Compressor oil seals don’t allow gas to escape into compressor seals at higher pressures than the process gas. Actually, oil seals and gas seals are not the same at their job. But both are relatively liquid seals that lower the seal oil amount entering the compressor.
Seal oil is usually supplied from a combined lube and seal oil system. This system keeps the seal oil stress in the seal gas stress. Generally, oil seals come in two different groups, for example, floating ring seals and face contact seals; Both have weaknesses and strengths. So they are more attractive and applicable for various applications. Similarly, seal oil support systems are also pretty different. Let’s discuss more about this topic below:
What Is Seal Oil In The Compressor?
Generally, the job of the seal oil system is an obstacle to getting the gas out from the compressor case. Oil flows across the outboard ring and blends with the bearing lube oil. After mixing it returns to a lube oil tank. For this system’s proper operation, you need to use some components like regulators, pumps, filters, and more.
On the rings inside, the seal oil blends with the buffer gas. The pressure at every compressor case end is near the suction pressure. Besides, this oil seal maintains the buffer gas above the compressor suction stress. Also, it works to prevent seal oil and gas leakage.
Which Type Of Seal is Used For The Compressor?
For your compressor, dry gas seals are suitable to use and very popular. Moreover, dry-clean gas seals can handle any application as long as it’s clean. You can use a full pressure range almost. For similar applications, the cost of seals is usually the highest.
Additionally, it also provides low leakage compared to other seal types. The reason is that it can fulfill the most stringent emission requirements. Most importantly, its life depends on your maintenance during compressor operation and gas seal quality.
Dry gas seal life is generally better than other seals if you can maintain and operate it correctly. In many cases, the failure is catastrophic, resulting in the sudden shutdown of the machine.
Compressor Oil Seal Types
The seal type for oil seal can be oil seal or other types. Oil seals may also be known as radial lip or radiator dietary shaft seals and flexible lip. However, let’s discuss the types of compressor oil seals below:
- Bearing Isolators:
Bearing isolators, known as dynamic seals, protect bearings from external pollutants. They consist of rotating and stationary members. Some bearing isolators come from labyrinths, but others employ O-rings or other positive seals.
- Labyrinth Seals:
This is one of the simplest seals with multiple orifices. Usually, it is made of a soft element to prevent rotor damage. For example, non-metallic elements like peek are popular to prevent rotor damage from labyrinth seals. Labyrinth seals were initially applied as main seals to prevent the escape of process gas to the atmosphere with barrier gasses. Likewise, it’s reliable, has longer life seals, and prevents higher leakage than other seals.
Bearing housing seals and separation seals in dry gas seals are other commonly seen applications. You can buy these seals at an affordable price. Maintaining and installing is very easy. Hence, inert gas will be necessary if the air support system requirements are simplified. Recently, in standard applications, carbon-segmented seals are used as labyrinth seals.
- Wet Seals:
Wet seals require a fluid barrier; usually, it can protect gas from leaking into the climate. In various arrangements, these seals are used as face and circumferential type seals. You can apply in low to high pressure, but it is not ideal for high pressure. The reason is that for high pressure, you need a higher seal oil system than normal pressure.
Generally, if you use the best seal oil and can adequately use it, it will last longer. This system will be expensive, and if you use it with high pressure, it usually rises. Overall, you can quickly start and off it, and to maintain it, you won’t need any equipment.
- Dry Gas Seals:
Accordingly, these seals are a dry-actuated, non-contact mechanical face seal with a primary and rotating ring. During operation, lifting geometry on the rotating ring creates a fluid-dynamic lifting force. Resulting in the stable ring becoming separated and making a gap between the two rings.
Though they are mechanical seals, they use other functions and chemicals to protect this process. Nevertheless, they are suitable for use in severe working atmospheres like extraction and refining, exploration has transmission, chemical processing, and the petrochemical industry.
Air Compressor Oil Seal
Air Compressor Oil Seal is a high-temperature resistant oil seal. It has good or bad sides; for example, it can cause internal puncture. Alternatively, it can prevent liquid outflow and acquire a robust seal. An internal puncture occurs, preventing fluid outflow and achieving an efficient seal. Therefore, you can use these oil seals on air compressor motors and heads.
More importantly, recent polyvinyl fluoride oil seals can replace comparable imported products. The air compressor oil seal is manufactured of stainless steel plate. During operation, its temperature range should be 70°C250°C, maximum pressure is 35Mpa, and maximum shaft speed is 30m/s. In addition, it provides the best performance in oil-less or oil-free work.
Benefits:
- Amazing friction resistance
- Almost all chemical resistance is concentrated.
- Ideal for Vehicles, machinery, cylinders, pumps, water pipes, spraying, electrical components, bearings, valves, and chemical pipelines
Ingersoll Rand T30 Compressor Oil Seal:
The Ingersoll Rand T30 oil seal ring sits on the pump’s rear side and inside the shaft end cover. Furthermore, it helps to prevent oil from leaking behind the crankshaft and the compressor pump. Thus, you will use this oil seal commonly on the 2340 piston air compressor.
Usually, this product comes with a 100% compatible feature so that you can replace it directly. Without any doubt, it comes from high-quality raw materials. And though it’s cost-effective, it can reduce your maintenance cost. Ideally, it ensures that it meets origin manufacturing standards.
Compressor Oil Seal Size:
Adequately, compressor oil seal size depends on which compressor you are using. It’s because you can find tons of compressor oil in the market. So before choosing any compressor oil seal, it’s perfect to select a proper size. Depending on your requirements, you should choose your compressor oil seal. So, if you want a chart of the compressor oil size that you are looking for, you can find it below link:
Compressor Oil Seal Replacement
You can replace your compressor oil seal easily yourself: let’s know the process below:
- First, start from the entire air compressor end.
- Now take out the shaft seal cover and replace it properly
- Also, take out the shaft sleeve
- Install the compressor oil seal
- Put this seal in the right place and fix it properly.
- The most important thing is to remember to put on the shaft sleeve.
- While installing the shaft sleeve, something should be clamped and tapped steadily 1 to 2 times.
Final Word
To conclude, compressor oil seals come for different applications with different purposes. Depending on the type of machine and manufacturer, it changes. Some oil seals have bushing seals, floating face seals, and contacting faces. Eventually, all oil seals using the exact principle – “differential pressure” do their job. However, here you can find complete information about compressor oil seals. Thanks for giving your valuable time.
