What are Seals ?

Air compressor seals come in several varieties:

• Air seals: These components block the lubricating oils from the high-speed pinion bearing from contaminating the process airstream. They come in varieties like labyrinth and carbon-ring seals.
• Wet seals: These liquid, oil or mechanical contact seals create a positive barrier to prevent gas leakage. Most varieties use a mechanical seal with a rotating and stationary ring. A film of oil sits between the two faces to avoid leakage.
• Dry gas seals: These noncontact dry running seals are the industrial standard for eliminating process contamination and preventing gas leakage without using oil. The design consists of grooves or ramps that guide the air toward a nongrooved portion. As gas flows across the area, it generates pressure, which protects against leakage from either direction.

If you need to replace a seal, you should determine the type your air compressor uses, so you can match the specs for the old and new seals. Using the right design ensures the machine continues to operate effectively.

The importance of air compressor seals in operations means they must operate effectively. If they begin to lose functionality, they allow contaminants into the system or enable compressed air to escape. You can check for leaks in a few different ways. The first is a visual check. Look at the seal area to identify oil, air or moisture around the area. In some cases, a leak creates stains, residue or visible cracks near the seal.

You may notice a leak due to unusual noises. A hissing or whistling sound during operation could signal air release through a seal. During operations, drops in performance, such as pressure losses or increased cycling, may occur. In some compressor models, sensors alert you to these and other signals that indicate a leak. If you suspect a leak, use a soap-water mix on the area. Escaping air will cause bubbles to form.

Once you have identified a leak, the next step is to fix it. Here are the steps involved in this process:

1. Shut down: Turn the compressor off and release any pressure within the system. This step enables you to access the seal and replace it.
2. Remove: Disassemble the relevant section of the compressor and remove the faulty component to make room for a new one.
3. Prepare: Ensure the system is ready for a new seal by checking the shaft and housing for wear, scoring or debris. Remove any debris by cleaning surfaces thoroughly.
4. Install: Put in a new seal that matches the original specs and reassemble the section around the new part.
5. Test: Before restarting operations, test the system to ensure the new seal operates effectively. Continue to monitor the performance over time to check for any issues.