Automotive seals, as the name implies, are used in vehicles. They are devices that are used to join systems together. It also prevents leakage, exclude contaminants, and contain pressure. There are different types of seals and they are used in induction sealing, heating, stuffing, and adhesion of parts. The efficacy of the seals is dependent on the adhesion of both the sealant and the gasket.

Functions of Automotive Seals

Unlike other seals used in different industries, automotive seals have excellent reliability, are long-lasting and extremely silent. They can survive heavy duty use and extreme vibrations attributed to a running engine. Without these seals, everything would fall apart. Seals allow the vehicle to function properly as well as to run. They are used in different applications not only in cars but also in motorcycles, ATVs, and off-road heavy machinery and equipment.

Seals are integral parts of the automotive industry. They are used in a variety of different applications. Seals may be small but they serve an even bigger and greater purpose in the integrity of the vehicle. Below are the functions of the seals in cars.

• They enclose the gas and liquid within the chamber. The gas tank contains seals that allow the vehicle to use up the fuel without wasting it. Hydraulic seals are also important for the movement of vehicle parts. Systems within the vehicle that uses hydraulic seals include suspensions and brakes.

• Stave off contaminants from crucial parts of the vehicle components. Seals keep away dust and other debris away from the engine and other important components of the vehicle.

• They keep liquids and gases separated from one another. There are many car parts that use liquids and gases to function properly. Examples include: the engine which keeps the coolant and engine oil, brakes for the brake fluid, and the reservoir to keep the power steering fluid to name a few.

• To protect bearings. Bearings are often filled with lubricants that protect the parts from corrosion, wear, and tear. The bearings need to be spotless, thus a contamination within it may cause the housing elements to experience premature failure. The seals protect the bearing by preventing dust and powder from entering the assembly.

Types of Automotive Seals

There are a lot of seals that the automotive industry use but there are two types of seals that are commonly used. These seals have also found their way into other industries. Below are the different types of automotive seals that also have mechanical applications.

O-rings seals

O-rings are made from elastomeric materials. They function by sealing two adjacent surfaces thus keeping the liquids contained from within a particular system. They are designed to take on extreme pressure and temperature as well as corrosive gases and liquids. They are designed to have a contact with the sealing face. It is very flexible. Thus, allowing it to accommodate any imperfections on the mounting surfaces.

It is considered as one of the most common type of seals used in machines as they are cheap and very easy to manufacture. They are also very reliable and have simple requirements, making the mounting process less complicated. Also called toric joint or packing, O-rings also have mechanical applications especially where relative motion between parts are involves. They are used to contain pressure and fluid. O-rings are used in vacuum applications to keep the pressure in check. They are also used to prevent leaks in pumps.

Lathe-cut seals

Lathe cut seals are used similarly with O-rings. They are made from a rubber tubing that has been inserted with a mandrel to cut the desired dimension. They provide more cost-performance benefits especially when static seal is needed. Unlike O-rings, lathe-cut seals provide wider surface for sealing thus making it more resistant against compression. They are also less expensive making them great for high volume gaskets.

Lip seals

This type of seal is used in rotating shafts. The lip provides a seal from a low-pressure chamber. It is installed in the pressure source and it balloons out to provide tight sealing. They are used in motors as well as reversible motors. They are also used in devices that need to maintain vacuum conditions to preclude dirt and contamination for entering.

Packing

Packing is a type of woven fiber that are packed between parts that needed to be sealed. This type of packing can be dynamic or static. It functions as a rotating shaft seal and gasket in different types of application. It is placed in a bore and compressed by a flange in automotive parts. It can also be used to seal a pump. In fact, industries like the paper manufacturing and milling use packing seals to prevent leaks.

Seals are created to prevent leaks. There are different types of leaks that are used in different industries but it is important to take note that even if they are designed to cater to the automotive industry, they have profound mechanical applications.

For more information on a variety of engineered rubber and plastic sealants, machinery devices, laboratory testing, and design engineering, contact Real Seal.

Our organization is geared to meet the more fragmenting aspects of industry today. Industrial manufacturers are being tasked with offering consumers more choice, a wider latitude of performance criterion, and greater economic restraints. As American industry continues to evolve to meet the demands of today’s consumers and the challenges of international competition, Real Seal continues to provide solutions and create value.

Mechanical seals are perhaps one of the most underrated and unappreciated parts of pumps or machines. They ensure that pumps, for instance, do not leak, causing damage to the rest of the machine.

In general, mechanical seals contain the fluid within machines, like pumps and mixers, where a rotating shaft passes through a stationary housing. It prevents visible leaks from leaking. The thing is that machines do leak about ½ teaspoon of liquid each day. But this is normal as the machine captures the moisture and is condensed within it. It also has lightly loaded faces that consume less power. Moreover, the machines suffer from less corrosion because the product or liquid is contained within the pump.

There are different types of seals that machines use and these include stationary seal, rotating seal, balanced seal, unbalanced seal, and mounted seal. The most common seal is the rotating seal and it is used as a component that holds rotating springs together.

The quality of seals is crucial. It is also important to apply the correct seal for the appropriate function. But even if you have chosen the right seal, there will be moments wherein your seals are failing fast. This is especially true if you are working in a plant containing different industries. You have to take note that the mechanical seal serves as the lifeline of the machine. Thus, letting you understand the health of your machine. When the seals are failing, it indicates that your machine might also be failing. There are so many reasons why seals fail and understanding these reasons is crucial to protecting the seal and making it last for a long time. Below are the common reasons why seals get broken.

Letting the Pump or Machine Run Dry

Letting the pump run dry can damage the mechanical seal. Because the seals should not run dry, they are usually designed to allow a thin film of liquid that migrates across the seal faces. If the seals run dry, the friction can cause heat to build up eventually cause damage and leaks. In most cases, the mechanical seal undergoes thermal shock and can disintegrate within 30 seconds after friction and heat have been introduced to it.

Too Much Vibration

Machines do vibrate over time and this is caused by many factors like improper alignment and pump imbalance. It can also be caused by operating the pump beyond its best efficiency point. This means that the machine is operating beyond its normal working point. Machines normally make vibrations as they contain different moving components that produce movements resulting in vibrations. Vibrations can hurt the machine thus resulting in damaged components including reduced seal life.

Hammering Couplings

Machines contain components such as pistons that take on a hammering action. While it is necessary to move the machine, hammering can be very destructive not only for the machine but also for the seals. In some machines, the hammering is so intense that it produces a lot of movement and vibrations. While hammering is inherent among machines that are driven by the piston, it can cause a lot of problems to the seal.

Human Error

Human error can also cause the seals to fail. An example of human error that can lead to damage of seals is skipping initial start-up procedures. If the machine does not start properly, this causes the motor to trip and the shaft to twist. In turn causing movement that results to internal parts coming into contact. It can also lead to failure of the seal and reduce the bearing life. On another note, improperly installing the seal can cause damage to components such as the O-rings. Failure to clean the surrounding of the seals can also lead to failure. Proper maintenance should be given to the seal. The thing is that seals are very sensitive and they can get damaged with even the presence of oil, dirt, and even fingerprints.

Using the Wrong Mechanical Seal

There are different types of mechanical seals out there and it is important that the appropriate seal should be used for a particular machine. Unfortunately, even seasoned engineers lack the necessary information on which type of mechanical seal they should use with their machines. Choosing an inappropriate mechanical seal leads to errors during the installation process. Remember that different machines or pumps handle different kinds of products. You cannot, for instance, choose a seal to handle an abrasive and caustic liquid and expect it to not leak eventually.

If you want to improve the lifespan of your machine, it is important to reduce the mechanical seal failure. You can do this by selecting the right seal and also engaging in good operating practices. While seals look small and disposable, they are very reliable and they can function effectively if they are used and cared for properly.

For more information on a variety of engineered rubber and plastic sealants, machinery devices, laboratory testing, and design engineering, contact Real Seal. Our organization is geared to meet the more fragmenting aspects of industry today. Industrial manufacturers are being tasked with offering consumers more choice, a wider latitude of performance criterion, and greater economic restraints. As American industry continues to evolve to meet the demands of today’s consumers and the challenges of international competition, Real Seal continues to provide solutions and create value.