Basic Things you Should Know About Oil Seals – Part 2

Mar 20, 2018 Industrial seals | Oil Seals

Oil seals are used in various industries for enhancing performance of moving parts. In the last post, we have discussed some general things about oil seals. In this post, we will discuss a few more crucial information related to oil seals.

Endless Options of Customization
Besides standard oil seals available, manufacturers offers the customization options as well. You can customize oil seals in any material (listed in the previous post), shapes, sizes, case design, spring position, spring tension, primary and secondary lip geometry, and so on. Also, oil seals can be customized to incorporate specific characteristics like:

Bend resistance
Electrical insulation
EMI shielding
Protects from electromagnetic (EMI) interference.
Flame retardant
Heat dissipating and heat reflective
Resistance to abrasion, acids, alkalies, corrosion, oil, salts and so on.

Handling of Oil Seals
Oil seals must be handled and stored carefully to prevent oil leakage along with assuring expected performance when used in applications. The following rules must be strictly followed when storing, handling and transporting oil seals.

Store the seals in a room that is air conditioned (Room temperature max 30℃)
Avoid storing oil seals under direct exposure to sunlight. Always store them in sealed containers which protects them from dust, solvents, and other contaminants.
When transporting oil seals, do not stack it to avoid excessive impact. There are chances of deformation in such conditions.
Use only kerosene to clean the seals. Other corrosive fluids and industrial cleaners are not recommended.

Oil Seals (2)
A Brief Discussion on Oil Seal Lubrication
When the oil seals are located near the lubricated bearings they get sufficient lubrication from the bearings. If these seals are used for sealing water, still they receive enough lubrication. In non-lubricating applications, additional efforts must be made to lubricate the seal. Dual seals are typically used for such applications, because they are pre-packed with grease between the sealing edges. While using dual seals, extra care must be taken during their mounting, in order to avoid the pressure build up due to the grease. Thus, lubrication is very important for oil seals, during the operation and in assembly, because it helps avoid friction losses, and ensures proper heat dissipation between greased edges.

Usually, these seals are supplied with an instruction manual, which has information on handling, installation, and troubleshooting tips among others. Hence, it is crucial for the user to read and understand the guidelines before using them in application.

With these basic understanding of oil seals, you would surely make a wise purchasing decision. It is always better to clear your doubts and queries from the manufacturer for making an informed purchase. SSP Manufacturing, Inc. is one of the leading manufacturers of oil seals in custom specifications.