Technical topic

Seal compatibility in hydraulic systems

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Introduction Seal swell – lubricant components migrate into the

Oil leakage is common in industry particularly in seal matrix. Moderate seal swell is welcomed whilst
pressurized systems. A few oil drops per minute in over swelling can cause deformation and leakage.
multiple places may not seem a problem but the
Surfaces being sealed Molecules from the
Seal
associated costs can quickly mount up and it can seal material
Lubricant
represent lost profitability.
Time

The impacts of poor sealing

Seal breakdown, caused by hydraulic systems Lubricate migrate into the seal Seal gains volume and swells -
increasing seal pressure
running at ever increasing temperatures and
pressures, can result in:
2. Chemical interaction
• Loss of pressure and poor system efficiency The lubricant and seal may react chemically to alter
• Oil leakage that leads to higher maintenance, elasticity, strength and durability.
higher oil consumption and safety/slip hazards
Lubricant
Seal material and properties
• Air, water and dirt contamination entering Seal change due to chemical
interaction
the system
Heat / Time

• Oil leakage into the environment Surfaces being

sealed

• Unscheduled shutdowns from malfunctioning

equipment. Poorly formulated lubricant additives Seal can harden, lose flexibility
can attack seal material and crack thus increasing leakages

How does the lubricant influence seal Many other environmental aspects can impact the
performance? seal’s performance, such as higher temperatures
There are two main interactions between seal and that can accelerate chemical reaction, and dust/dirt
lubricant. and other contaminants that can cause seal wear.
It is very important therefore that the lubricant and
1. Physical interaction
seal are as compatible as possible to optimize the
Seal shrinkage - seal components migrate out of the
system’s efficiency.
seal matrix into the lubricant.

Surfaces being sealed

Seal Molecule from the
Seal material
How is seal compatibility tested?
Lubricant Static seal compatibility tests use standardised
Time
specimens of seal material which are immersed in the
lubricant under defined conditions (temperature, time)
and then assessed for changes in volume, hardness,
Seal material migrates
into the oil
Seal loses volume and
shrinks causing leakage
tensile strength and rupture elongation. Results are
quoted in hydraulic oil International specifications such
as DIN 51524, ISO 11158 and ASTM D6158.
Seal compatibility in hydraulic systems
Mobil DTE™ 20 series meets the seal challenge A hydraulic oil should not react and harden the
Mobil Industrial Lubricants designs hydraulic oils seal. In a second seal test, see below, Mobil DTE 24
for excellent compatibility with a wide range of seal shows no seal hardening but a slight but acceptable
materials. This is achieved through the «balanced level of softening (industry limits are generally set
formulation» approach where the optimum base at 0 to -7%).
oils and additives are selected. There is little value
investing in using premium hydraulic oils such as the Seal compatibility 168 hrs, 100°C, NBR -1,
Mobil DTE 20 series if the oil is lost through leakage. shore a hardness run under DIN conditions

The results of eight competitive hydraulic oils in 0.00

Decreasing hardness
a standard seal test using Nitrile NBR-1, the most -1.00

Change in hardness
(shore a hardness)

of seal in test
-2.00
common elastomer used in hydraulic systems, -3.00
are shown below. The standard DIN limits for an -4.00
ISO VG 46 oil are between 0 to 12%. -5.00
-6.00
-7.00
-8.00
ISO VG 46 hydraulic oil in seal swell test
Mobil DTE™ 24 Conventional
NBR-1, 100°C, 168 hrs (run under DIN conditions) hydraulic oil
% Volume change (seal swell)

8
Increased seal swell

7.5

7 The Mobil DTE 20 series - Lubricating

productivity
6.5
The Mobil DTE 20 series has carefully balanced seal
6
compatibility properties that help provide long-term
5.5 equipment protection for both older and modern
Mobil DTE™ 20 Competitors
high pressure hydraulic systems. This can help
average results
to reduce leakage and ingress of contaminants,
prolong component life, reduce slip hazards and
Mobil DTE 20 is designed to provide extra seal reduce oil losses to the environment.
swell properties as demonstrated by the results of
this test. This higher swell tendency, which is within Mobil DTE 20 is designed to lubricate productivity
manufacturers guidelines, can help reduce and help reduce maintenance costs.
oil leakage resulting from oil/seal interactions.

Health and Safety

Based on available information, this product is not expected to produce adverse effects on health when used for the applications referred to above and the
recommendations provided in the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) are followed. MSDSs are available upon request through your sales contact office or via the
Internet. This product should not be used for purposes other than the applications referred to above. If disposing of used product, take care to protect the environment.

For more information on Mobil-branded industrial lubricants and services, please contact your local company representative or visit mobilindustrial.com.

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