Rotary Seals

Rotary seals, also known as lip seals, are a vital component in machinery used across numerous industries. These seals are responsible for ensuring that fluids do not leak, whilst also protecting the internal components from dust, dirt and other contaminants.

Types of rotary shaft seals
There are different types of rotary shaft seals, each with its own specific design and materials. Some common types include:

Radial Lip Seals
Also known as lip seals or shaft seals, they are the most common type of rotary seal. They are typically used in applications where the sealing surface is rotating relative to the housing. Radial lip seals can be designed for low to high-speed applications and are available in a variety of materials to suit different fluid and temperature requirements.

V-Ring Seals
V-rings are another type of rotary seal that are used for shafts that rotate in both directions. They are typically made of elastomer or rubber and can handle high-speed applications. V-ring seals are effective at preventing contamination from entering the shaft area.

Mechanical Seals
Designed to seal against the rotating shaft using two flat surfaces, they are typically used in high-pressure applications where a high degree of sealing is required. Mechanical seals can be made from a variety of materials including ceramic, carbon and metal.

Labyrinth Seals
Labyrinth seals are a non-contact type of rotary seal that use a series of grooves to create a tortuous path for the fluid or gas to flow through. They are typically used in high-speed applications where there is a risk of fluid leakage. Labyrinth seals are effective at preventing contamination from entering the shaft area.

Gland Seals
Gland seals are typically used to seal a rotating shaft, where the shaft passes through a stationary housing or casing, such as in a pump or a mixer. The packing material used in gland seals can be made of various materials such as graphite, PTFE, aramid fibre or carbon.