Dr Klaus Lang

Group leader sofware,

Research and development

Eagle Burgmann Germany GmbH & Co. KG.

Green sealing: How to combine both low leakage and low friction?

The operating environments, modes and designs of mechanicals seals will be shifted by global megatrends like sustainability, reduction of emissions and improved energy efficiency. Improvements by means of sealing devices for rotatory machines must always be considered in the context of the application and type of machine. The outcome ranges from negligible impact to being a critical enabler device. An overview of regulatory, commercial, technical driving forces and solution examples is provided.

Combining low leakage and low power consumption is the ‘holy grail’ of rotatory sealing. However, for industry, the constraints of robustness and cost-effectiveness are imperative. Trying to start from first principles, the possibilities of minimizing fluid leakage and friction is discussed. Past, current and possible future applications and trends are addressed based on selected examples.