New Job Have You Working With Hydraulic Equipment? 4 Potential Seal Problems You Should Be Aware Of Before You Start
If you're going to be working with hydraulic equipment, you need to understand the importance of the seal. While it might be a small component, a damaged seal can cause a catastrophic malfunction with your hydraulic equipment. To ensure your safety while on-the-job, you should be aware of the dangers facing your hydraulic seals. Here are four problems that can destroy your seals.
Improper Installation
Before the seal can properly protect your hydraulic equipment, it has to be installed properly. Unfortunately, there are several missteps that can lead to improper installation of hydraulic seals. Here are just a few of them.
- Installing seals with gaps in the coverage
- Improperly sizing the seal
- Using the wrong seal for the specific equipment
Heat Damage
Hydraulic equipment has to operate under extreme conditions, including excessive heat. Over time, exposure to heat can cause the hydraulic seals to melt, crack or become so brittle that they break. When that happens, they will no longer be able to do the job they're designed for. To ensure that your hydraulic seals are not heat damaged, you should inspect them at the beginning of each workday. If you see signs of heat damage, you should have the seals replaced as soon as possible. To prevent injuries to yourself or others, don't use your equipment until the new seals can be installed.
Chemical Corrosion
Every piece of hydraulic equipment you'll come in contact with will have a specific job to do. Some of the equipment will come in contact with corrosive chemicals on a continual basis. Those chemicals can destroy hydraulic seals. If you're going to be working corrosive chemicals, make sure your hydraulic seals are in good condition. Don't attempt to replace damaged seals by yourself, especially those that come in contact with corrosive materials. Each type of chemical requires a specific seal. If you install the wrong one on your equipment, you could be seriously injured.
Seal Contamination
In order for hydraulic seals to work properly, they have to clean and free of contaminants. Things like dirt, oil, grease and powder can undermine the integrity of your hydraulic seals. Before you operate your machinery, make sure that the seals are clean. If they're not, you'll need to have them replaced.
If your new job requires you to work with hydraulic equipment, use the information provided above to avoid problems with the seals. Be sure to follow the safety protocol for your equipment at all times.
