Lip Seals vs Non-Contact Seals
CRITERIA | LIP SEAL | NON-CONTACT SEAL |
---|---|---|
Wear | by friction | none |
Power Loss | by friction | no power loss: may lead to energy savings & smaller units |
Speed Limit | material dependent | none |
Live Tool | operation limited by wear to lip seal | unlimited operation |
Lubrication | required at the sealing location | no lubrication required |
Mating Parts | hardening & grinding required for the shaft at higher speeds to reduce wear. | hardening & grinding not required. |
Temperature Range | limited due to material (plastic or rubber) | Large range. Very low: -40°F (-40°C) to very high: 340°F (140°C) (metallic material steel + aluminum) |
Space Requirement | small | GMN Labyrinth Seals: Small |
Field of Applications | grease lubrication | grease lubrication |
oil lubrication | oil lubrication: if oil level below sealing diameter oil mist lubrication |
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water: limited, as water may increase the friction at sealing location. | water: with the use of rust proof materials & level below sealing diameter. |
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fine & coarse granular contamination not possible, as this environment causes rapid wear of the lips on the lip seal. | fine & coarse granular contamination can be sealed reliably if applied to horizontal shaft. |