A Spin on Seals: Using PTFE Rotary Shaft Seals
Sealing,
as any respectable engineer knows, involves wedging a gasket between two parts
to create a pressurized seal. There are as many seals as there are junctions
that need sealing; and each seal is exclusively meant to close off the joint
between two specific parts. Shafts, tubes, and other radial parts are usually
linked via an o-ring or another similar gasket, but o-rings aren't always the
go-to seals for radial applications.
Enter
the rotary shaft seal. A hybrid between a PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) sealing
lip and a mechanical body usually energized by a spring, this seal can secure
radial parts together with a firm and solid grip. Movement and imperfections in
the parts' shapes don't faze rotary shaft seals in the slightest; thanks to the
spring inside these seals, they're able to conform to whatever shape the parts
take while maintaining their tight leak-proof interface.
Even
heat can't dampen the performance of these specialized seals. PTFE is
chemically-resistant, and can endure very high heat. Simply put, there couldn't
be a more appropriate and durable material to serve as a sealing lip. Although they
can count on the seals being sturdy, operators might still want to inspect their
machines once in a while to ensure these seals hold up and deny fluid passage.
Source:
http://www.engineerlive.com/content/21015
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Please check out our website at Darcoid for all type of seals for various applications in the industry.
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