3 Questions to Ask Before Buying Hydraulic Seals
Choosing the right hydraulic seal for a piece of equipment isn't just a question of finding the right size. Seals have to deal with different environments and conditions. You need to find a product that matches your needs.
To work out what you need, find the answers to the following questions.
1. Do You Need Dynamic or Static Seals?
The placement of a hydraulic seal on a machine or piece of equipment can dictate what kind of product you should buy. For example, some seals need to be dynamic while others work under static conditions.
Think about where the seal will go. If it has to seal the gap between one or more moving parts, then it has to cope with dynamic movement. The seal has to be strong and flexible enough to move with its component parts while staying in place.
However, if the seal will sit between two parts that don't move, then you need a static product. Here, the seal doesn't need to be as flexible because it won't move. It simply needs to be strong.
2. Will the Seal Be Exposed to Heat?
Some hydraulic seals are exposed to different temperatures. For example, some have to deal with cold while others have to deal with higher temperatures. If you have temperature extremes or fluctuations, then you should choose seals that can cope.
If you get this wrong, then your seals won't work that well or last that long. For example, if things get to hot for a seal, then it could start to melt. If it can't cope with colder temperatures, then it might turn brittle and break. So, make sure to check the internal temperatures around the seal as well as the ambient temperatures in its environment.
3. Will the Seal Come Into Contact With Liquids?
You also need to put some thought into any substances that might touch the seal. For example, you might have water or chemicals running though the areas where a seal sits. You need to ensure that these substances won't do any harm.
For example, some seals shouldn't come into regular contact with water or other liquids. They might swell up and lose their shape. When this happens, they lose their fit and can't do their job. Or, chemicals might eat away at some materials and break the seal.
Once you've got the answers to these questions, contact hydraulic seal suppliers and ask about suitable products.
