What Causes Hydraulic Seals To Deteriorate?
Posted on: 16 October 2020
There are all sorts of things that can go wrong with hydraulic seals. They can tear or break, for example. In some cases, you might find that your hydraulic seals will actually deteriorate. If this happens, it might seem as if your hydraulic seals are literally falling apart, since they can begin to crack and crumble into dust.
Of course, once deterioration starts with your hydraulic seals, it is important to replace them. You might be curious about what caused your hydraulic seals to start deteriorating in the first place, however, since you might want to prevent the same problem with future hydraulic seals. These are some of the common causes of this deterioration.
Long-Term Use
First of all, be aware that there doesn't necessarily have to be anything wrong in order for hydraulic seals to deteriorate. If your hydraulic seals have been in use for a long time, you should know that deterioration is not uncommon. However, if you have newer hydraulic seals that started deteriorating, then there is probably a problem somewhere. Make sure that you are checking your hydraulic seals fairly regularly, particularly as they get older. When you know that your hydraulic seals are starting to get older, you may want to go ahead and replace them, or at least keep a few extras on hand, so that you can swap them out before deterioration starts.
Exposure to Sunlight
Since hydraulic seals are typically made from rubber and other similar materials, they often don't hold up very well when they are exposed to sunlight for long periods of time. When storing hydraulic seals prior to installation, make sure that you store them in a dark place, away from direct sunlight. Otherwise, you could find that your brand new hydraulic seals will begin deteriorating before you ever install them or use them at all.
Too-High Fluid Temperatures
Another thing that can cause your hydraulic seals to deteriorate is exposure to too-high fluid temperatures. It is important to keep an eye on the temperature of the oil that is being used with your hydraulic system, for example. Doing so can not only help you prevent your hydraulic seals from being damaged, but it can also help you preserve the quality of your oil and ensure that your hydraulic system is working like it is supposed to.
For more information about hydraulic seals, contact a local industrial equipment supplier.
Share