Protecting Cylinder Seals: Four Considerations
Cylinder seals are part of any hydraulic system and while they might not seem as important as larger components, they serve an essential purpose. Leaking or damaged seals might end up causing spills, delays, personal injuries and equipment damage. They need as much attention as other parts of your system; in particular, attention should be given to the considerations below.
Controlling Heat
Heat is one of the biggest factors that can contribute to the wearing down of cylinder seals. Heat is necessary in hydraulic systems, but it's also essential to control it as much as possible so that it doesn't affect the cylinder seals you're using. Even if heat-resistant seals are being used, taking measures to cool your system. For example, the odd but effective practice of painting exposed metal tubes can help cool the system. Wrapping tubes in electrical tape might also help.
You might also want to contact retailers and manufacturers of the seals you're using to determine whether you're in fact using the right kind of seal for the heat that your system is producing. It's possible that you'll need to explore more brands and different types of seals in order to be sure that you're using the best.
Monitoring Filters
Whatever is flowing through the hydraulic system is likely to come into contact with cylinder seals. The filters that you're using should prevent metal shavings and other debris from getting stuck on cylinder seals, but if you're not monitoring and replacing filters regularly, the debris that ends up on the seals may cause problems. Be sure that someone is looking at and caring for filters in the system to better protect the seals.
Cleaning Exterior Surfaces
The interior-facing surfaces of your seals need to be kept in good condition, but you should also be very aware of the damage that snow, ice, mud and other substances can inflict on your cylinder seals over time. It's important to have employees wipe or brush off these substances as they appear so you can protect the integrity of your seals.
Monitoring Seals After Using New Chemicals
When adding new fluids or chemicals, you've got to check the seals over a period of a few days to be certain that various ingredients and additives aren't affecting them. Some substances may wear down the seals unexpectedly, so keep an eye on them and have repair seals on hand just in case.
Attention to the issues above can assist you in maintaining the seals you're using in your hydraulic systems. For hydraulic cylinder repair seals and other related help, talk with retailers and vendors about how you can best care for the seals in your facility.