As a seal degrades and becomes defective, it becomes imperative that you inspect it to find out the reason for its failure. Sometimes, it’s reasonable for a seal to fail, as these are parts being exposed to extreme conditions and may suffer some kind of abnormal strain during an operational mechanical failure.
On the other hand, if a seal fails within its normal operating ranges and before expected, then you may have cause for concern. You may be using the wrong kind of seal or material and future failures can be avoided by replacing the seal with a better fit. Here are some signs to watch for:
Distorted Material
If the seal you are using feels or appears sticky, swollen, or is disintegrating you are probably using the wrong kind of material. The chemicals that the seal is interfacing with are degrading the material through a chemical reaction. Depending on whether you consulted an expert or chose the seal yourself, you may want to either consult an expert or switch to a more knowledgeable supplier. Knowing which material your seal should consist of is a major part in selecting the right seal for your operation.
Heat Related Issues
Heat can affect different materials in a wide range of ways; not just melting. The most obvious signs of heat being the cause of your defective seal are: charring, burning, or melting appearance. Hardening is another possible sign of excessive heat, the elastomer is essentially being baked. If the operation is outputting the expected amount of heat, then it is best to switch to a more heat tolerant material. Ensure that no additional friction is being generated, as this is a common source of excess heat. If all factors are accounted for, there are many materials with higher heat resistance than what you may be using.
Physical Damage
Pressure and friction are major factors when identifying defects in your seal. If a seal has become flattened, it’s very likely the pressure being exerted upon the seal is too great. Harder seals may crack when under too much pressure. In operations with extreme pressure, a material that is able to retain its shape while not cracking or fracturing is the ideal.
Decompression can cause an explosive outwards force, possibly tearing off the seal.
Friction will tear, rip, or shred the seal if it isn’t hard enough. Seal hardness can also damage machinery if it is too hard, causing damage to the surfaces they are sealing or putting additional strain on moving parts. The additional friction may also be caused by the coarseness of the fluid the seal is keeping in, which may cause physical damage to the seal.
Cutting and slicing can also occur when the mechanical parts the seal is touching are too sharp. A harder material may be required for these types of applications.
Manufacturing Defects
Perhaps the hardest to detect and most costly cause of seal failure and defects is improper manufacturing. Outsourced material and manufacturing can be less effective than more specialized companies. If the seals you are receiving have visible defects such as large seams, cracking, blistering, or other warping effects, then the seals are low quality.
Not all defects will be so obvious. If your operation is working within expected ranges and the material should hold up to these ranges, your manufacturer may be at fault. Seals are such an important aspect of any operation, ensuring safety and efficiency is paramount. When your seals break regularly, it can cause lost time, product, and money.
Using an expert in the field can ensure that you are using the correct seal for your operation. Real Seal is a veteran in the sealing industry with decades of experience. If your seals are defective, underperforming, or less economical than desired, contact Real Seal today for a consultation.
