Hydraulic Seals in Arctic Conditions

Properties of seal materials are described. Leakage and wear of hydraulic cylinder piston and piston rod seals were tested. Considerable differences in the leakage of different seals were measured in a static test at the temperature of −50°C. Severe wear of a specific low temperature nitrile rubber piston seal occurred when the piston was driven through 162 000 strokes at normal temperatures.

O-rings made of six different materials were tested in the temperature range −60…+60°C. Special nitrile rubbers and fluorosilicones produced the best performance. Standard nitrile O-rings are not recommended for use below −40°C.

Seven radial lip seals were evaluated at +20… −40°C. Silicone seals produced the best performance at low temperatures.