Labyrinth Oil Seal ring alternative
Labyrinth Oil Seal ring alternative
(OP)
Hi, I have a large 3ft diameter turbine bearing that has a damaged non-contact mechanical Labyrinth seal that uses multiple brass rings in the assembly. My machine shop is proposing to replace the lab seal with a 1 piece aluminum housing out of 6061-T6 with the grooves cut directly into the assembly.
Is there any reason why I should not pursue this alternative, replacing brass rings with aluminum?
Spec: 3ft dia. carbon steel shaft rotates at 60rpm, splash lubricated plain bearing. Steel hardness is 166 Brinell. considering replacing with 6061-T6 with a hardness of 95 Brinell... Labryinth radial clearance is 2.5mil.
Any feedback or references who repair Labyrinth seals will help.
Thanks Kevin
Is there any reason why I should not pursue this alternative, replacing brass rings with aluminum?
Spec: 3ft dia. carbon steel shaft rotates at 60rpm, splash lubricated plain bearing. Steel hardness is 166 Brinell. considering replacing with 6061-T6 with a hardness of 95 Brinell... Labryinth radial clearance is 2.5mil.
Any feedback or references who repair Labyrinth seals will help.
Thanks Kevin





RE: Labyrinth Oil Seal ring alternative
Over the years, we have developed a lower tolerance for chronic oil leaks. I would not want to go back to fixed laby seals in these applications if it meant a drippy seal and an oily deck. I would be curious why you are considering this. Is the machine shop just hoping to save a buck or make their machining job easier? If so, I would be inclined to tell them to stick with the original design unless there was a valid engineering reason to change. We have purchased some of these specialized seals with floating brass rings from Bearings Plus, Inc. in Houston. They might be able to go this large.
Johnny Pellin
RE: Labyrinth Oil Seal ring alternative