Knowing how to measure a hydraulic cylinder seal is crucial to run your system as it should be. This article takes you how to measure seals to help you get the dimension information of seals.
Hydraulic Cylinder Seal
The hydraulic seal is one of the key components of a hydraulic system. Its primary function is to cut down the fluid loss from inside the cylinder and retain the cylinder pressure.
The barrier walls ensure the smooth running of equipment between the various cylinders’ chambers. The seal will wear out over time, and that can be a reason for performance problems, so proper measurement and replacement of seals are highly necessary.
Tools Needed for Measurement
Choosing a proper replacement seal requires exact measurements that are assured if you have these tools. Here is a list of tools necessary to take an accurate measurement:
Calipers: These measure the internal and external diameters of the seal.
Measuring Tape: Here, you measure using measuring tapes when seals are large.
Micrometer: You can find out the cross-section or the thickness of the seal by using micrometers with it.
Procedures for Measuring a Hydraulic Cylinder Seal
Remove the Seal
Begin by carefully pulling apart the seal of the hydraulic cylinder. If your measurements were going to be damaged by the process, then the seal also has a chance of getting damaged. It would help if you didn’t allow this to happen. Use the right tools, like seal picks or screwdrivers, to pick the seal from its grooves.
Clean the cylinder and seal
First, clean the cylinder and seal. Dirt, grease, and pieces of rubbish can interfere with measurements. Do this with a clean towel and wipe off any residuals.
Measure the Inner Diameter(ID)
This is done after the seal has been removed from its position. Fit the calipers inside the seal and inside the lip seals, and open them out so that they close snugly from the inner walls. Take note of the reading to avoid inaccuracies because the caliper oscillation should be done exactly. This measurement is quite important, for it will speak greatly of a good seal’s fit onto the piston or rod.
Measure the Outer Diameter (OD)
Next, measure the outside diameter of the seal. Position the caliper along the outside of the seal, ensuring that the ends are even on the seal circumference. This is an extremely important measurement to ensure the seal precisely fits into the cylinder housing. Once again, do not allow the calipers to slip, and ensure a proper reading.
Measure the Cross-section
The thickness of the seal, also known as the cross-sectional area, is also important. The seal should be specified from one side to another regarding width in the microns. Take the reading with the micrometer squarely facing at a right angle to the sealing surface.
This measures the portion’s characteristics to prevent the seal from being extruded and fight the ability to resist right leakage.
Measure the width, depth, and diameter of the grooves from which the seal sits. Check these measures against the dimensions of the seal to ensure a fit.
Inspect the Seal for wear and tear
As you measure, inspect the seal for indications of wear, cracks, or anomalies. This could change your information and enable you to determine if the seal was failing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Common mistakes in measuring a hydraulic cylinder seal include:
Wrong tools: Wrong tools will give you a wrong measurement.
Inconsistent measurements: Measure to ensure the seal is consistent at several points around the seal. In the event a seal has been worn unevenly, one measurement could only partially be representative of the seal.
Not logging: Log every measurement made carefully. This is to ensure which seal to use for replacement and everything is clear.
Measuring your hydraulic cylinder seal can differ between keeping your hydraulic system working well and avoiding expensive repairs. Taking an accurate operating measurement of a hydraulic cylinder seal is paramount, and following through with the best practices outlined here will help you avoid common mistakes to ensure accurate readings for better system performance.
