When hydraulic seals fail, this can result in a halt to production while repairs are done. Not only does it cost money, but it can put your project behind. To help you avoid this, it is important that you recognize the most common reasons for seals to fail so that you can prevent them.
Overuse/Fatigue
Your seals can only withstand so much use and cycling before they are fatigued. Too much stress can lead to a limited lifespan and ultimately, failure. To avoid fatigue and overuse, there are several things you can do. For instance, you can lower the amount of friction that is placed on the seals. This can be done by adjusting the fluid film that is beneath the seal. Your seals dealer can help you find the right film for your particular seal.
Keeping the seals properly lubricated also helps to cut down on the fatigue that the seals experience. Your dealer can supply you with the right lubrication for the seal since there are different types for each kind of seal.
Installation Problems
One of the most common reasons for a seal to fail is that it was not properly installed. The improper installation can lead to leaks, increased friction, and a host of other problems. It is important that you rely on a skilled professional to help with the installation. You also need to periodically have the seals checked to detect potential problems.
Erosion
When it comes to hydraulic seals, there are two types of erosion that can cause them to be damaged. During operations, your seals can be exposed to a number of chemicals, including solvents. The repeated exposure can cause the seals to erode. To avoid this problem, you need to find seals that are specially coated to handle the chemical exposure. Without them, you could end up replacing your seals far more often than you wanted.
Erosion that is caused by heat is also possible. High levels of friction can create heat that is damaging to seals. Instead of installing regular hydraulic seals, you need to be sure to purchase and install hydraulic seals that are heat-resistant. Check the temperature ratings for the seals before purchase to ensure that they can withstand the levels of heat that are generated by your equipment.
There are many other reasons that your hydraulic seals can fail. Talk to your dealer to help identify those and what you can do to avoid the failure.
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