Rotary
Shaft
Seals

Rotary shaft seals are vital components designed to retain lubricants and prevent contaminants from entering rotating or oscillating machine parts. With innovative geometries and wear-reducing spring energizers, these seals ensure superior performance and longevity, even in the most challenging environments.

At Independence Seal Company, we specialize in custom-engineered seals crafted from premium materials, such as mild (CRS) steel and 304 stainless steel, in sizes ranging from 0.030 inches (0.762 mm) to 120 inches (304.8 cm) in inside diameter. Our seals are available with high-quality lip materials, including NBR, Viton, Silicone, EPDM, PTFE, HNBR, Leather, and more. Choose Independence Seal Company to customize your rotary shaft seals and enhance your equipment’s performance and durability.

Key Functions of Rotary Shaft Seals

Our rotary shaft seals are designed to meet both MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operations) and OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) requirements. They perform the following critical functions:

• Pressure Regulation: Maintain optimal system pressure for peak performance and efficiency.
• Component Protection: Reduce wear on rotating and stationary parts by retaining lubricants and excluding contaminants.
• Lubricant Retention: Facilitate smooth operation and minimize friction between moving parts.
• Contaminant Prevention: By forming an effective barrier, they shield internal components from external pollutants like dust, dirt, and moisture.
• Leak Prevention: Act as barriers against escaping fluids, gases, and other substances, ensuring system containment and consistent operation.
• Enhanced Lifespan: By performing these functions, rotary shaft seals significantly extend the operational life of machinery.

Materials for Rotary Shaft Seals

Independence Seal Company offers a wide range of materials for rotary shaft seals. Each material is carefully chosen for its unique properties to suit various applications.

• Modified PTFE: FDA-compliant and wear-resistant, ideal for food and pharmaceutical industries.
• Graphite Fiber-Reinforced PTFE: Strong and durable, perfect for high-pressure, high-temperature applications.
• Graphite-Filled PTFE: Low friction with excellent chemical compatibility for harsh environments.
• High-Performance PEEK: Suitable for extreme temperatures and pressures, offering robust performance.
• Polymer-Filled PTFE: Known for heat and wear resistance, ideal for high-stress applications.
• UHMWPE: FDA-compliant with excellent wear resistance, commonly used in food processing and medical industries.

Rotary Shaft Seal Energizers

To maintain consistent sealing force and compensate for wear or misalignment, our seals are equipped with high-performance energizers, including:

• Canted Coil Spring Energizers: Versatile, offering balanced performance for various operating conditions.
• Elastomeric O-Ring Energizers: Provide strong, consistent seals, ideal for dynamic sealing applications.
• Helical Spring Energizers: Designed for demanding applications requiring robust sealing.

Selection Criteria for Rotary Shaft Seals

To achieve optimal performance, consider the following factors when selecting rotary shaft seals:

• Temperature: Ensure the chosen material withstands the operating temperature range without degradation.
• Media Compatibility: Select a material that resists the specific oils, water, or chemicals in your application.
• Pressure: Opt for seals designed to handle your system’s pressure levels to maintain integrity and prevent leaks.
• Speed: Match the seal’s capabilities to the rotational speed of the shaft to avoid wear.
• Surface Speed: Choose materials that tolerate the shaft’s surface speed for consistent sealing.

Applications of Rotary Shaft Seals

Our customized rotary shaft seals are used across a variety of industries, including:

• Food and Beverage: Processing equipment, packaging machinery, and sanitary systems.
• Pharmaceutical: Packaging and processing systems.
• Chemical Processing: Mixers and containment systems.
• Marine: Propulsion systems, steering mechanisms, and hydraulic systems.
• Power Generation: Sealing turbines, generators, and cooling systems.
• Automotive: Engine systems, transmissions, and steering components.
• Oil and Gas: Drilling equipment, pipeline seals, and refinery machinery.

At Independence Seal Company, we provide high-quality, custom-engineered rotary shaft seals designed to endure even the most demanding industrial conditions. Contact us today to discuss your requirements, and let our experts help you find the perfect rotary shaft seal solution for your application.