Carbonization Phenomena on Dynamic Shaft Seals and Test Methods

The carbonization that generated on the lip area of dynamic shaft seals was investigated. It found that the carbonization phenomenon is not only the process of carbonized oil sticking to the rubber surface, in some cases the oil penetrates into the rubber bulk and carbonizes inside the rubber lip area. The carbonization depends on oil termostability, resistance of the rubber to the oil aggressiveness and seal under lip temperature.

A laboratory method was developed which gives the ability to test different oils and rubber compounds, and predict the carbonization of dynamic shaft seals in the field conditions.