Ranking and Predicting Seals

The dynamic life of general purpose radial lip seals is found to be dependent upon the retention of the elastomeric properties of the sealing element. Determination of the retention of elastomeric properties or “static life” is measurable utilizing changes in microhardness. Static aging during hot fluid immersion results in accelerated elastomeric degradation which is manifested by extreme increases in the microhardness for nitrile rubbers. This hardening provides a convenient and accurate tool to rank and predict seal performance.