Mechanical Shift Seal Design: Centifugal Pressure Seals vs. Labyrinth Seals

The Centritec Seal Difference

Rather than locking in fluid using internal pressure, like a centrifugal seal, a labyrinth seal by design will have some amount of leakage. Labyrinth seals must be produced with a "route" for the leaking lubricant to follow. This typically results in a complex, indirect path in the seal's internal labyrinth path through which the lubricant flows. This channel can allow contamination to enter the seal, as it is "open" to external conditions.

In comparison, a Centritec Seal's centrifugal operation locks lubricant in and requires no expulsion of fluids. This ensures that sufficient amounts of lubricant are maintained, and that lubricant quality is not compromised by dirt, water or other contaminants. Centritec Seals also prevent lubricant from leaking out of the controlled fluid cavity between stationary and non-stationary elements.

Slower speeds & lower viscosity fluids than labyrinth Seals

The rotating chamber in a Centritec Seal significantly reduces operational speed requirements compared to other typical non-contact seals, though it will also operate at extremely high speeds. This patented design makes Centritec Seals ideal for a wide array of applications, and allows the use of very low viscosity fluids.

Flexible Alignment

The rotating chamber within a Centritec Seal develops internal pressures that pump lubricant back into the controlled fluid cavity. This allows for greater tolerance of axial movement and vibration, and provides flexibility in the seal's positioning. Most standard non-contact seals, such as a labyrinth seal, have strict dimensional requirements. If alignment is changed slightly the seal can fail, lubricant can leak and an entire system can be compromised. Ensuring proper axial alignment can become a time-consuming maintenance effort that results in increased costs and downtime. Centritec Seals effectively solve this issue.

Reduced Friction & Overheating

With the seal's non-contact design and internal pressure sealing method, Centritec Seals operate with much greater efficiency than mechanical shaft seals and other non-contact seals, such as labyrinth seals. There is little rotational fluid shearing and hence less friction to overcome. This significantly reduces the possibility of friction-induced overheating.

Centritec Seals have proven to be the most effective option for an array of drive shaft sealing applications. When other shaft seals fail, Centritec Seals hold up against extreme conditions, providing the most reliable sealing solution.

Contact Centritec Seals for more information on our non-contact seals, or to request a quote for your application.