Lubricating oil seals is an important step that has several purposes and benefits, as follows:

1. Reduce friction

The lubricating oil forms a protective film between the oil seal and the rotating shaft, significantly reducing the friction coefficient. This lubricating film can effectively reduce friction between metal contact surfaces, thereby reducing wear. Excessive friction will cause the surface temperature of the material to rise and may even cause damage to the oil seal. Therefore, proper lubrication is the key to extending the life of the oil seal.

2. Prevent damage

Oil seals work under high temperature and high pressure conditions, and lack of lubrication will cause heat accumulation in the material, causing it to age, deform, or become brittle. This thermal effect will adversely affect the elasticity and sealing performance of the oil seal, leading to oil leakage and other failures. Using compatible lubricants can slow down these physical changes and maintain the structural integrity of the oil seal.

3. Enhance sealing performance

The main function of the oil seal is to prevent oil leakage and the entry of external contaminants. Lubricating oil can fill the tiny gap between the oil seal and the shaft, further enhancing the sealing effect. By forming a sealing oil film, the lubricating oil reduces wear caused by relative motion and improves sealing stability.

4. Improve installation efficiency

When installing the oil seal, lubricant can reduce frictional resistance and make it easier for the oil seal to slide into the designated position. This not only reduces damage to the oil seal body, but also reduces the risk of errors during installation. The right lubricant can help technicians complete installation jobs faster and more accurately.

5. Adapt to temperature changes

Oil seals usually work in an environment with fluctuating temperatures, and changes in temperature can cause thermal expansion and contraction of the material. Lubricating oil can relieve the stress concentration caused by temperature changes to a certain extent and maintain the elasticity and sealing performance of the oil seal. Proper lubrication can ensure that the oil seal can maintain an effective seal under various working conditions.

6. Prevent dry grinding

During the startup process, if the oil seal is not completely wetted by the lubricant, dry grinding may occur, which is an extremely unfavorable state for the oil seal. Dry grinding can cause rapid wear and damage to the oil seal material, causing leakage. Preliminary lubrication ensures that the oil seal receives sufficient lubrication at the moment of startup to prevent dry wear.

7. Extend the service life of equipment

Taking the above factors into account, proper lubrication can not only improve the performance and reliability of the oil seal, but also significantly extend the service life of the entire mechanical system. By reducing friction and wear and reducing the incidence of failures, the practice of lubricating oil seals can effectively reduce the frequency of repairs and replacements, and reduce operating and maintenance costs.

Things to note

• When selecting a lubricant, you must ensure that it is compatible with the oil seal material (such as fluorine rubber, neoprene, etc.) and the working environment (such as temperature, chemical media). Some petroleum-based lubricants may cause chemical degradation of certain materials, causing oil seal failure.

• The amount of lubrication should be controlled within a moderate range. Excessive lubricating oil may cause oil seal leakage and affect the sealing effect. Therefore, a reasonable amount of lubrication is the key to ensuring oil seal performance.

To sum up, lubrication of the oil seal is not only a necessary step during the installation process, but also an important measure to ensure its long-term reliable operation. This process requires attention to detail and material compatibility to ensure optimal performance and economics of the mechanical system.