Hydraulic seals are used to contain hydraulic fluid and pressure in a cylinder. There are two types: static and dynamic, made from rubber or polyurethane. Rust and erosion can damage seals, but replacement seals can be purchased to prevent leaks.
A hydraulic seal is a gasket-like device used to seal the hydraulic fluid and pressure within a hydraulic cylinder. There are two types of hydraulic seals commonly used on a hydraulic cylinder: a static seal and a dynamic seal. There are also two types of material used to make a water seal: rubber and polyurethane. The type of material used to manufacture the seal is typically dictated by the amount of pressure or heat to which the seal is subjected.
When hydraulic fluid flows in a hydraulic cylinder, the pressure is contained by a hydraulic seal mounted inside the cylinder. The water seal is commonly fitted to the inner cylinder shaft and sealed against the outer cylinder case. Static type seal is a non-moving seal which is generally used in cap sealing applications or as a flanged type seal or gasket. The static seal is usually mounted within a groove and is capable of withstanding a large amount of pressure due to its stationary mounting design.
The dynamic style of hydraulic seal is able to resist movement against its internal opening and is typically used on the internal shaft of the hydraulic cylinder. The dynamic seal allows the internal hydraulic cylinder to flow through its opening while still containing the fluid within the cylinder. Another type of dynamic seal is known as a piston seal. The piston seal allows movement against its outer dimension, such as within a hydraulic cylinder case. In both versions, the seals are machined to such a tight tolerance that the cylinder is able to flow through the seal while the hydraulic fluid remains sealed within the cylinder.
Rust and erosion on the hydraulic cylinder are enemies of the hydraulic seal. Rough surfaces from the pitting and rubbing of the typically smooth cylinder can cause the flexible surface of the gasket to rip or tear. This can lead to a complete seal leak or burst, resulting in a leak of hydraulic fluid and a weak hydraulic cylinder. A poor seal can allow pressure to slowly escape from a hydraulic cylinder. This will often result in a sagging cylinder or a cylinder with reduced lift or holding capacity.
Occasionally, a replacement hydraulic seal can be purchased that is designed to fit in a recessed position on the hydraulic cylinder. This creates a new sealing surface for the seal face to rest on which may be free of pitting and wear. This prevents leaks and eliminates the need to completely rebuild or replace a worn cylinder.
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