PTFE has superior mechanical and physical properties and chemical resistance, which means the areas where PTFE radial lip seals are used is growing. These areas include:
Diesel Engine Applications
These consist of the front and rear crankshaft, accessory drive, and blower and thermostat seals. PTFE seals are used and tested in these areas because they can meet the performance and life requirements of modern engines.
Minimum wear, performance at high temperatures with limited lubrication, resistance to abrasive contaminants and fluid compatibility are the main factors for PTFE’s use in these applications.
Hydraulic Applications
Motors, pumps and hydrostatic transmissions are using PTFE lip seals more and more. It’s not uncommon to apply a PTFE lip seal in pressurized applications where the seal is exposed to pressure velocity values as high as 250,000 (250 psi and 1,000 fpm) and achieve seal life of 5,000 hours.
In addition to performance, PTFE lip seals are generally less expensive than high pressure face seals, and can offer savings by eliminating costly venting methods used to reduce pressure in the seal area.
Turbine Engines
Turbines and their gearbox assemblies use PTFE lip seals because of life and minimum leakage rates achieved when these seals are exposed to shaft speed of 6,000 ft/min and temperatures of 400F.
Fractional Horsepower Motors
Motors that require a seal in oil, or seal out contaminants use PTFE lip seals because of their ability to perform with minimum torque.
The use of PTFE radial lip seals is also growing in areas such as food processing, chemical processing, low temperature environments and applications that need a seal to function in pressurized gases.
Wear Sleeves
- Used when ideal conditions are not met (Poor shaft surface, low hardness, damaged shaft)
- Hardened running surface
- Controlled surface finish
- Lest costly than replacing a damaged/worn shaft.
To learn more about PTFE, be sure to download Gallagher Fluid Seals’ guide to rotary seals.