A few steps to teach you to evaluate the sealing performance and life of the cylinder

In the field of industrial automation, cylinders, as a common actuator, are widely used in various mechanical equipment. The sealing performance and life of the cylinder are important indicators that determine its reliability and stability. This article will analyze and discuss cylinder sealing principles, common sealing materials, sealing performance evaluation methods, and measures to extend cylinder life.

First of all, the sealing principle of the cylinder is the key to ensuring that the pressure in the cylinder does not leak, thereby achieving motion control. Common cylinder sealing forms include piston seals, piston rod seals and end cover seals. Piston seals generally use sealing structures such as O-rings and V-rings, and the sealing effect is achieved through friction and elastic deformation between the sealing ring and the cylinder wall. Piston rod seals generally use oil seals, sealing rings and other structures to prevent lubricating oil or working medium from leaking. The end cap seal is achieved by a gasket or sealing ring.

Secondly, the selection of sealing materials has an important impact on the sealing performance of the cylinder. Common sealing materials include rubber, polyurethane, polytetrafluoroethylene, etc. The selection should be determined based on the nature of the working medium, working temperature, working pressure and other factors. Rubber seals have good elasticity and wear resistance and are suitable for general working conditions. Polyurethane seals have high wear resistance and oil resistance, and are suitable for high-speed, high-pressure, and high-temperature working conditions. PTFE seals have excellent corrosion resistance and high temperature resistance, and are suitable for corrosive media and high temperature working conditions.

Sealing performance evaluation is a process of quantitative analysis of cylinder sealing effect. Commonly used evaluation indicators include leakage volume, remaining seal volume, friction force, etc. Leakage refers to the pressure difference between the pressure inside the cylinder and the external environment at a given pressure, which can be measured through reasonable testing equipment. The remaining amount of sealing refers to the sealing effect maintained after the seal wears during actual use. It is usually evaluated by performing a reversible deformation test on the seal. Friction refers to the friction generated between the seal and the cylinder wall during the movement of the cylinder, which can be measured by a friction test device.

To extend the life of the cylinder, a series of measures need to be taken. First, select appropriate sealing materials and sealing structures, and ensure their quality is reliable; secondly, regularly inspect and maintain the sealing components of the cylinder, such as replacing severely worn seals, cleaning sealing surfaces, etc.; in addition, use lubricating oil and working media correctly , avoid using media that does not meet the requirements or excessive pressure and temperature; finally, rationally design the installation and use conditions of the cylinder to avoid excessive impact loads and vibrations and improve the reliability and stability of the cylinder.

To sum up, the sealing performance and life of the cylinder are key factors affecting its reliability and stability. Through reasonable sealing design, selection of appropriate sealing materials, regular inspection and maintenance, and reasonable use and installation, the service life of the cylinder can be effectively extended and the working efficiency and reliability of the equipment can be improved.