What Is the Hydraulic Cylinder Seal?

Inside a hydraulic cylinder are several seals that perform important functions to keep the cylinder running efficiently while protecting the internal components from contaminants, corrosion and other elements. These often overlooked components are the most important part of your hydraulic system - in fact, without them, your system simply wouldn't work.

While you'll rarely see these hydraulic cylinder seals in operation, it's important to understand the different types of seals your machine uses. When you understand the differences between the function of each seal and the materials used to make hydraulic cylinder seals, you'll ensure that your equipment will not only perform at its best as expected, but will also stand the test of time.

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What Types of Hydraulic Cylinder Seal?

Hydraulic cylinder seals can be divided into two main categories: static and dynamic. Static seals are used when the components are not designed to experience relative motion. These seals include O-rings, D-rings, backup seals, and other seals that are designed to remain in a fixed relative position.

Static seals are typically found at the connection between the piston and the piston rod. The static piston seal is located inside the piston and the piston rod passes through it. The pressure from the piston rod creates an impenetrable seal that prevents hydraulic fluid from being pushed to the other side of the piston. This is especially important in single-acting pistons, where there is only hydraulic fluid on one side of the piston.

Dynamic hydraulic cylinder seals, on the other hand, are used where there is relative movement between two components. Since dynamic seals serve many different functions within a hydraulic cylinder, it's best to look in detail at some of the specific seals you may encounter. The main common types are piston seals, rod seals and cushion seals, wiper seals, guide rings, and more. See the news that follows for specific parameters.

What Material Is Hydraulic Seal Kit?

Hydraulic cylinder seals can be manufactured from many different materials. Each material has different properties that make them better suited for different conditions, including high pressures and temperatures, as well as corrosive chemicals. The following are the different materials you may encounter:

Hydraulic seals can be made from a variety of materials, such as polyurethane, rubber or PTFE. The type of material is determined by specific operating conditions, or due to fluid type, pressure, fluid chemical compatibility or temperature limitations.

How to Choose the Right Hydraulic Cylinder Seals?

However, choosing the right seal is not just a matter of material. There are many external factors to consider when you design your cylinder. Each of these factors can go a long way in determining which hydraulic cylinder seals you need to ensure that your system will work effectively over the long term.

Cylinder Applications

One of the most important considerations when designing a hydraulic cylinder is to know exactly what you need your cylinder to do. In general, you can divide your application into three different categories: light load, medium load, and heavy load.

Having a realistic expectation of the level of load your cylinders will require will ensure that you don't replace your equipment prematurely. If you're not sure which category your cylinder falls into, or if you think you're on the dividing line between the two service levels, it's usually a good idea to go with a heavier model - just in case.

Temperature

You need to know your average operating temperature, but you also need to know the temperature of your equipment when it is at rest.

Velocity

This is the speed at which your piston is running through your cylinder. Typically, the faster the cylinder is running, the higher the cylinder temperature will be.

Fluid Pressure

It is important to know what kind of pressure your cylinder will encounter, this is usually expressed as a range. You will also need to determine any pressure spikes, paying attention to intensity and frequency.

Hydraulic Fluids

There are several different hydraulic fluids to choose from, each with a different viscosity, which will affect the hydraulic cylinder seals you will need.

Size

The shape of your cylinder will also have an impact on the seals you want to use in the cylinder. You need to know the exact dimensions of these components: tie rod diameter, bore, stroke length and overall length of the cylinder.

Each of these factors will play a role in determining other considerations, including pressure, speed and power. These can go a long way in helping you choose the right hydraulic cylinder seals to keep your equipment working properly.

Suncar Seals for Hydraulic Systems

No matter what your hydraulic system needs, Suncar Seals Hydraulics is here for you. Our team of experts can answer all your questions about hydraulic cylinder seals. And our highly trained technicians will make sure you get the information you need.

We're always happy to provide on-site repairs to solve any problems you encounter, as well as preventative maintenance to ensure your hydraulic system continues to work at peak performance.

We have experience in many industries, including food and beverage, construction, manufacturing and waste management. If you are looking for a trusted partner to help you with hydraulic services, please contact us.