Hydraulic systems are sealed using a combination of specialized seals between the openings of the various components in the hydraulic cylinder. Not only must the hydraulic seals prevent leakage of fluid from the cylinder, but hydraulic seals must also withstand high pressures, extreme temperatures and transverse forces within the cylinder.
Rod seals, which guard against external leakage, are one of the most vital components of the sealing system.
Piston seals act as pressure barrier and prevent fluid passing the piston. It helps to control the cylinder motion and maintaining the position when at rest.
Just as rod seals are designed to keep the fluid in, wiper seals perform to keep the contamination out. Wipers work in conjunction with rod seals to form the first line of defense in protecting the system and keeping it free from dirt, mud, water and other contaminants.
Vee packings (or V-Packings) are multiple-lip (chevron) seals comprised of a group of endless rings and are popular for sealing rods and pistons. They can be used for low and high pressure applications and with single or double acting cylinders. Vee packings are precision formed rubber and combination rubber/fabric sealing products designed to protect equipment from leakage and costly down time.
An o-ring seal is used to prevent the loss of fluid and gas. The shape of an o-ring is a circular torus or doughnut-shaped ring. The materials used in o-rings for sealing are elastomers
