What is the difference between mechanical seal and oil seal?

The difference between mechanical seal and oil seal

Describe difference between mechanical seal and oil seal – Whether it is a mechanical seal or oil seal, it prevents the fluid seeping the liquid to other parts of the machine, or it keeps the rotating parts lubricated.

Both sealing types are popularly used in different mechanical engineering applications. How are they different? The article explains the fundamental working mechanism of both categories of seals.

Mechanical Seal

The mechanical seal is used in a pump, mixer and other mechanical engineering scenarios to contain the fluid within a vessel where a shaft rotates through a stationary (or rotating) housing.

Why is mechanical seal important in this situation? It is because the rotating shaft has to move in a wet environment, but there should not be the leakage of pressurized fluid. Hence, the role of a seal is quite critical.

Does it mean the seal stops the leakage completely? Well, on the practical grounds yes because there is no ‘visible leakage’.

There is a little leakage as the fluid vapors get released into the atmosphere from the faces of the seal, though. Since the quantity is hardly quantifiable, the seals are considered leak proof.

Qualities of mechanical seal

• The seals do not damage pump sleeve or shaft.
• Due to inboard springs that get adjusted as the seal faces wear, it is not required to do daily maintenance.
• Mechanical seals cause less power consumption than gland packing because of the lightly loaded faces.
• In mechanical seals, the lubricant doesn’t get washed out. Therefore, bearing contamination gets avoided in normal operational conditions.
• Plant equipment remains corrosion free.
• Relatively less maintenance and cleaning are required. It makes mechanical seals cost-effective.
• Oil seals prevent accumulation of dirt in the machine.

Oil Seals

Oil seals close off the space between stationary and moving components in the mechanical equipment. It saves the lubricant from escaping through the equipment and ensures smooth operation of the machine.

Oil seals are called rotary shaft seal or radial lip also.

Benefits of oil seals

• Oil seals prevent seeping of potentially hazardous contaminants like dirt or fluid in the running machine
• These seals safeguard mixing of two things like oil and water
• In the high-intensity work environment, oil seals play a vital role
• Oil seals are long-lasting and sturdy
• Oil seals can work relentlessly if the preventive and corrective maintenance is in place
• Low wear and tear

Since oil seals are versatile and multipurpose, they are suitable for all types of mechanical engineering situations, e.g., manufacturing units, automobiles, pumps, etc.

When there is a need for rebuilding a cylinder and pump instead of building a new one.

It is possible to get custom-made seals manufactured at reasonable rates from good-quality manufacturers if the readymade seal specification doesn’t meet the requirement.

It is critically important that you choose the appropriate seal for an application. The seals should be ordered from a manufacturer of high repute. To get the best seals, it is important to give accurate design specifications. We describe the difference between mechanical seal and oil seal here.

Leak-Pack specialize in providing solutions to all types of leakages by manufacturing Mechanical Seals and Sealing Components as per customer’s drawings, samples or requirements. To know more about Mechanical Seal call on +91-(2739) 271592 or email at info@leakpack.com.

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