SKF reported today that it has developed a new generation of shaft seals specifically designed to meet the challenges of the wind energy industry.
The machined polyurethane seals from the HRS range weigh less and take up less space than labyrinth seal designs. They are available in three different designs to suit different applications.
The HRS1 seal is designed to keep lubricant inside the turbine’s bearing and gearbox, while coping with the large misalignments experienced in this kind of equipment. Depending on the size of the shaft, HRS seals can accommodate coaxial misalignment of up to 3mm. For applications where protection from external contamination by dust or moisture is also a priority, the HRE excluder seal can be added to the HRS1, providing an additional external lip. Alternatively, the HRSA version of the seal can be used, which incorporates an auxiliary lip into its design.
The HRS seals are manufactured from G-ECOPUR polyurethane, which is an ozone, UV and water-resistant material that offers excellent wear resistance compared with the rubber materials commonly used elsewhere, SKF said.
The whole HRS range is available in solid or split designs. Solid seals are designed for installation during manufacture where operators can access the end of the shaft. Split seals are ideal for in-service replacement, or manufacturing applications where there is no access to the end of the shaft, the company explained.
Image: SKF