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How to Design Turbine Shaft Lip Seals

Turbines are used in a variety of applications, such as for harnessing wind power. A turbine is almost always in constant rotating motion, requiring generous lubrication for moving parts. Turbine bearings and shafts must retain the lubrication, such as grease or oil, to prevent frictional damage. Shaft lip seals protect the turbine from losing lubrication, and prevent dust and debris infiltration. However, turbine shaft lip seals must be designed properly for a long lifespan.

Things You'll Need

Turbine shaft design layout

Instructions

- 1
  Verify that the lip seal's contact points with the shaft surface have height imperfections. A lip seal cannot secure any shaft lubrication if the sealing surface is perfectly smooth, and leakage may be possible. The height imperfections generate a pumping action during shaft rotation, creating pressure between the shaft surface and lip seal to retain lubrication.
- 2
  Confirm that the machined shaft surface's lay, or texture, remains at a 90-degree angle from the rotating lip seal shaft. The rise and fall of the texture creates walls against any lubrication leakage.
- 3
  Make sure the lip seal is not installed on a turbine shaft that exceeds 7,000 feet per minute -- or FPM. The lip seal will disintegrate quickly from the excessive speed.
- 4
  Determine the intended lubrication fluid the lip seal will be retaining during design. The lip seal̵7;s rubber type is dictated by the lubrication choice. Some lubrication ingredients may deteriorate specific rubbers, if improperly matched.
- 5
  Confirm the shaft̵7;s diameter by consulting the shaft̵7;s design layout. Lip seals must fit snugly against the turbine shaft to retain lubrication. However, they must also allow enough spacing for proper rotation. Lip seals can work with shaft diameters up to 90 inches wide.
- 6
  Verify the turbine̵7;s intended installation location. Lip seals will fail in extremely cold weather. Designers must make sure the seal will not be operated below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

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