How to choose seals?

Seals, as indispensable key components in mechanical equipment, their performance directly affects the operational efficiency, safety and service life of the equipment. In the market, there are various types of seals made of different materials. Choosing the appropriate seal is crucial for ensuring the normal operation of equipment. The following is a popular science piece of information on how to select seals, hoping to provide you with useful guidance for your purchasing process.

1. Clearly define the usage environment and requirements

a. Temperature range: First of all, it is necessary to understand the temperature range of the working environment where the seal is located, including the highest and lowest working temperatures. Different sealing materials have different adaptability to temperature. For instance, some rubber materials tend to soften at high temperatures but may become hard and brittle at low temperatures.

b. Medium compatibility: Seals need to have good chemical compatibility with the media they come into contact with (such as oil, water, gas, etc.) to prevent erosion or swelling by the media, which could lead to seal failure.

c. Pressure and Speed: Understand the working pressure and relative movement speed that the seal is subjected to in order to select the appropriate sealing material with high strength and wear resistance.

2. Select the appropriate sealing type

There are various types of seals, including common ones such as O-rings, Y-rings, V-rings, oil seals, and mechanical seals. Different types of seals are suitable for different sealing scenarios and working conditions. For example, O-rings are widely used in static sealing and reciprocating motion sealing due to their simple structure and convenient installation. Mechanical seals, on the other hand, are suitable for high-speed rotating shaft seals and can withstand higher pressure and temperature.

3. Consider the material and performance

a. Material selection: The material of the seal directly affects its performance and service life. Common sealing materials include rubber (such as nitrile rubber, fluorine rubber, silicone rubber, etc.), plastic, metal, etc. When making a selection, factors such as the material's temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, and wear resistance should be comprehensively considered based on the usage environment and requirements.

b. Hardness and Elasticity: The hardness and elasticity of the seal are also important considerations. Excessive hardness may cause damage to the seal during installation, while insufficient elasticity may affect the sealing effect.

4. Pay attention to brand and quality

Brand and quality are factors that cannot be ignored when choosing seals. Well-known brands usually have more advanced technologies, stricter quality control systems and more complete after-sales service systems, and can provide more reliable products and services. At the same time, by checking the product's quality inspection report, user reviews and other information, one can also have a more comprehensive understanding of the product quality.

5. Consult a professional

If you have any questions or uncertainties regarding the selection of seals, it is recommended that you consult professionals or suppliers in the relevant field. They can provide targeted suggestions and solutions based on your specific needs and working conditions.

6. Sample testing and verification

Before bulk purchasing, if conditions permit, it is recommended to conduct sample testing or verification. Through actual tests, the performance and applicability of the seals can be intuitively understood, providing a strong basis for subsequent bulk purchases.

In conclusion, when choosing seals, multiple factors need to be comprehensively considered, including the usage environment, seal type, material performance, brand quality, etc. Through a scientific and reasonable purchasing process, it can be ensured that the required sealing parts are selected, providing a strong guarantee for the normal operation of the equipment.

FOREVER SEALS! Seals manufacturer, accept custom seals, from design to research and development, from production to testing, a full range of services. For more information, please contact FOREVER SEALS directly. FOREVER SEALS product experts are here to help you! Whatsapp: +86-18098184099；WeChat: +86-13049188460；  E-mail: sales@foreverseals.com.