Influence of protection lips on the frictional torque of rotary shaft seals

Abstract

Rotary shaft seals are used to seal rotating machine parts. In most cases one single sealing lip (main lip) contacts the shaft and separates the fluid on one side from the environment on the other side. To prevent the entry of other fluids and or particles, seals with additional protection lips are used (two lips), especially in heavily contaminated environments. When the protection lip contacts the shaft, a vacuum can form between the main lip and the protection lip, leading to increased contact pressure and friction. The increased frictional torque generates more heat and leads to overheating in the contact area between the lip and the shaft. Test runs conducted on a friction torque test bench with various seal configurations confirm that the two lips influence each other. Higher frictional torques and contact temperatures occur, when the volume between the lips isn't vented. This shows the importance of venting.