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The operating temperature of the primary lip of a radial lip seal is a critical parameter of seal performance. The vehicular industry is requesting unitized seals with extended life for high speed applications. The rubber lined steel running surface configuration used in most unitized seal designs creates an unfavorable operating condition for the primary lip operating temperature. This condition, as observed in testing, is a result of poor heat transfer capability away from the primary lip. An analysis using finite element modeling and a verification technique utilizing an infrared energy measurement device of this heat transfer and of a primary seal lip running on a solid steel shaft is discussed.

A new approach has been developed to enhance polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) seal performance. To accomplish this, a fundamental need to improve the flexural capabilities of the PTFE seal was required. The new approach involves incorporating elastomeric portions to the seal in regions of the sealing lip that previously have been all PTFE. This new concept PTFE seal has demonstrated improved performance to present day bonded and clamped PTFE seal technologies in three specific areas of bench testing: Dynamic Torque reduction of 45% to 60%, Dynamic Durability life improvement of 1000+ hours at 15% higher geometry, and Thermal cycling performance improvement of 5-30%.

Technology for evaluating and studying the PTFE lay-down sealing element is improving. This paper compares and assesses advanced finite element modeling and measurement techniques for determining the radial load distribution of a PTFE lay-down sealing element and the effective axial contact distance on the mating surface.