Introduce

In industrial vehicles, seal selection and design are critical to ensuring proper system operation, improving efficiency and reliability. This article will introduce a range of industrial vehicle sealing solutions, covering different applications and system requirements, to help readers understand how to select suitable seals to meet the sealing needs of industrial vehicles.

Introduction

Industrial vehicles play an important role in various fields such as construction, mining, logistics and agriculture. These vehicles often operate in harsh working environments and face challenges such as high temperature, high pressure, corrosion and vibration. In such an environment, the functionality of seals becomes critical. They not only need to maintain reliable sealing performance, but also provide durability and adaptability to cope with changing operating conditions.

Industrial vehicle sealing demand analysis

Before you start selecting a sealing solution, you first need to conduct a detailed analysis of the sealing needs of your industrial vehicle. This includes considering the following factors:

Work environment and media

High-temperature environments: Industrial vehicles may operate in high-temperature environments, such as in industries such as metallurgy, oil refining, and high-temperature processing. In these environments, seals need to be resistant to high temperatures to ensure sealing performance is not compromised. For example, use heat-resistant rubber materials or high-temperature sealing materials such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
Low temperature environments: Some industrial vehicles may operate in low temperature environments, such as refrigerated vehicles or polar transport. In low-temperature environments, seals need to be able to maintain elasticity and sealing performance to prevent leakage of cooling liquid or gas. Special cryogenic sealing materials, such as fluoroelastomer (FKM) or silicone rubber (VMQ), are often used for these applications.
Wet environments: Some industrial vehicles may operate in wet environments, such as agricultural machinery or water treatment equipment. In humid environments, seals need to be water-resistant to prevent moisture from penetrating into the system and affecting the sealing effect. The use of water-resistant rubber materials or special sealing coatings can provide good sealing performance.

Corrosive media: Some industrial vehicles may be exposed to corrosive media, such as acidic or alkaline chemicals. In this case, the seal needs to be corrosion-resistant to avoid media penetration and damage to the system. Choosing corrosion-resistant materials, such as fluoroelastomer (FKM) or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), can provide better protection.
High-pressure and high-vibration environments: Hydraulic and pneumatic systems in industrial vehicles often face high-pressure and high-vibration conditions. In this environment, seals need to have high pressure resistance and vibration resistance to ensure reliable sealing effects. The sealing performance of the system can be improved by using high-pressure seals, elastomeric materials and effective sealing structures.
Greases and Lubricants: Industrial vehicle hydraulic and mechanical systems are often lubricated with greases and lubricants. Seals need to be compatible with the greases and lubricants used to ensure good sealing performance and durability. Choosing lubricant-compatible materials and performing regular lubricant maintenance and replacement can increase seal life.

Pressure and temperature range

Pressure range: Industrial vehicle seals may be required to withstand different pressure ranges, depending on the application and system requirements. Some common pressure ranges include:
Low pressure range: Usually refers to small vehicles or smaller-scale hydraulic systems, and the pressure range is generally between tens to hundreds of psi.
Medium pressure range: Suitable for medium-sized industrial vehicles or general hydraulic systems, the pressure range is generally between a few hundred to several thousand psi.
High Pressure Range: Typically associated with large industrial vehicles or high-performance hydraulic systems, pressure ranges can reach thousands to tens of thousands of psi.
Temperature range: Industrial vehicle seals need to be able to operate in different temperature conditions, including high and low temperature environments. The specific temperature range depends on the application and system requirements.

Example

High Temperature Range: Some industrial vehicles may operate in high-temperature environments, such as high-temperature processing equipment or engines. In these cases, the seal needs to be able to withstand high temperatures and maintain its sealing properties. High temperature seals are typically capable of withstanding temperatures of hundreds of degrees Celsius.
Low temperature range: Some industrial vehicles may operate in low temperature environments, such as refrigerated vehicles or polar transport. Under low temperature conditions, seals need to maintain elasticity and sealing performance to prevent leakage of cooling liquid or gas. Cryogenic seals are typically capable of operating at temperatures as low as tens of degrees Celsius below zero.
Movement type: Static sealing: Static sealing means that the seal provides a sealing effect without significant relative movement. This type of seal is suitable for applications that do not require relative movement of the seals in motion. For example, in industrial vehicles, static seals are often used in closed systems at locations such as interfaces, pipe connections, and container lids.
Dynamic sealing: Dynamic sealing means that the seal provides sealing effect during motion, such as rotation, swing or reciprocation. This type of seal is suitable for pistons, valve stems, rotating shafts, etc. in hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Dynamic seals usually require good sealing performance and wear resistance to ensure reliable sealing in motion.

Rotary Seal: A rotary seal is a seal that provides a seal around a rotating shaft or rotating part. This type of seal is commonly used in equipment such as rotating shafts, turbomachinery and pumps in industrial vehicles. Rotary seals usually take the form of oil seals, rotating lip seals or mechanical seals to prevent lubricating oil or media from leaking.
Reciprocating seal: A reciprocating seal is a seal that provides a sealing effect on a piston or reciprocating component. This type of seal is commonly used in industrial vehicles in locations such as cylinders, hydraulic cylinders and pneumatic cylinders. Reciprocating seals usually use piston rings, O-rings or sealing strips to prevent liquid or gas leakage.
Tilted seal: Tilted seal means that the seal provides sealing effect in tilting or swinging motion. This type of seal is commonly used in areas such as rocker arms, steering knuckles and hinges in industrial vehicles. Tilting seals usually use the form of ball head seals, tilting rings or rotating lip seals to accommodate tilting or oscillating motion.

Common industrial vehicle sealing solutions

O-ring

Hydraulic system: O-rings play a key sealing role in the hydraulic system of industrial vehicles. They are used to seal locations such as hydraulic cylinders, hydraulic valves and connections to prevent fluid leakage and maintain system stability.
Pneumatic system: O-rings are also widely used in the pneumatic system of industrial vehicles. They are used to seal positions such as cylinders, pneumatic valves and connections to ensure the normal operation of the gas system and prevent gas leakage.
Engine and transmission system: In the engine and transmission system of industrial vehicles, O-rings are often used to seal media such as lubricating oil, coolant and fuel. They are used to seal critical locations such as engine blocks, oil pans, cooling systems, and fuel systems to prevent fluid or gas leaks and ensure proper system operation.
Gas Systems: Some industrial vehicles may use gas as a power source, such as natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). O-rings are used in gas systems to seal gas pipelines, valves and connections to ensure the safety and reliability of the gas system.
Braking system: In the braking system of industrial vehicles, O-rings are used to seal brake fluid lines and brake cylinders. They ensure proper operation of the brake system, prevent brake fluid leakage and maintain braking performance.
Steering system: O-rings are also widely used in the steering system of industrial vehicles. They are used to seal the steering knuckle, steering cylinder and steering column to maintain the sealing performance of the liquid medium and ensure the flexibility and reliability of the steering system.

Lip seal

Lip seals for industrial vehicles are a key element used to seal rotating shafts or pistons in mechanical equipment. It is usually made of elastic material such as rubber or polyurethane. The structure of a lip seal is similar to an annular lip with one or more lips. These lips can come into contact with the rotating shaft or piston and provide a sealing effect through their elastic deformation.

Lip seals for industrial vehicles have the following functions and features:

Sealing function: The lip seal ring can effectively prevent liquid or gas leakage, and prevent dust, impurities and other external substances from entering the sealing area. This is very important to protect the normal operation of the equipment and extend its service life.
Elastic adaptability: The lip seal ring has good elastic characteristics and can adapt to small deviations and vibrations of the shaft or piston. It conforms closely to the surface of rotating parts, ensuring effective sealing and reducing friction and wear.

Wear resistance: Since industrial vehicles usually operate in harsh working environments, lip seals need to have certain wear resistance. They can withstand high-speed rotation, heavy loads and frequent reciprocating movements, maintaining sealing effect and reducing friction losses.
Oil resistance: Industrial vehicles usually need to operate in the environment of lubricating oil or hydraulic oil, and the lip seal ring needs to have good oil resistance. This prevents liquid leakage and maintains the stability of the sealing effect.
Easy installation: The installation of the lip seal is relatively simple, usually just slide it into the seal groove to ensure the correct installation position and direction.

Hydraulic sealing solution

Piston sealing ring: The piston sealing ring is installed on the piston of the hydraulic cylinder and is used to seal the space between the piston and the cylinder body. It is usually made of materials such as rubber, polyurethane or polyester and provides good sealing properties under high pressure.
Rod cavity seal: Rod cavity seal is used to seal the piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder. It is usually made of rubber or polyurethane, has good wear resistance and chemical resistance, and can effectively prevent liquid leakage and impurities from entering the rod cavity.
O-ring: O-ring is a common hydraulic seal, widely used in connecting joints, valves and sealing grooves in hydraulic systems. It is made of materials such as rubber or polyurethane, has good elasticity and wear resistance, and can provide reliable sealing effect.
Lip seals: Lip seals are widely used for rotating shaft seals in hydraulic systems, such as hydraulic pumps and hydraulic motors. Its structure is similar to an annular lip, which can contact the rotating shaft through elastic deformation and provide an effective sealing effect.
End-point seal: An end-point seal is used to limit the travel of the piston or piston rod and prevent fluid leakage. It is usually installed at the end of the hydraulic cylinder and can be in the form of a sealing ring, sealing gasket or sealing cap.
Pressure-bearing seals: Pressure-bearing seals are used to withstand sealing requirements in high-pressure environments in hydraulic systems. These seals are usually made of special materials such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and polyetheretherketone (PEEK) to ensure good sealing performance and pressure resistance.

Steering system seal

The steering system seal of industrial vehicles is an important part of ensuring the normal operation of the steering system. Steering system seals are mainly used to prevent hydraulic fluid leakage and entry of impurities, while maintaining the stability and reliability of the hydraulic system. Here are some common steering system seals:

Gear tooth joint sealing: The gear and tooth joints in the steering system need to be sealed with seals to prevent hydraulic fluid leakage and impurities from entering. These seals are usually made of materials such as rubber or polyurethane and can adapt to high pressure and high-speed rotation requirements.
Piston seals: Hydraulic cylinders in steering systems often use piston seals to seal the space between the piston and the cylinder. These seals are usually made of rubber or polyurethane and provide a good seal against leakage of hydraulic fluid.
Rod cavity seal: The rod cavity of the piston rod in the steering system also needs to be sealed with a seal. Typically made of rubber or polyurethane, rod cavity seals are wear- and chemical-resistant and can effectively prevent hydraulic fluid leakage and the ingress of impurities.
End-point seals: End-point seals in steering systems are used to limit the travel of the piston or piston rod and prevent leakage of hydraulic fluid. These seals are usually installed at the end of the hydraulic cylinder and can be in the form of a sealing ring, gasket or sealing cap.
Shaft seal: The steering shaft in the steering system needs to be sealed with a shaft seal to prevent hydraulic fluid leakage and the entry of external impurities. Shaft seals are usually made of rubber or polyurethane and have good sealing performance and wear resistance.