Sealing two flat faced flanges rotating with respect to each other

[PCS74]

I need help in locating the correct type of seal for my application.

I effectively have two flat faced flanges rotating with respect to one another. I need to place a seal between the flanges somewhere near their od so I can maintain a large area of grease film between the two flanges and exclude water/dirt or other foreign contaminates.

My requirements are as follows:

The maximum force between the flanges is 200lbs. The maximum relative rpm of the flanges is 1rpm. Total angular displacement and direction will vary. Required seal life is 10 years, the flanges will rotate approximately 50% of the time. The mechanism will be located outdoors and subjected to the elements but will be protected somewhat due to being located within the outside diameter of the flanges. Assume temperatures from -20f to 140F. The seal will be approximately 6.25in in diameter.

I would love to hear that an o-ring type seal could be used here, but I've never used one in this manner so I'm not sure and don't want to gamble. I searched online, but I can't find any seals being used in the manner I describe.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

thanks

Chris S

 

[flexibox]

I would design both the flange OD's such that they form a labyrinth. Labyrinth seals are used in bearing housings on pumps to prevent water and foreign matter entering the housing. I am not sure how effective this will be at such low speed however if you can incorporate a lip seal within the design i think you can solve this challenge. Perhaps you can Google and get some ideas. I dont think that an Oring will work in this application.

trust this helps.

 

[EdDanzer]

This link:

http://www.cat.com/cda/components/securedFile/displaySecuredFileServletJSP?fileId=91334&languageId=7

Is for metal face seals used in off highway equipment. The DF version is the simplest to machine and install. They work best with oil lubrication on the faces

Ed Danzer

http://www.danzcoinc.com

http://www.dehyds.com

 

[longeron]

Some rotary kiln manufacturers use a grease seal much like your description. That might be an avenue worth pursuing if the labby idea doesn't pan out.

 

[sreid]

Possibly, a Ferro Fluid Seal.

http://www.ferrotec.com/