the wide range of advantages they offer for your equipment.
What Is an oil seal, and What Are Its Elements?
An oil seal has two tasks: Keeping the lubricant in and keeping dirt and contaminants out of rotating components. This separation must be accomplished between surfaces in relative motion, usually a shaft or bearing inner ring and a housing. With correct installation, oil seals can also prevent seal leakage and maintain the lubricity of a bearing to ensure that the rotary shaft and its bearings remain fully functional.
A typical oil seal consists of three common parts: an outer ring, the sealing element, and a spring. The exterior metal ring component provides strength and rigidity to the oil seal in the bore or recessed groove. Attached to that ring is the sealing element. This flexible interior component of the oil seal, the O-ring, prevents any fluid leaks between the shaft and housing. A spring ensures the constant pressure that deforms the O-ring, creating a reliable seal while maintaining radial force on the shaft.
Generally, oil seals vary in materials and types based on the corresponding application. Common materials include:
Nitrile Buna-N 70. NBR is compatible with numerous environmental conditions and is also relatively cost-efficient, which makes it one of the most popular and best-suited materials for the industry. Nitrile works well in the -30° to 250° F range and when exposed to anything from water and hydraulic fluids to gas, silicone, vegetable, or animal oils.
Fluoropolymer. FKMs, or Viton®, are perfect for high-temperature applications up to approximately 400° F. Additionally, they feature low compression characteristics. Seals of this material are highly resistant to solvents, gas, and petroleum or transmission oils, so they are a good fit for applications around these materials.
Silicone. Vinyl-methyl-silicones (VMQs) maintain performance in temperatures from -140° to 392° F. In addition, silicone is resistant to adverse weather conditions, light, and ozone. The healthcare and food industry sectors, as well as pneumatic and hydraulic systems, often use silicone.
Polyacrylate. Polyacrylate is a good combination of quality and cost benefits. It is highly resistant to oxidation and heated oil, withstanding temperatures from -25° F to 300° F. This material has applications in vehicle transmissions, shaft seals, O-rings, and more.
What Benefits Do Oil Seals Provide?
Oil seals can offer:
Low levels of friction. The lubrication within the seal ensures that the seal lip does not come into contact with the rotary shaft, eliminating the risk of burning or wear.
Compact size and lightweight. Oil seals possess a small and lightweight design, which belies their strong endurance capabilities.
Reliable, rugged performance. Even under harsh conditions or extreme temperatures, these durable components will maintain their seal.
Simple construction. Easy to handle and assemble, oil seals only take a matter of minutes to replace as technicians do not have to take a machine apart.
Versatility. Standard lip seals are best for applications within dry environments, or those lacking lubrication. Oil seals can act as an alternative with increased functionality.
Why Should You Choose Emerson for Your Oil Seal Needs?
Choosing high-quality oil seals for your roller bearings, precision bearings, and more is an important decision, so at Emerson Bearing Company, we do more than manufacture oil seals. We draw from over 50 years of expertise in the area of bearings and bearing-related components so that our team can help you choose the right oil seals for your exact needs, regardless of the nature and complexity of your application. Should we not have a particular part in stock in our vast inventory, we also utilize a worldwide sourcing network to deliver on premium products. The Emerson team strives to provide a one-stop experience for our customers, from sourcing and budgeting to assistance in oil seal selection and timely delivery with same-day shipping options.
Our oil seals serve a wide array of industrial sectors both domestically and internationally, and we offer the following as part of our online product catalog:
We also believe very strongly in providing superior customer service and are here to support you 24 hours a day. Contact us to learn more about our oil seals and additional services.
Oil seals are used for critical applications in industries such as oil, gas, and petrochemicals. They are designed to prevent leakage from the sealing lip and rotary shaft by creating a thin oil layer between them. Oil seals can be produced using well-known sealing materials including PolyTetraFluoroEthylene (PTFE), silicon, nitrile, and fluoroelastomer.
The different types of oil seals makes them a dynamic product, which can be used in a number of different industrial applications such as:
Electric motors
Gearboxes
Paper rolls
Industrial pumps and fans
Customized equipment
Benefits of Oil Seals
The strength, flexibility, and durability of oil seals provide a number of benefits to various industrial applications:
Performance under Extreme Environments:
Oil seals have the capability to work under extreme duress in terms of temperature. This makes them perfect for fluid environment applications. Oil seals work at optimum levels between temperatures of – 70oC and +260oC.Low Friction Properties:
Oil seals are designed for low friction applications. The lubrication within the oil ensures that the sealing lip does not touch the shaft and prevents burning of the sealing lip.Long Shelf Life:
Sealing materials such as PTFE and fluoroelastomer ensure that the oil seals can be used for long periods of time.
Easy Assembly: Oil seals can be easily replaced within a few minutes without disassembling the entire machine. Oil seals are also compact in size, making easier to handle and replace when it comes to assembly.
Reduced Weight: Manufacturers design oil seals to be light in weight, while having the required strength properties to work under stressful environments.
Good Substitutes for Standard Seals: Specialized oil seals can be used as an alternative for standard lip seals that are used for dry or poorly lubricated conditions.
As one can see, there are many benefits that come with using high performance oil seals for industrial applications.
Oil seals, also referred to as shaft seals, are widely used to prevent the leakage of medium (such as oils and grease) along a rotating shaft. This leak prevention is primarily achieved by the sealing element which can be made from a wide range of materials that are chosen according to each application. They are commonly used in gearboxes, hydraulic cylinders, and related components.
An oil seal is designed to perform three major functions: to prevent lubricants from leaking outside the seal even under high pressure, to act as a barrier to retain the lubricating oil, and to prevent dirt and other contaminants from entering the unit.
Shop for Oil Seals
Oil seals normally consist of three basic components: the sealing element, the metal case, and garter spring.
The sealing element makes up the interior of the oil seal, and the materials commonly used are:
a. Nitrile Rubber (NBR) – this is the most commonly used material. It has good heat resistance properties and has good resistance to salt solutions, oils, hydraulic oils, and gasoline. Operating temperatures are recommended from -40 to 248⁰ F (-40 to 120 deg.C). Nitrile also functions well in a dry environment, but only for intermittent periods. The disadvantage of this material is poor chemical resistance.
b. Polyacrylate Rubber (PA) – also known as acrylic rubber, this material has better heat resistance than nitrile. PA is also recommended for a high surface speed environment. Operation temperatures are recommended from -4 to 302⁰ F (-20 to 150⁰ C). Polyacrylate rubber should not be used with water or in temperature below -4⁰ F (20⁰ C).
c. Silicone Rubber (SI) – these compounds operate effectively in a broad temperature range of -58⁰ F to 356⁰ F (-50 to 180⁰ C). Silicone rubber is a leading choice for its resistance to both low temperatures and heat. The high lubricant absorbency of the material minimizes friction and wear. These oil seals are usually used as crankshaft seals. Silicone has poor resistance to hydrolysis and should not be used in oxidized or hypoid oils.
d. Fluorocarbon Rubber (FKM) – is widely known under the Chemours (formerly Dupont™) trade name of Viton® and offers the best resistance to chemicals and superior performance to high temperatures.
The metal case is the exterior (or frame) of the oil seal, the principal function of which is to give rigidity and strength to the seal. The material of the case must be selected depending on the environment where the seals are to be used. Often the metal case is covered by the same rubber material used in the sealing element, which also helps seal the exterior of the oil seal in the housing bore. Common case material types are:
a. Carbon Steel – the most common material used in oil seals.
b. Stainless Steel – for applications that require resistance to water, chemicals, or corrosion. (Stainless steel metal cases are also recommended for many FDA applications.)
The garter spring is located at the end of the primary sealing lip and used to apply pressure to the sealing lip against the shaft. Common garter spring material types are:
a. Carbon Steel – which is used in conjunction with regular lubricants.
b. Stainless Steel – which is used when resistance to water, seawater, and chemicals are involved.
Global O-Ring and Seal carries a full line of oil seals in all industry standard sizes and has the ability to create custom oil seals. If you are a distributor or user of oil seals who may have need for our services, contact us today to speak with one of our team members, request a no-obligation quote, or place an order from our extensive inventory at GlobalOring.com.
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Want to learn more? Read “Oil Seals 101, Part 2”.
PRESIDENT/OWNER:
Bill has served in the sealing industry for more than 25 years, and founded Global O-Ring and Seal nearly 10 years ago.
If you have any questions on Agricultural Oil Seal. We will give the professional answers to your questions.