Hydraulic seals are ring shaped and can be made from a variety of materials, including polyurethane and rubber. They are used to facilitate separation of fluids in both domestic and industrial hydraulic systems. To improve the operational efficiency of hydraulic systems, which primarily follow the reciprocating principle, it is important to ensure the hydraulic seals are working properly. Although these rings are durable when used appropriately, you must take certain measures to prevent them from failing and compromising the efficiency of your system. Some of these measures will be discussed below.

Ensuring proper installation

Hydraulic seals come in standard sizes, making it rare to find specific ones designed for a certain application. The person installing them is expected to find the right ones that comply with their specific hydraulic system. To prevent failure, it is advisable to work closely with an engineer or manufacturer before installation so that they can help you pick the right seal for your application. These professionals have the right equipment and knowledge to properly install the hydraulic seals. A common problem that can lead to liquid leaks is installing the seal upside-down. Also, a seal can tear if not handled properly during installation. If this happens, the seal will fail after a short period of use. Ensuring a hydraulic seal is properly installed by a professional minimizes the occurrence of such problems.

Preventing contamination

Hydraulic seals get contaminated when tiny elements, such as powder, mud, or dirt get attached on the hydraulic piston. If this contamination continues, the seal will lose its ability to prevent these particles from accessing the piston area. To avoid contamination, it is important to ensure that the seal is clean during installation and that it is properly fixed. In addition, you must use clean oil when lubricating the hydraulic system. Installing rod wipers will keep the rods free from debris and dirt, which prevents them from contaminating the seals.

Preventing erosion by heat

High-temperature application can melt the hydraulic seals, making them brittle and prone to cracking. The constant friction from the system significantly decreases the life expectancy of the hydraulic seal. Thus, it is important to constantly inspect the seals for any signs of degradation to minimize the chances of failure. To protect hydraulic seals from heat degradation, you can buy those made from heatresistant materials. Also, lubricating the hydraulic system regularly prevents the seal from wearing out fast due to friction.