Rod seals also called gland seal are seals used to prevent fluid from escaping from cylinders. They are used for pneumatic and hydraulic cylinders. They are used to make hydraulic cylinders perform optimally.

How do rod seals work?

They are placed inside the cylinder head and condensed against the cylinder rod. In this position, the cylinder fluid is contained in the seal and pressure is produced. Rod seals create a seal at high and low pressure, with a combination of varying high and low temperatures. Therefore, hydraulic seal suppliers leave a thin oil film which will be returned into the cylinder, after passing a useful wiper seal. This lubrication seal lubricates both the rod seal and the wiper seal.

Uses of rod seals

The major function of a rod seal is to prevent accidents that can occur as a result of the leakage of fluid from a hydraulic cylinder. Rod seals prevent environmental damages from the spillage of liquid in cylinders. They also forestall fluid contamination. Furthermore, rod seals prevent system failure and maintain the performance of the equipment. Certain kinds of gland seals are used for heavy construction, excavating and mining equipment. Others made for low friction and high speed operating situations are used in engine bearings and pumps. They boost the conversion of liquid into motion.

Types of hydraulic seals

A Rod Seal is one of the various types of hydraulic seals. There are other types of hydraulic seals such as piston seals, rod seals, wiper seals and guide seals.

Piston seals

Piston seals are also called piston rings. They are used for fluid sealing in hydraulic cylinders. They are placed within the cylinder; between the cylinder head seal and the cylinder bore. The position causes pressure to build on one side of the piston making the cylinder to expand and contract. Piston seals prevent leakage outside the piston and maximizes efficiency of the machine. There are single acting piston seals and double acting piston seals. Piston seals are used in mobile hydraulic machines. They are found around the outer part of pistons in reciprocating engines like steam engines and internal combustion engines. They cover the combustion chamber to prevent escape of gas to the crank case. They increase heat transfer from the piston to the wall of the cylinder. In addition, piston seals maintain the quality of oil between the cylinder wall and the piston. Piston rings regulate the consumption of engine oil by scratching off oil from the cylinder walls to the sump.

Wiper seals

Wiper seals are seals that create a covering, as they permit a reciprocating shaft to pass through the inner bore of the seal. They are a kind of buffer seal. During the configuring of hydraulic cylinders, wipers are placed to prevent dirt, dust, moisture and other contaminants from entering the cylinder. Wiper seals can be found in hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders and telescopic suspension clefts for bicycles and motorcycles. They work in harmony with the rod seals to protect the hydraulic system by keeping it free from contaminants. Hydraulic seal suppliers design these seals without metallic components. Snap in wipers as they are also called are easy to install. They are made from urethane, Viton, polyamide and nitrile. Yet another name for wiper seal is scraper. Scrapers provide steadfastness and firmness in applications that operate better when liquids and particles are kept out of the lubrication system.

Guide seals

A guide seal is a piece of metal cast into the head of a cylinder. Another name for a guide seal is a valve guide. A major function of the guide seal is to use the combustion process to conduct heat from the exhaust valve into the head off the cylinder. At the cylinder head, the cooling system would take over the process. Proper installation of the valve guide must be done by experts such as hydraulic seal suppliers. This is to prevent the valve from sticking as a result of too little clearance. Sticking of the valve will result in contamination of oil and thermal expansion. It is also important to not give too much space which would cause the valve to not be firm, which would result in excessive oil consumption. As valve guides experience wear and tear, they may lose strength to seal the combustion chamber. In such situations, performance of the engine will decrease. Then the engine will begin burning oil and leaking from the cylinder head into the intake and exhaust manifolds.

Wear rings

Wear rings are used to maintain the centralized position of the piston. They ensure even wear and tear and distribution of stress on the seals. This kind of seal is also a buffer seal because it is used alongside other seals; to complement the activities of other seals.

Maintenance of hydraulic cylinder

The most important step towards maintaining your hydraulic cylinders is to keep your oil clean. Install filters in hydraulic systems and change the filters when necessary. There are other steps to be taken to ensure your cylinders remain in good condition.

Cylinder inspection

Check your cylinders frequently for rod corrosion. Corrosion could indicate excess liquid around the rod or in the fluid.

These problems are better nipped in the bud. Greasing the cylinder from time to time would reduce rust and wear.

Cylinder rotation

It is helpful to have several cylinders so that you can alternate them. This will reduce wear on the cylinders. The condition of the cylinder is an indicator or pointer to the condition of the hydraulic system as a whole.