Unscheduled maintenance is one of the biggest headaches in hydraulic system applications. Whether it’s inside the transmission of an excavator, food manufacturing equipment or a diaphragm pump, a failed hydraulic seal means work must stop while the machine’s dismantled.

Hydraulic systems need reliable seals to avoid these unscheduled time-outs — seals whose assigned operating life can be relied on.

A good sealing product can reduce maintenance requirements, letting components get on with the job for which they were designed.

The best sealing products allow machinery to operate longer, more quickly and at higher temperatures and pressures.

A fluid approach to hydraulic system applications

The problem is that no hydraulic fluid is the same; each contains additives and corrosives that can leave one seal unharmed and degrade another. So when choosing a seal, the material it’s made from should be considered together with its design.

Fluid lines are the arteries of a hydraulic system, delivering force where needed. For hydraulic system applications, a more adaptive seal is a better choice. For example, a hydraulic press depends on sealing in the fluid pressure. When the metallic cylinders become worn, its seals must be able to compensate for worn bushings or scored, damaged surfaces.

If there are surface irregularities on the cylinder, the seal must adapt to avoid leaks. A softer material may help reduce pressure loss by compensating for cylinder scoring.

Split seals and hydraulic test points

Another way to reduce maintenance time-outs is to use a two-piece split seal. These can be replaced quickly around a shaft or cylinder without the need for large-scale dismantling of the machinery.  

In terms of monitoring, system test points record pressure, carry out system vents or draw fluid samples for testing as necessary. These also depend on seals for the containment of system hydraulic fluid.