What Is a Split-Ring Seal?

A split-ring seal has components that split into two halves and are secured as one single unit. One of the most significant advantages of a split-ring seal is that it installs without dismantling the equipment. In addition, it is the biggest time saver for sealing needs and provides leak-free performance. These things ensure that all the environmental and assembly requirements are met.

Split-ring seals are most commonly applied in hydraulic swivel joints and transmissions to reciprocate motion. They provide certain benefits, such as being very easy to carry because of their compact nature. In addition, they are economical because they are inexpensive and proven to provide long life under harsh operating conditions. These are used in conditions where high pressure, temperature, radiation, thermal fatigue, and reliability requirements are present.

Types of Split-Ring Seals

People use specific seals to accomodate a particular application, such as using segmented axial/radial seals or polymer radial seals. Installing a split mechanical seal results in very low or no leakage. They even reduce or eliminate flush, and there is no sleeve wear. However, unlike radial seals, mechanical seals do not need to leak visibly to operate. They do not require finely filtered water to cool, lubricate, and keep solids out. In addition, if you select a seal with carbide face materials, the face is tough and mitigates solid damage.

Uses of Split-Ring Seals

The split-ring seal design requires a lot of engineering, as it is much more challenging than the standard non-split designs. First, their faces are manufactured as regular non-split faces, and are subsequently flattened and squared in shape. Next, once the split ring is checked for its flatness, it is split into two halves that uniquely fit together. The seal ring is also designed cautiously to keep the two mating seal faces in contact, preventing solids from passing through the seal faces. Such designs make seal rings more reliable for specific operations.

There are expanding split-ring seals and contracting split-ring seals. Expanding split-ring seals are primarily used in compressors, pumps, internal-combustion engines, hydraulic cylinders, and pneumatic cylinders. Contracting split-ring seals or rod seals are used in linear actuators. These are expanding and contracting seals that come in a variety of one, two, or three-piece seals. But the single-ring seals are the easiest to install and most economical; however, they also leak easily.

Standard step-cut seals are used for unidirectional sealing where the leakage is not a critical issue. However, special high-precision step seals are required in applications where the leakage is a concern. One-piece or two-piece seals with unique joint designs are required for bidirectional sealing. Three-piece seals are used for very small or large cylinder diameters.

Installation of Split-Ring seals

A split-ring seal can be installed in just a few hours instead of days, and it facilitates installation while managing sealing reliability at start-up. In addition, it is easy to install with only two seal components and has a design with enhanced sealing capabilities like no other split seal ring.

Conclusion

If you are someone who requires a specific split-ring seal, then Fasteners 360 is your ultimate stop for all your hardware requirements. Fasteners 360 is a premium distributor of high-end quality split-ring seals and other hardware components. We never compromise on quality, so get started with us today and see how we provide easy solutions to any one of your procurement needs.

1. martin nelson
2. Posted on April 7, 2022
aviation

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