Pump Rate Change vs. Run Time of a Radial Shaft Seal

Radial shaft seals prevent leakage through the generation of a pumping action at the interface of the seal lip and the shaft surface, the pumping direction is a direct correlation to the direction of an asymmetrical contact pressure profile. This pressure profile is controlled by the geometric design of the lip seal which is designed to create a larger pressure gradient on the oil side of the sealing lip. This pressure gradient is one aspect that contributes to the function of a radial shaft lip seal.