Hydraulic machinery has revolutionized the way that manufacturers and industrial facilities perform work each day. Seals play an important role within any hydraulic system, since these seals help to eliminate leaks and maintain proper hydraulic pressure.

Without quality seals, you can't expect your hydraulic machinery to perform at maximum efficiency. Your approach to installation will have a direct impact on the longevity and performance of your hydraulic seals. Address the following three issues during installation to keep hydraulic seal quality high.

1. Keep the Seal Clean

Cleanliness is one of the most important factors when it comes to hydraulic seal quality. It's imperative that you keep seals clean prior to installation.

The smallest grain of sand or particles of dirt could create friction when exposed to the pressurized fluids in a hydraulic system. This friction leads to excessive wear and premature failure of the hydraulic seal itself.

Wipe down your work surface, tools, and the seal with a lint-free cloth before installation. This will keep the seal clean and prevent performance problems in the future.

2. Keep the Seal Lubricated

Hydraulic seals are made from a flexible rubber material. This material must be lubricated continually to prevent the seal from drying out.

The lubricant that you use should be specifically designed for use in a hydraulic system. These lubricants are meant to prevent abrasion and improve the durability of any hydraulic seal.

Apply lubricant to both the seal and the seal path prior to installation so that you can extend the life of the hydraulic seal over time.

3. Heat the Seal

Another important step to take prior to installing a new hydraulic seal is to heat the seal thoroughly. Hydraulic seals that are kept in storage for an extended period of time can become stiff and rigid. Installing the seal in this condition will make it more likely to snap when exposed to the pressures found within a hydraulic system.

Heating the seal can help restore elasticity and ensure that the seal immediately acclimates to the environmental conditions inside your hydraulic system once installed. The easiest way to heat a hydraulic seal is to soak it in some heated lubricant prior to installation.

Just be sure that the temperature of the lubricant never exceeds the seal's maximum temperature rating so that you don't inadvertently damage the seal.

Replacing a seal is something that anyone using a hydraulic machine will have to do multiple times. Use caution during installation to improve seal quality in your facility. 

To learn more, contact a company that tests and repairs hydraulic seals. 

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