Sliding seals in Atlas Copco screw compressors
Shaft seal assembly: Used for the sliding seal between the compressor main shaft and the housing to prevent lubricating oil from leaking along with compressed air or outside air from entering.
Structure: Mostly mechanical seals (the moving ring and the stationary ring are in sliding contact, maintained in close fit by springs and medium pressure) or skeleton oil seals (rubber + metal skeleton, sealed by lip interference fit).
Features: Mechanical seals are suitable for high-pressure and high-temperature conditions, while skeleton oil seals are suitable for low-pressure and normal-temperature scenarios.
Common failure causes of sliding seals in Atlas Copco compressors:
Excessive wear (insufficient lubrication, impurities entering, excessive surface roughness);
Material aging (hardening / cracking due to high temperature and medium corrosion);
Improper installation (insufficient / excessive interference, skew causing uneven wear);
Exceeding operating conditions (pressure / temperature exceeding the rated range of the seal).
