Turcon Varilip PDR (Performance, Durability, Reliability) rotary shaft seals are constructed from one or multiple Turcon PTFE-based sealing elements which are mechanically retained in a precision-machined metal body. The metal body gives a robust static seal against the housing, preventing thermal cycling, while the Turcon sealing element provides positive dynamic sealing on the shaft, leading to excellent performance at high rotary speeds. Characterised by low friction and stick and slip-free running, the seal reduces temperature generation, permits higher peripheral speeds and lowers power consumption. This results in a long-service life, with maximised mean time between planned maintenance and improved productivity.

Stuart Moares, Product Manager for Trelleborg Sealing Solutions Bridgwater, UK, says: "Currently there is a big push by industry in general to reduce power consumption and our carbon footprint. Apart from showing responsibility for the environment, it has the benefit of lowering ever-increasing energy bills."

Taking a specific example from the semiconductor sector, tests show that Turcon Varilip PDR requires only around 50 per cent of the torque of a radial oil seal when running in Fomblin oil, commonly used in vacuum pumps. This meets designers' objectives for lower power consumption, a critical success factor in this type of equipment.

Based on the substantial experience of Trelleborg Sealing Solutions in supply of custom-designed metal-bodied rotary shaft seals, the new range offers customers a wide choice of standard parts in various corrosion-resistant materials and lip geometries. These will meet the requirements of virtually any rotating applications in numerous industries including chemical processing, oil & gas, semiconductor, automotive, motor sport, marine, machine tools and power transmission. As no specific tooling is needed in manufacturing, they prove a very cost-effective option.

Benefits

Turcon PTFE based sealing lip:

• Low friction to facilitate reduced power loss and friction-induced heat
• Special self-lubricating hydrodynamic feature further reduces friction
• Advanced geometries engineered to give excellent performance in almost every high-speed rotary situation
• Multiple lip configurations to address most sealing needs
• Material compatible with virtually all media
• Available in FDA-compliant grades

Metal body:

• Durability in harsh environments
• Effective sealing on static outer diameter
• Resistance to thermal cycling
• Choice of high-quality metals including stainless steel, aluminium and other specialised metals such as Hastelloy or Titanium
• High corrosion resistance
• Superior precision-machined finish for improved sealing on the static interface

Overall Turcon Varilip PDR seal:

• Contributes to a reduction in power consumption of equipment
• High-speed capability up to 100m/s (19,680 ft/min)
• Wide operating temperature range from -60degC to 200degC/ -76degF to 392degF
• Options available for dry-running applications and for soft shafts
• Retrofits in radial oil seal grooves
• Unlimited shelf life with no special storage requirements

Extensive test data enable Trelleborg Sealing Solutions to recommend the best option for specific operating parameters for the new Turcon Varilip PDR. If required, testing tailored to an individual application can be undertaken, including Finite Element Analysis.