About Air Compressor Mechanical Face Seals
Air compressor mechanical face seals are a critical component that help ensure the proper operation and efficiency of air compressors by creating a reliable, long-lasting seal between the rotating and stationary parts of the compressor.
Functions
Air compressor mechanical face seals are essential to maintaining compressor performance and efficiency because they help:
■ Prevent air leaks: By creating a seal between the rotating shaft and the compressor housing, they prevent compressed air from escaping, which is critical to the operation of the compressor.
■ Ensure reliability: They improve compressor reliability by reducing the risk of air leaks, which can cause performance issues and wasted energy.
■ Improve efficiency: By minimizing air losses, mechanical face seals help improve the overall efficiency of the compressor system.
■ Support service life: A properly functioning seal can extend the life of the compressor by reducing wear on other components caused by air leaks.
Mechanical face seals vary in design, and they may include features such as balanced or unbalanced designs, different materials for the seal faces, and various spring mechanisms to maintain the necessary contact pressure between the seal faces. They are carefully designed to handle the specific pressures, temperatures, and environmental conditions encountered in compressor applications.
Applicable Working Conditions
Air compressor mechanical face seals are well suited for a variety of operating conditions and applications, including:
1. High-speed operation:
- Mechanical face seals can withstand the high rotational speeds typical of air compressors, up to 20,000 rpm or more. This makes them suitable for use in high-performance, high-speed compressor designs.
2. High-pressure:
- Mechanical face seals can reliably seal air compressor systems operating at pressures up to 30 bar (435 psi) or more. They maintain seal integrity even under these demanding pressure conditions.
3. Harsh environments:
- The durable materials and rugged design of mechanical face seals enable them to function properly in harsh, dirty or corrosive environments.
4. Continuous operation:
- Mechanical face seals are designed for long-term, continuous use in air compressors that operate for long periods of time.
- Their low maintenance requirements make them ideal for 24/7 operation.
5. Wide temperature range:
- Mechanical face seals can operate effectively over a wide temperature range, from -40°C (-40°F) to 300°C (572°F) or more.
- This versatility allows them to be used in compressors in different climates and applications.
The combination of high speed, high pressure and harsh environment capabilities makes air compressor mechanical face seals ideal for use in industrial, commercial and automotive applications requiring reliable, efficient air compression.
Suitable Rubber Material Selection
The following is a summary table of rubber materials suitable for air compressor mechanical face seals based on the operating conditions of the air compressor:
| Rubber material | Characteristics | Operating temperature range/℃ | Applicable media |
| Nitrile rubber (NBR) | Good oil resistance, good wear resistance and tear resistance, but poor cold resistance | -20～100 | Petroleum-based oils, silicone oil, diester-based lubricants, butter, animal and vegetable oils, ethylene glycol, carbon disulfide, carbon tetrafluoride, butadiene, water, etc. |
| Fluororubber (FKM) | High temperature resistance, oil resistance, chemical corrosion resistance, stable to sunlight and ozone | -20～200 | Hot oil, silicone oil, diester-based lubricating oil, halogenated hydrocarbons, phosphate esters, concentrated sulfuric acid, dilute nitric acid, benzene, gasoline, carbon tetrachloride, ethanol, butanol, etc. |
| Ethylene propylene rubber (EPDM) | Good weather resistance, resistance to ozone and polar chemicals and solvents, good elasticity | -40～150 | Acetone, dimethyl ketone, phenol, pentane, isopropyl alcohol, methyl ethyl ketone, furfural, phosphate ester hydraulic oil, silicone oil, automobile brake oil, animal and vegetable oil, medium concentration acid, alkali, steam |
| Silicone rubber (VMQ) | Wide operating temperature range, strong resistance to ozone aging, light aging, non-toxic and odorless | -60～200 | High aniline point oils, chlorinated benzenes, concentrated phosphoric acid, concentrated acetic acid, sodium hydroxide, ammonia, concentrated ammonia, ethanol, dry hot air |
| Chlorohydrin rubber | Excellent comprehensive properties such as oil resistance, ozone resistance, air permeability resistance, etc., poor radiation resistance | -30～130 | Freon, petroleum-based oils |
| Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) | Wide operating temperature range, extremely low friction coefficient and self-lubricating properties, good chemical stability | -150～250 | Chlorides, boron trifluoride, high boiling point solvents, ketones, esters, ethers, boiling nitric acid, aqua regia, sodium hydroxide, hydrofluoric acid |
Please note that when selecting rubber material, factors such as the pressure of the sealing medium, the speed of the sealing medium, the wear resistance and durability of the sealing ring must also be considered.
Tips: Due to the different models of air compressors, the sizes and specifications of the seals used are different. Please provide the corresponding drawings or specific dimensions so that we can better provide you with sealing solutions.
