Hydraulic systems utilize pressurized fluid to power commercial and industrial machinery. In addition to high pressures, this equipment is subjected to hot environments, the elements, corrosive media, and contaminants, making these systems vulnerable to leaks and the resulting pressure drops.
To prevent this during operations, manufacturers of everything from earth-moving and forestry equipment to industrial hydraulics and material-handling machines rely on high-quality hydraulic seals. These sealing devices help minimize fluid loss, maximize equipment performance and efficiency, and regulate internal fluid pressure levels for safe, consistent operations.
Sealing Benefits for Hydraulic Machines
Sitting between the mating faces of components and maintaining tension to safeguard against fluid loss, hydraulic seals play a significant role in the overall performance and health of hydraulic systems. Key benefits that these O-rings provide in hydraulic applications include:
- Reliable leak prevention. High-quality hydraulic seals protect the integrity of a system by keeping fluid from escaping through part joints and seams, even if the system is carrying corrosive media or operating at high pressure levels and temperatures.
- Pressure regulation. Avoiding fluid loss in a system allows for better pressure regulation, as well. Pressurized hydraulic systems rely on tight seals to maintain system pressure.
- Enhanced performance. By ruling out hydraulic fluid leakage, you’ll also support safe, optimal performance in your manufactured systems and equipment. These seals will maximize power output while utilizing energy more efficiently.
- Longevity. When systems are maintained properly, hydraulic seals are long-term sealing devices due to their durability in the face of friction, corrosive substances, and harsh operating conditions.
- Reduced costs. These robust seals save users money over time by minimizing diminished machine performance, unscheduled or emergency shutdowns, and safety hazards. As long-lasting sealing solutions, they also lower maintenance, repair, or replacement costs.
- Lubrication. Certain hydraulic seals are capable of retaining fluids to lubricate system parts, reducing wear, friction, and heat buildup as they move against each other.
Types of Seals in Hydraulics
For customers to realize these benefits, manufacturers must first choose the right sealing component for the needs of the intended application.
Linear Hydraulic Seals
Linear hydraulic seals are found in hydraulic cylinders, which take hydraulic energy and turn it into linear motion and force. They’re often used in transport vehicles as well as equipment for the manufacturing and construction sectors.
Rotary Lip Seals
Agricultural equipment relies on rotary lip seals that can keep hydraulic and lubricating fluids in and contaminants like dust and dirt out. They can withstand the harsh environmental conditions, fluctuating temperatures, and high pressures to which agricultural machinery is exposed. The ideal rotary seal for such applications is capable of resisting everything from moisture to corrosive substances like fuel and grease that the equipment requires to operate, ensuring long-term use.
Radial Oil Seals
Radial oil seals sit between two component faces, one turning relative to the other. Also known as radial shaft seals, rotary shaft lip seals, or simply oil seals, they help prevent friction by sealing lubricating fluids internally. In addition to keeping contaminants out of the fluid media, these round seals also prevent cross-contamination between different fluids within the system.
Sealing Devices for Hydraulic Systems by Arizona Sealing
Hydraulic O-rings and seals are essential to preserving the functionality, efficiency, and safety of a hydraulic system. At Arizona Sealing Devices, Inc., we’ve been distributing reliable, high-performance sealing products to manufacturing clients in industries ranging from medical to military since 1989. The quality O-rings, gaskets, caps, plugs, and kits in our catalog help ensure consistent operations in your systems without failure or leaks.
We offer these products in varying sizes, shapes, materials, and designs, with the ability to comply with industry-based regulations. Contact our qualified sealing experts to learn how seals and O-rings from Arizona Sealing Devices can support your operations, or request a quote today to start your order.