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Sealing of gases by lip type seal

BasakAbhishek

Mechanical
Sep 5, 2006
33
Hello,
Is it possible to have a reasonable level of leak tightness if a lip type seal (with grease lubrication) is used in a vertical shaft to seal against argon at 0.5 bar(g)?
Thanks!
Abhishek
 
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The answer is yes. It is important to have a good finish on the shaft ( not too rough and not too smooth). It is also important to have adequate shaft support by bearings to prevent wobble or deflection at the seal.
 
actually lip seal is not really reliable for gas sealing but from what I read, PTFE rotary seals may be useful provided good surface finish of the shaft and you may need to add backup ring in the application.
 
Hello ...thanks for the answers! If not a lip seal what other options do I have. My shaft is ~30mm dia, rotating at 2700 rpm.
 
Hello ...thanks for the answers! If not a lip seal what other options do I have. My shaft is ~30mm dia, rotating at 2700 rpm.
sorry, my bad, PTFE rotary seal is still a lip seal but not the normal rubber material.
 
This is a question for the lip seal supplier. In my experience I'd say this is possible but not in all cases, and the effective life and/or leak rate may not meet your expectations. At one time a major lip seal supplier told us that their expectation for lip seal life before leak rates will increase is about 6 weeks. (!) Our expectation is years and I'm sure everyone else agrees.
 

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