Sealing environmentally friendly fluids
There are many components in a hydraulic system that can be a leakage risk.
Split hoses, faulty connections and accidental spillage account for a large proportion of hydraulic fluid loses. Consequently, industries such as the oil and gas sector are moving to use more environmentally friendly fluids.
These fluids result in several challenges in hydraulic cylinders and the sealing technologies within. It is worth noting that, contrary to popular belief, dynamic seals in hydraulic cylinders do leak small amounts of fluid in the process of providing necessary and important boundary layer lubrication.
This appears as a thin layer of media that passes under the sealing lip to reduce both friction and heat, allowing the seal to operate longer. However, it prompts several questions: how much boundary lubrication is acceptable, and what is the environmental impact? If boundary lubrication leakage is necessary for the optimum performance of hydraulic seals, what are some fluid and sealing material options? The amount of leakage varies by application and the requirements of the end-user. Due to heightened regulations, the oil and gas industry is moving...
Split hoses, faulty connections and accidental spillage account for a large proportion of hydraulic fluid loses. Consequently, industries such as the oil and gas sector are moving to use more environmentally friendly fluids.
These fluids result in several challenges in hydraulic cylinders and the sealing technologies within. It is worth noting that, contrary to popular belief, dynamic seals in hydraulic cylinders do leak small amounts of fluid in the process of providing necessary and important boundary layer lubrication.
This appears as a thin layer of media that passes under the sealing lip to reduce both friction and heat, allowing the seal to operate longer. However, it prompts several questions: how much boundary lubrication is acceptable, and what is the environmental impact? If boundary lubrication leakage is necessary for the optimum performance of hydraulic seals, what are some fluid and sealing material options? The amount of leakage varies by application and the requirements of the end-user. Due to heightened regulations, the oil and gas industry is moving...
