What Types of Seals Are Used in Hydraulic Cylinder?

Seals play a critical role in the functioning of hydraulic cylinders, which are essential components in various industrial and mechanical systems.

 

Seals play a critical role in the functioning of hydraulic cylinders, which are essential components in various industrial and mechanical systems. These seals are designed to prevent leakage of hydraulic fluid and to maintain pressure within the cylinder, ensuring optimal performance and longevity of the equipment. There are several types of seals used in hydraulic cylinders, each with its own unique characteristics and applications. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the various railways.

 

Rod Seals:

 

Rod seals are located in the gland of the hydraulic cylinder and are responsible for sealing the fluid leakage from the hydraulic cylinder's rod side.

They prevent the fluid from escaping the system and also protect the system against external contaminants such as dust, dirt, and moisture.

 

Common types of rod seals include:

 

Single-acting rod seals: These seals only seal in one direction and are used in single-acting hydraulic cylinders.

Double-acting rod seals: These seals are capable of sealing in both directions and are used in double-acting hydraulic cylinders.

 

Piston Seals:

Piston seals are installed in the piston of the hydraulic cylinder and seal the fluid leakage from the piston side.

They ensure that pressure is maintained within the cylinder and prevent fluid from bypassing the piston, thus maximizing the cylinder's efficiency.

 

Piston seals are available in various designs, including:

Symmetrical seals: These seals have the same profile on both sides and are suitable for use in double-acting hydraulic cylinders.

Unsymmetrical seals: These seals have different profiles on each side and are used in single-acting hydraulic cylinders.

 

Hydraulic Cylinder Piston Seal & Rod Seal

Wiper Seals:

Wiper seals, also known as scraper seals or dust seals, are located outside the rod or piston and are designed to remove contaminants such as dust, dirt, and moisture from the hydraulic cylinder's rod or piston.

 

By preventing contaminants from entering the cylinder, wiper seals help extend the life of the rod and other sealing components.

 

Wiper seals are typically made from materials such as polyurethane or rubber and are available in various designs, including:

 

Single lip wiper seals

Double lip wiper seals

 

Buffer Seals:

Buffer seals, also known as bumper seals or cushion seals, are installed between the piston and the rod seal in double-acting hydraulic cylinders.

They act as a barrier to prevent metal-to-metal contact between the piston and the rod seal, thus reducing friction and wear.

Buffer seals also help absorb shock and vibration, improving the overall performance and durability of the hydraulic cylinder.

 

Guide Rings:

Guide rings, also known as wear rings or bearing rings, are used to guide the piston or rod within the hydraulic cylinder and prevent metal-to-metal contact.

 

They help maintain proper alignment and reduce friction between moving components, thus minimizing wear and extending the life of the cylinder.

 

Guide rings are typically made from materials such as bronze, PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), or nylon and are available in various configurations to suit different applications.

 

Backup Rings:

Backup rings, also known as support rings or anti-extrusion rings, are used in conjunction with primary seals such as rod seals and piston seals.

 

They provide additional support to the primary seals and help prevent extrusion or damage under high pressure conditions.

 

Backup rings are typically made from materials such as polyurethane or PTFE and are available in various shapes and sizes to accommodate different sealing arrangements.

 

O-Rings:

O-rings are one of the most commonly used types of seals in hydraulic cylinders.

 

Custom O Ring

They are circular elastomeric seals with a cross-sectional shape resembling the letter "O" and are used to seal static and dynamic connections between various components of the hydraulic system.

 

O-rings are available in a wide range of materials, including rubber, silicone, and fluorocarbon, to suit different operating conditions and fluid compatibility requirements.

 

In conclusion, the proper selection and installation of seals are crucial for the reliable and efficient operation of hydraulic cylinders. By understanding the different types of seals available and their respective functions, hydraulic system designers and maintenance professionals can ensure optimal performance, longevity, and safety of hydraulic equipment in various industrial and mechanical applications.

 

If you need customized types of seals, you are welcome to contact us at any time.