A high-pressure radial shaft seal with enhanced wear performance

High-pressure radial shaft seals are typically used in hydraulic pumps to seal a continuously rotating shaft within a housing bore. When the seal is pressurized, the sealing lip’s contact with the shaft increases, which leads to higher wear. At very high pressures, the seal’s cross-section can collapse, forcing the garter spring out of its retaining groove. This issue can be mitigated by stiffening the membrane area, though this reduces the seal’s ability to accommodate radial movement of the shaft. The current study presents a new approach to stabilize the seal’s cross-section. Multiple pads are added on the seal above the membrane area and next to the spring. As a result, a considerably lower laydown is achieved, resulting in improved wear performance during tests. Additionally, the pads help maintain the spring’s position. The theoretical considerations are supported by tests conducted under varying pressure and shaft speed conditions, demonstrating the practical benefits of this new seal design.