Differences between axial seal and radial seal

Radial seals

Radial seals are essential devices used to prevent the escape of fluids and to protect the internal parts of rotating machinery, such as motors and pumps. These components, through a series of elements that exert pressure on the rotating shaft, create a hermetic barrier.

Radial seals play a crucial role in keeping lubricants within the system and preventing contaminants from entering, thus ensuring proper operation and longevity of equipment. Their application is critical to ensuring the efficiency and durability of industrial machinery.

Axial seals

On the other hand, axial seals, also known as face seals, are devices designed to prevent leakage of fluids along a rotating axis perpendicular to the rotating motion. These sealing systems consist of components such as a rotating ring, a stationary ring, springs, and secondary seals, which work together to maintain hermetic contact between moving and stationary parts.

Axial seals find application in machinery such as pumps, compressors and mixers, where it is critical to prevent fluid leakage and contaminant ingress. Ensuring operational efficiency and equipment safety, axial seals are crucial to the proper operation of many industrial systems.

Difference between a radial seal and an axial seal

Radial seals and axial seals are both essential to prevent fluid leakage and protect machinery, but they operate differently and are suitable for different applications.

The main difference between the two types of seals lies in the direction in which they seal relative to the rotating shaft: radial seals seal along the axis parallel to shaft rotation, while axial seals seal along the axis perpendicular to shaft rotation.

In terms of design, radial seals consist of an elastomeric sealing lip, an outer body, and sometimes a spring. In contrast, axial seals consist of a rotating ring and a stationary ring, with springs maintaining constant pressure between the rotating and stationary surfaces.

Radial seal applications include motors, transmissions, pumps and other industrial equipment, where the seal lip presses radially on the rotating shaft, creating a hermetic barrier that retains lubricants within the system and prevents contaminants from entering. Axial seals, on the other hand, are used in pumps, compressors, mixers, and chemical reactors, where they maintain axial contact between the rotating and stationary surfaces, ensuring constant pressure by means of springs and preventing fluid leakage and contaminant ingress.

In summary, the sealing direction, design, applications, and operation of radial and axial seals differ significantly, influencing the selection of the most suitable seal based on specific operational requirements.

Conclusions and the role of Fugesco

In conclusion, understanding the differences between axial and radial seals is critical to selecting the optimal sealing solution, depending on the specific needs of each application.

In this context, we at Fugesco are an international benchmark in sealing solutions, offering customized, state-of-the-art products for the hydropower industry. With over 20 years of experience, we provide sealing solutions up to 4 meters shaft diameter.

The ability to design and manufacture both radial and axial seals for turbines positions us as a valuable partner in ensuring maximum efficiency and durability of sealing solutions. Contact us now for more information!