What is the Difference Between Gaskets & Seals?

<p>Choosing between a gasket and a seal can be confusing, as in many ways they essentially do the same thing. But there are some important differences to note, when deciding which is right for your specific application.</p> <p>Gaskets provide a seal between static flat components like joints and <a href="https://www.fpeseals.com/cylinder-parts/cylinder-components/flanges" target="_blank">flanges</a>, while seals are used on active applications with significant movement between components as a result of rotation or reciprocation such as rotating shafts, <a href="https://www.fpeseals.com/cylinder-parts/cylinder-components/pistons" target="_blank">pistons</a> and pumps.</p> <h3>What is a Gasket?</h3> <p><a href="https://www.fpeseals.com/gaskets-and-jointing" target="_blank">Gaskets</a> are used in static applications; the primary function of a gasket is to prevent leaks and over compression. Normally, a gasket is used to seal two mating surfaces that have a machined finish and space is limited.</p> <p>Gaskets can be used for applications where there is an aggressive environment, substance, or liquid present. These are more commonly used in industries such as oil and gas, pulp and paper production, agricultural equipment, and transportation.</p> <h3>What is a Seal?</h3> <p>Seals help to prevent leakage in dynamic applications between two moving parts and prevent dirt or contaminants entering the system.</p> <p>There is a broader range of seal types and profiles such as <a href="https://www.fpeseals.com/seals/rotary-seals-oil-seals" target="_blank">rotary seals</a>, <a href="https://www.fpeseals.com/seals/pneumatic-seals" target="_blank">pneumatic seals</a>, <a href="https://www.fpeseals.com/seals/wiper-seals" target="_blank">wiper seals</a> and <a href="https://www.fpeseals.com/seals/piston-seals" target="_blank">piston seals</a>. Which are more commonly found in applications like hydraulic rams, motors, engines, pumps, and rotary shafts</p> <p>Typically, seals are used in industries such as construction, manufacturing, food & beverage production, oil & gas, automotive and agriculture.<br></p> <h3>What are gaskets & seals made of?</h3> <p>Gaskets and Seals are manufactured in a range of materials.</p> <p>These include Nitrile, Flourosilicone, Polyisoprene, Neoprene, Polyurethane, Silicone, Synthetic Polyisoprene, Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR) and Viton® depending on the application and working environment.</p> <figure style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box !important; display: block; margin: 0px; color: rgb(68, 68, 68); font-family: asap, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; max-width: 576px; text-align: center;" class="image-center"><a href="https://www.fpeseals.com/seals" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.fpeseals.com/uploads/images/g1.png" width="576" height="144" alt="Seal Range" data-image="pkafj8rf95cc"></a></figure> <p></p> <p>Let the experts at FPE Seals help you find the right seal or gasket for your next project. </p> <p><a href="https://www.fpeseals.com/contact" class="button medium">CONTACT US</a></p> <p>Can’t find what you are looking for or require something more customised?<br></p> <p>Our experienced in-house <a href="https://www.fpeseals.com/made-to-order-seals" target="_blank">machined seals team</a> can design and manufacture what you need in a wide range of standard and specialist materials.</p>

What Causes Hydraulics Cylinders to Leak?

<p>Almost all hydraulic cylinders within their working lifetime will show signs of a leak. However, if issues are spotted early enough leaks can be minimised and easily fixed.<br></p> <p>Here we look at some of the main causes of leaks in hydraulic cylinders and how to prevent them.</p> <h3>How to spot an internal hydraulic leak in a cylinder.</h3> <p>If you notice a pressure change in your hydraulic cylinder, or the cylinder starts to drop under its own weight, chances are there is internal leakage across the piston seal. Fluid that leaks into other areas of the cylinder, affects the motion of the rod. This causes the movement of rod in the cylinder to slow down, as it disperses the fluid to get back into the open position.</p> <p>Another tell-tale sign of a leak, is a visual leak and having to replenish the hydraulic fluid in your machine more frequently than usual, causing an increase in your operating costs.</p> <h3>Main causes of a hydraulic cylinder leak</h3> <h4>Wear & Tear</h4> <p>A worn or damaged Piston <a href="https://www.fpeseals.com/seals">seal</a> or <a href="https://www.fpeseals.com/cylinder-parts">cylinder component</a> can cause fluid leakage. Even the tiniest of cracks can cause hydraulic fluid to enter other parts of the system.</p> <p>Although the wear is unlikely to be visible without closer inspection, a drop in the machinery’s performance is usually an indicator that there is a problem within the cylinder, and its individual parts should be assessed.</p> <h4>Contamination</h4> <p>Dirt, debris, or small pieces of metal that break off other parts of the machine and enter the system can damage components within a hydraulic cylinder and cause an internal leak.</p> <p>Contaminated hydraulic fluid such as water can cause a white milky fluid, which invariably results in corrosion. Some biodegradable oils if not changed regularly at service intervals can break down and cause sludging and components to stick.</p> <p>Ensuring that your cylinder is kept well lubricated and protected from external contaminants will prevent this problem from occurring. If you suspect your hydraulic fluid is contaminated, you should flush and replace the fluid as quickly as possible.</p> <h4>Poor maintenance</h4> <p>Problems can occur if the individual components of a hydraulic cylinder have been poorly fitted or maintained. For instance, if seals are fitted incorrectly or over-tightened this can cause the seal to crack and lead to the deterioration of other parts over time.</p> <p>Ensuring the cylinder is properly fitted by a skilled engineer and kept regularly lubricated, will prevent this from happening.</p> <h4>Changes in operating conditions</h4> <p>Exposure to high temperatures, or heat from high-speed or overuse can damage the seals and <a href="https://www.fpeseals.com/seals/static-seals-o-rings/o-rings">O-rings</a> within your hydraulic cylinder and cause it to leak.</p> <p>Therefore, it is vital to take a machine’s operating conditions into account when selecting the right seals and parts for your cylinder. Some applications require seals manufactured in materials that can withstand high temperatures and high pressure.</p> <h3>Replacing hydraulic cylinder seals and parts</h3> <p>FPE Seals provide replacement parts for all hydraulic cylinders and specialise in providing sealing solutions for aftermarket applications.</p> <p>View what is on offer on our website or contact one of our knowledgeable team today who are happy to advise on finding you the best part for the job.</p> <p><a href="https://www.fpeseals.com/contact" class="button medium">CONTACT US</a></p>

Wave Spring Seals

Stationary Seals

Water Pump Seals

Multiple Spring Seals

Parallel O Ring Mounted Seals

Diaphragm Seals

Elastomeric Bellows Seals

Conical O Ring Mounted Seals

Cartridge Seals

V-Seals

Rotary Seals

Oil Seals

Cushioning Rings

Retaining Rings

Guide Strip

Guide Rings

Guide Ring Wipers

Metal Cased Wipers

Flexible Wipers

Double Lipped Wipers

Wiper Composite Seals

U-Ring Seals

Piston T-Seals

Split Piston Seals

Solid Piston Seals

Rubber & Fabric Piston Seals

Grooved Piston Seals

Cup Seals

Piston Composite Seals

Piston Rings

Hydraulic Complete Piston Seals

Piston Vee-Packing Seals

Pneumatic Wiper Seals

Pneumatic Guiding Wiper Seal

Pneumatic Piston Seals

Pneumatic Cushion Seals

Pneumatic Complete Piston Seals

D Rings

Washers

OP Seals

O Rings with Back Up Rings

Static Seals

Quad Rings

O Rings

Back Up Rings

Rod Vee-Packing Seals

Rod T-Seals

Rod Composite Seals

U-Ring Rod Working Seals

Rubber & Fabric Rod Seals

Cylinders in Kit Form

Piston Seal Kits

Gland Seal Kits

Hose Protection

Protection Plugs

Protection Caps

Overcentre Valves

Flow Control Valves

Check Valves

Burst Valves

Lubrication

Locking

Pins

Spanners

Hand Pumps

Snap Rings

Circlips

Couplings

Trailer Brake Rams

Radial Ball Joints

Fixed Eyes

Weldable Bosses

Bushes

Fork Ends

Ball Joint Ends

Cushioning Components

Cylinder Accessories

End Caps

Glands

Locking Nuts

Flanges

Tubes

Rods

Plugs

Pistons

Ports

Connection Tubes

Weldable Trunnions

Seal Kits by Manufacturer

Swivel Joint Seal Kits

Seal Kits for Mini Excavators

Caterpillar Locknuts

MAXI Kits

Service Kits

O Ring Kits

Vibra-Tite

O-Ring Measuring Tools

Verniers

Pick Sets

Tools

What are couplings used for?

The word “coupling” can be used to describe a range of different components in the field of engineering.

There are mechanical couplings as found on drive shafts connecting two units together, as well as threaded couplings, to name but a few. In this blog we discuss Hydraulic Couplings used in the fluid power sector.

There are many different types of Hydraulic Quick Release Couplings available on the market today. Selecting the best coupling for a particular application is extremely important.

Selecting the right coupling for your application

There are many things you will need to consider that centre around the operating conditions it will be exposed to, such as:

• Flow rate of the equipment being used
• Flow rate of the hydraulic power unit
• Working environment e.g. Construction, Agricultural, Marine
• Ease of connection under pressure
• Cost

FPE Seals offers a range of couplings:

Flat Face Couplings: These couplings allow for minimal inclusion of contaminants during connection and prevent fluid loss and come with a unique locking method. Typical applications include excavator hammer circuits, hydraulic hand tools and breakers, mobile equipment, general industrial, mining, and agricultural.

Quick Release Couplings: Various quick release couplings are commonly used in fuel systems, cooling, test rigs, air tools, and agriculture.

ISO A Poppet valves have balanced springs and a locking ball system that allows quick connection, by pulling back the locking ring, Traditionally, a very versatile coupling, used in lots of equipment, these are now becoming more outdated, and in some cases, flat faced couplings may be a better option.