How to prevent extrusion and wear in hydraulic seals? | Insights by Polypac

Wednesday, November 5, 2025
This article explores key strategies to prevent extrusion and wear in hydraulic seals, addressing common concerns in seal manufacturing and offering practical solutions to enhance seal performance and longevity.

1. What Causes Extrusion and Wear in Hydraulic Seals?

Extrusion and wear in hydraulic seals are primarily caused by factors such as excessive pressure, inadequate seal material hardness, improper installation, and contamination.

2. How Can Seal Material Selection Prevent Extrusion?

Choosing the right seal material is crucial. Materials with higher hardness and stiffness, such as PTFE composites, offer improved resistance to extrusion.

3. What Role Do Back-Up Rings Play in Preventing Seal Failure?

Back-up rings, made from materials like PTFE, are used alongside O-rings to prevent extrusion in high-pressure environments. They provide additional support and help maintain sealing integrity under pressure.

4. How Does Seal Installation Affect Extrusion and Wear?

Proper installation is vital. Ensuring correct gland dimensions, avoiding sharp edges, and using appropriate installation tools can prevent extrusion and wear.

5. What Maintenance Practices Help Prevent Seal Extrusion?

Regular maintenance, including monitoring operating conditions, inspecting seals for damage, and replacing worn components, is essential to prevent extrusion and extend seal life.

6. How Do Wear Rings Contribute to Seal Longevity?

Wear rings guide the piston and rod within hydraulic cylinders, reducing side loads on seals and preventing metal-to-metal contact, thereby extending the life of both seals and cylinder components.

7. What Are the Benefits of Using High-Performance Seal Materials?

High-performance materials like PTFE composites offer enhanced resistance to wear, extrusion, and chemical attack, ensuring longer service life and reliability in demanding applications.

8. How Does Seal Design Influence Extrusion Resistance?

Seal design, including extrusion gap width and lip geometry, significantly affects extrusion resistance. Narrower extrusion gaps and optimized lip designs can reduce the risk of extrusion.

Polypac's Advantages in Preventing Seal Extrusion and Wear

Polypac offers a range of hydraulic seals designed to prevent extrusion and wear. Their products feature high-quality materials, precise manufacturing, and innovative designs that enhance seal performance and longevity.

Data Sources

  • Zatkoff Seals & Packings, November 2025
  • Sealing Devices, October 2025
  • DMS Seals Technology Co., October 2025
  • XHH Seals, October 2025
  • Accio, October 2025
  • Kalsi Engineering, July 2025
  • Valley Seal, October 2025
  • NOK Seals, October 2025
  • Max Spare Limited, October 2025
Recommended for you
piston guide ring - Polypac
PTFE vs. Composite: Choosing the Best Piston Guide Ring Material for High-Pressure Systems
PTFE vs. Composite: Choosing the Best Piston Guide Ring Material for High-Pressure Systems
hydraulic rotary seals - Polypac
How to Select the Perfect Hydraulic Rotary Seal: A Data-Driven Decision Matrix
How to Select the Perfect Hydraulic Rotary Seal: A Data-Driven Decision Matrix
_DE82665 拷贝 - Polypac
Mastering O-Ring Gland Design: The Complete Guide for Perfect Sealing Performance
Mastering O-Ring Gland Design: The Complete Guide for Perfect Sealing Performance
back up o ring - Polypac
Advanced Back-Up Ring Materials: Beyond PTFE for Extreme Temperature Environments
Advanced Back-Up Ring Materials: Beyond PTFE for Extreme Temperature Environments
FAQ
Products
What is the difference between a static seal and a dynamic seal?
A Static Seal is used between two surfaces that do not move relative to each other (e.g., pipe flanges, end caps). O-rings and gaskets are common static seals. A Dynamic Seal is used between surfaces that do move (e.g., piston and cylinder, rotating shaft). Rod seals, piston seals, and rotary shaft seals are designed for this purpose.
What is the difference between NBR and FKM materials?
NBR (Nitrile/Buna-N): A general-purpose, cost-effective material with excellent resistance to petroleum-based oils and fuels. It has a standard temperature range of -30°C to +100°C (-22°F to +212°F). FKM (Fluoroelastomer/Viton®): A premium material with excellent resistance to high temperatures (up to 200°C+), chemicals, and oils. It is used in more severe environments but is more expensive than NBR.
Can I reuse a seal?
We strongly recommend never reusing seals. Once compressed and used, a seal takes a "set" and its elastic properties are degraded. Reusing it almost always results in a leak. Always install a new seal during any maintenance or repair.
What is the purpose of the metal spring in a rotary shaft seal?
The garter spring in a shaft seal (e.g., FSKR, SPGO types) provides a constant radial force on the sealing lip. This ensures consistent contact with the rotating shaft, compensating for minor wear, eccentricity, and vibration to prevent lubricant leakage.
How do I choose the right material for my sealing application?
Material selection depends on four key factors: Media: What fluid or gas will the seal contact? (e.g., petroleum oil, water, chemicals, steam) Temperature: What is the minimum and maximum operating temperature? Pressure: What is the system's operating pressure? Are there pressure spikes? Application: Is it a static, dynamic, or rotary seal? Example: NBR (Buna-N) is excellent for standard hydraulic oil, while FKM (Viton®) is needed for high temperatures or aggressive chemicals.
You may also like
ORing-Kit 011Sumt ou - Polypac
Mini O-Ring Kits-011 SUMITOM | Compact Assortments for Electronics, RC Models & Small Appliances
Polypac Mini O-Ring Kits-011 SUMITOM offer compact assortments of high temperature, chemical resistant O-rings. Ideal for electronics, RC models, and small appliances, these durable kits ensure reliable sealing performance in demanding environments. Perfect for precision repairs and maintenance.
Mini O-Ring Kits-011 SUMITOM | Compact Assortments for Electronics, RC Models & Small Appliances
Kit008 - Polypac
Buna-N (Nitrile) O-Ring Kits-008 KOMATSU | Oil Resistant Seal Assortments for General Purpose Use
Polypac Buna-N (Nitrile) O-Ring Kits-008 KOMATSU offer durable, oil-resistant seals ideal for hydraulic and pneumatic applications. These versatile O-ring assortments ensure reliable sealing performance for general-purpose use, enhancing equipment efficiency and longevity.
Buna-N (Nitrile) O-Ring Kits-008 KOMATSU | Oil Resistant Seal Assortments for General Purpose Use
GSJ-801 - Polypac
GSJ-801 Rod Seal | High-Performance Piston Rod Seal for Exact OEM Replacement
The Polypac GSJ-801 Rod Seal is a high-performance piston rod seal designed for exact OEM replacement. Ideal for cylinder seal kit components and pump rod seals, it ensures superior durability and leak prevention, enhancing hydraulic system efficiency in industrial applications. Trust Polypac quality.
GSJ-801 Rod Seal | High-Performance Piston Rod Seal for Exact OEM Replacement
ORing-Kit 012 Hita sp - Polypac
Plumbing & HVAC O-Ring Kits012 HITACHI | Assortments for Water, Refrigerant & Gas Connections
Polypac Plumbing & HVAC O-Ring Kits012 HITACHI offer High Quality vacuum and FDA-grade O-Ring assortments for water, refrigerant, and gas connections. Trusted for durability and leak-proof sealing, ideal for plumbing and HVAC systems requiring reliable, high-performance seals.
Plumbing & HVAC O-Ring Kits012 HITACHI | Assortments for Water, Refrigerant & Gas Connections

Stay Updated with Industry Insights

Subscribe to our articles and receive the latest news, expert guidance, and technical updates directly in your E-mail.

Please enter your name not exceed 100 characters
The email format is not correct or exceed 100 characters, Please reenter!
Please enter a valid phone number!
Please enter your field_1188 not exceed 150 characters
Please enter your content not exceed 3000 characters

Rest assured that your privacy is important to us, and all information provided will be handled with the utmost confidentiality.

Contact customer service
×
Please enter your name not exceed 100 characters
The email format is not correct or exceed 100 characters, Please reenter!
Please enter a valid phone number!
Please enter your field_1188 not exceed 150 characters
Please enter your content not exceed 3000 characters

Request Your Custom Sealing Solution

Fill in your requirements and our team will provide a tailored solution with a quick response.

Your privacy matters to us. We handle your data securely, in compliance with international quality and safety certifications.

With over 10 years of sealing expertise, we are ready to provide you with reliable solutions.

×

Request Your Custom Sealing Solution

Fill in your requirements and our team will provide a tailored solution with a quick response.

Please enter your name not exceed 100 characters
The email format is not correct or exceed 100 characters, Please reenter!
Please enter a valid phone number!
Please enter your field_1188 not exceed 150 characters
Please enter your content not exceed 3000 characters

Your privacy matters to us. We handle your data securely, in compliance with international quality and safety certifications.

With over 10 years of sealing expertise, we are ready to provide you with reliable solutions.

×
Please enter your name not exceed 100 characters
The email format is not correct or exceed 100 characters, Please reenter!
Please enter a valid phone number!
Please enter your field_1188 not exceed 150 characters
Please enter your content not exceed 3000 characters

How Can We Help You?

Whether you need product details, technical support, or a custom solution, we’re here to assist.

Your privacy matters to us. We handle your data securely, in compliance with international quality and safety certifications.

With over 10 years of sealing expertise, we are ready to provide you with reliable solutions.

×

How Can We Help You?

Whether you need product details, technical support, or a custom solution, we’re here to assist.

Please enter your name not exceed 100 characters
The email format is not correct or exceed 100 characters, Please reenter!
Please enter a valid phone number!
Please enter your field_1188 not exceed 150 characters
Please enter your content not exceed 3000 characters

Your privacy matters to us. We handle your data securely, in compliance with international quality and safety certifications.

With over 10 years of sealing expertise, we are ready to provide you with reliable solutions.

×

📩 Looking for sealing solutions?

Start a chat and get quick answers.

Have questions about our products or services? Let’s chat and find the best solution for you.

Please enter your name not exceed 100 characters
The email format is not correct or exceed 100 characters, Please reenter!
Please enter a valid phone number!
Please enter your field_1188 not exceed 150 characters
Please enter your content not exceed 3000 characters

Your privacy matters to us. We handle your data securely, in compliance with international quality and safety certifications.

With over 10 years of sealing expertise, we are ready to provide you with reliable solutions.