FPTC Virtual Series — From complex to simple: sizing and selection of fluid power seals

It is important to understand the complexities of seal materials, types and designs for use in fluid power applications. In the second installment of our Fluid Power Technology Conference Virtual Series on July 21 at 2 p.m. EST, Josh Cosford will offer a primer on the basics of sealing systems and products specific to the fluid power industry.

This session is sponsored by Precision Associates Inc.

Cosford will discuss general fluid power seal applications, including mounting locations and fluid compatibility. As well, machine dynamics play a part in seal selection, especially comparing dynamic and static loads. He will cover how environmental factors affect seal selection, especially when there is a need for long life or resistance to extreme temperatures.

Other important topics will include:

Applications where seals are used, highlighting where in the system they are installed, particularly on hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders.
Compatibility, focusing on the types of chemicals or media being used. This will also look at how seals perform within those parameters, such as how mineral oils, bio oils and synthetics impact common seal materials, Buna nitrile and polyurethane. Here, Cosford will delve into how environment and temperature can play a role and why some materials are better suited to certain fluids.

Josh Cosford

He’ll also discuss some common application questions, and highlight maintenance, installation and more.

This session is sponsored by Precision Associates, a manufacturer of top quality, custom rubber seals and other rubber products for a variety of markets. Its fluid power specialties include N-Dure Extended Wear compounds, which are designed for longer seal life and to prevent contamination in dry air pneumatic systems used in Medical and Food Processing operations.

With a base polymer of Highly Saturated Nitrile (HSN or HNBR) that possesses natural wear resistance and our proprietary internal lubricant package, users of N-Dure materials have experienced 3 to 5X longer service life than with standard Nitrile seals. The saturated polymer, coupled with improved modulus enable N-dure compounds to perform at higher temperatures and pressures than a standard Nitrile seal providing a wider range of sealing opportunities.

The company also specializes in B-Lo° Lo-Temp Rubber Compounds, which are used in a variety of cold-temperature markets and are tested to withstand the impacts of extreme cold temperatures.