WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MECHANICAL SEAL AND OIL SEAL?

An oil seal is designed to perform three major functions: to prevent lubricants from leaking outside the seal even under high pressure, to act as a barrier to retain the lubricating oil, and to prevent dirt and other contaminants from entering the unit.

They are typically made from elastomers such as rubber or silicone and consist of an outer metal case with a sealing lip on the inner side.

Pick the proper seal for your bearing with the NBC bearing.

Oil seals come in a vast range of materials and compounds. Even older materials, such leather, are still used today. Nitrile is among the most common materials for oil seals but is slowly losing ground to PTFE, which is gaining popularity due to its effectiveness in high-speed applications. 

It is quite common for a groove to develop at the sealing lip at some point due to long-term use. As a result, the new oil seal no longer fits and seals properly. It is not strictly necessary to replace or repair the entire shaft. Take a closer look at the dimensions first. It may be possible to fit with a slightly narrower or wider oil seal next to the groove. Alternatively, using the Speedi-Sleeve repair kit, repair the running surface under the seal.

Modern engine oils, such as the current SG classification for gasoline engines, contain a large fraction of additives, many of which are detrimental to fluoroelastomers. The primary functions of oil-additive packages are to protect metal parts, avoid deposits in the engine, minimize oil degradation, and adjust fluid viscosity. Little attention has been paid to avoiding damage to rubber seals. Instead, elastomer producers have been expected to provide new, higher-performing products at no increased cost to auto manufacturers. Among the additives with moieties that may attack fluoroelastomers at high temperature are detergents (phenolates), dispersants (succinimides, alkylphenol amines), and antioxidants (amines, sulfides, hindered phenols).⁴ Many of these components are multifunctional, containing phenol or amine groups that can dehydrofluorinate and crosslink VDF-containing fluoroelastomers, leading to loss of elongation and eventual embrittlement. However, the rate and extent of reactions with seals are affected by many factors, including whether air is present in the system. When oil is exposed to air at high temperature, additives may undergo considerable changes. For example, a significant fraction of amines may be oxidized to amides, which have little effect on fluoroelastomers.⁵

Regular maintenance and inspection of the oil seal are essential to ensure its continued effectiveness. Any signs of wear or damage should be addressed promptly to prevent oil leaks and potential damage to the machinery or equipment.

Selecting the right oil seal involves comprehensively evaluating your application’s needs and conditions. Below are the key factors to consider when choosing an oil seal:

VMQ (silicone)

By preventing lubricants from escaping, they protect key components of machinery from being damaged by leaks of various fluids. Everything from car engines to assembly machines use these oil seals to remain free from any harmful interactions that can cause serious and expensive damage to any of their critical parts.

A piston oil seal, also known as a piston seal ring, is a critical component in an internal combustion engine. It plays a crucial role in preventing oil leakage from the piston and ensuring efficient engine operation.