A new test service introduced by Bal Seal Engineering, Inc. offers verified performance results for Bal Seal low-friction spring-energized seals used in rotary/face applications. According to the company, the service will help OEMs and tier suppliers eliminate unnecessary costs, delays and complications associated with in-house or outsourced seal testing. Bal Seal Engineering’s seal test equipment measures friction and leak rate using customer-defined hardware tolerances and operating conditions, including pressure and speed. Fixtures can accommodate seals up to 22 in. OD, and can be modified for larger seal dimensions. The fixtures can produce a wide range of pressures and exert specific frictional forces to accurately simulate a seal’s performance un-der real-world conditions. Rotating plates on the fixtures are connected to digital force testers, which measure the friction of rotation. A vacuum tester simulates air flow over the housing. The tester pulls a vacuum across the plates, creating suction inside the seal to measure the leak rate across its surface. Both friction and leak rate are measured simultaneously. 

 

Bal Seal Engineering, Inc. | www.balseal.com