Segmented Seals

In certain extreme applications, a Qualiseal part made of individual segments may meet your critical performance requirements better than a single-piece unit. Just tell us what you’re trying to accomplish and we’ll find the ideal solution.

Segmented seals ride directly along the shaft and are primarily used in low-pressure applications.

These seals contain a series of segmented carbon rings which contact the shaft or rotor. Segments inside the seal housing are kept in the proper location by anti-rotation keys or pins. A secondary seal is formed by the axial spring loading of the seal rings against the internal surface of the housing face. During movement, a continuous seal is always in contact with either the primary or secondary sealing surfaces.

Ideal For:

Gas seals and for sealing low pressure liquids

Benefits:

Tolerance to unlimited shaft axial movement
Prevents oil and contaminant migration into the process gas side
Leakage rates remain constant over the life of the seal

Features:

Rides directly along the shaft
Special gap segments permit the seal to adjust dimensionally for minimal leakage
Compression and garter springs ensure that segments remain in contact with mating surfaces during low delta pressure and shutdown conditions

Operating Conditions:

Pressures up to 100 PSIA (689.5 kPa)
Temperatures: -100° F (-73°C) to over 2,000°F (1,093°C)
Shaft rotation speeds up to 40,000 FPM (203 m/s)

Design Configurations:

Various seal ring segment configurations
Pressure-balanced segments
Fractured rings
Multiple seal labyrinth
Internally pressurized seal
Internally vented seal

Primary Seal Materials:

Carbon
Silicon carbide
Bronze
Alloy and stainless steel

Mating Surfaces:

Hardened alloy and stainless steel
Hard chrome plate
Chrome oxide
Tungsten carbide
Silicon carbide

Applications:

Aircraft engine main shafts
Accessory gearboxes
Compressors
Transmissions
Rotating and/or reciprocating machinery

Industries Served:

Aerospace
High-speed compressors
Nuclear marine
Military