A mechanical seal is a device that helps join systems and mechanisms together by preventing leakage (e.g. in a
pumping
Pumping may refer to:
* The operation of a pump, for moving a liquid from one location to another
**The use of a breast pump for extraction of milk
* Pumping (audio), a creative misuse of dynamic range compression
* Pumping (computer systems), ...
system), containing
pressure
Pressure (symbol: ''p'' or ''P'') is the force applied perpendicular to the surface of an object per unit area over which that force is distributed. Gauge pressure (also spelled ''gage'' pressure)The preferred spelling varies by country a ...
, or excluding contamination. The effectiveness of a seal is dependent on adhesion in the case of
sealants and compression in the case of
gaskets. The seals are installed in pumps in a wide range of industries including chemicals, water supply, paper production, food processing and many other applications.
A stationary seal may also be referred to as 'packing'.
Seal types:
*
Induction sealing or cap sealing
*
Adhesive, sealant
*
Bodok seal, a specialized gas sealing washer for medical applications
*
Bonded seal
A bonded seal is a type of washer used to provide a seal around a screw or bolt. Originally made by Dowty Group, they are also known as Dowty seals or Dowty washers. Now widely manufactured, they are available in a range of standard sizes and mater ...
, also known as
Dowty seal or Dowty washer. A type of
washer with integral
gasket, widely used to provide a seal at the entry point of a screw or bolt
*
Bridgman seal, a piston sealing mechanism that creates a high pressure reservoir from a lower pressure source
*
Bung
*
Compression seal fitting
*
Diaphragm seal
*
Ferrofluidic seal
*
Gasket or
Mechanical packing
**
Flange gasket
Some seals and gaskets
A gasket is a mechanical seal which fills the space between two or more mating surfaces, generally to prevent leakage from or into the joined objects while under compression. It is a deformable material that is used to c ...
**
O-ring
**
O-ring boss seal
**
Piston ring
*
Glass-to-metal seal
*
Glass-ceramic-to-metal seals
*
Heat seal
*
Hose coupling, various types of hose couplings
*
Hermetic seal
*
Hydrostatic seal
*
Hydrodynamic seal
*
Inflatable seal Seals that inflate and deflate in three basic directions of operation: the axial direction, the radial-in direction, and the radial-out direction. Each of these inflation directions has their own set of performance parameters for
measurements such as the height of inflation and the center-line bend radius that the seal can negotiate. Inflatable seals can be used for numerous applications with difficult sealing issues.
*
Labyrinth seal A seal which creates a tortuous path for the liquid to flow through
*
Lid (container)
*
Rotating face mechanical seal
*
Face seal
*
Plug
*
Radial shaft seal
Radial shaft seals, also known as lip seals, are used to seal rotary elements, such as a shaft or rotating bore. Common examples include strut seals, hydraulic pump seals, axle seals, power steering seals, and valve stem seals. Early radial shaf ...
*
Trap (plumbing) (siphon trap)
*
Stuffing box (mechanical packing)
*
Wiper seal
A wiper seal is an axial seal that creates a seal while allowing a reciprocating shaft to pass through the seal's inner bore. Wiper seals are often used for fluid containment and to prevent dirt from entering a reciprocating shaft mechanism.
W ...
*
Dry gas seal
See also
*
Leakage (chemistry)
References
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