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  1. Home
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  3. Seals
  4. Lip Seal

Lip Seal Seals in Bulk Handling

Optimal Control of Air Leakage and Efficient Sealing

In the bulk handling industry, where powders, granulates, and pellets are processed, reliable sealing solutions are essential. Lip seal seals, also known as rotary shaft seals, offer a durable and effective solution for sealing rotating components such as screw shafts, dosing screws, and mixers. They minimize air leakage and contribute to process optimization, but their limitations must be carefully considered.
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Lip Seal Afdichtingen in Bulkhandling

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Lip SealsA thorough analysis of effectiveness and limitations in industrial applications

Advantages

  1. Effective Sealing
    Lip seals provide efficient sealing against dust and fine materials, minimising leakage and product loss. This contributes to a cleaner working environment and lower maintenance costs.

  2. Low Friction and Reduced Shaft Wear
    With minimal radial pressure on the shaft, lip seals prevent wear and extend the service life of rotating components.

  3. Material Flexibility
    Lip seals are available in materials such as NBR, EPDM and Viton, which withstand diverse chemical and thermal conditions. This makes them suitable for applications in, among others, the food and pharmaceutical industries.

  4. Process Safety Support
    Lip seals can be integrated into sealing systems with compressed air or nitrogen, as often used in screw conveyors. This prevents materials from entering bearings, extends equipment life and reduces unexpected downtime.

Disadvantages

  1. Limited Resistance to Abrasive Media
    Lip seals are not ideal for highly abrasive materials such as sand or metal dust. Alternative seals such as labyrinth seals or coated solutions offer better performance in such conditions.

  2. Sensitivity to Installation Errors
    Incorrect installation can cause leakage or premature failure. Precise assembly and the use of appropriate tools are therefore essential.

  3. Limited Pressure Resistance
    Lip seals perform less effectively at high pressures. In such applications, mechanical seals may be more suitable.

  4. Shorter Lifespan in Heavy-Duty Applications
    In heavily loaded systems, such as continuously operating screw conveyors, the lifespan of lip seals is often shorter than that of more robust alternatives such as Z-lamella or TAMAR seals.

Applications of Lip Seal Seals in Bulk Handling

Silo Discharge

Minimizes leakage and prevents external contamination.

Screw Conveyors

Provides reliable sealing during the transport of granulates and powders.

Mixers and Blenders

Prevents materials from escaping the process chamber.

Rotating Closures and Valves

Ensures stable sealing under pressure fluctuations and temperature variations.

Interaction with Air Leakage Control in Screw Conveyors

A frequently underestimated challenge in bulk handling is air leakage in screw conveyors. Air leakage often results from worn lip seals and can lead to:

  • Increased Energy Consumption:
    Additional energy is required to maintain transport capacity.
  • Dust Generation and Product Loss:
    Unwanted air infiltration causes inefficiency.
  • Reduced Bearing Life:
    Product entering the bearings shortens service life and increases maintenance costs.

Combining lip seals with an air sealing system—such as a sealing housing with compressed air or nitrogen—can effectively address these issues. Regular inspection (at least every six months) and timely replacement of worn seals are crucial.

Klinkenberg

ConclusionOptimizing Bulk Handling with Lip Seal Solutions

Lip seal seals offer reliable sealing solutions for bulk handling applications. While they have limitations under high pressure and with abrasive media, they are ideal for standard dry bulk applications. Combining lip seals with air sealing systems and regular maintenance increases efficiency and reduces operational costs.

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FAQ Direct answers to your questions

Quickly find answers to frequently asked questions about Lip Seal seals. Our FAQ section helps you make the right choice.

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Yes, depending on the material used, lip seals are resistant to a wide range of chemicals such as acids, bases, solvents, and oils. For aggressive substances, Viton (FKM) is often chosen, while EPDM is suitable for water and steam.

Shaft run-out can place uneven load on the seal lip, causing premature wear. Correct shaft alignment and selecting a seal that matches shaft-movement tolerances are essential. For larger run-out tolerances, double lip seals can be applied.

Single lip seals are used for standard sealing requirements, whereas double lip seals provide extra protection against contamination or dual-media sealing (e.g., liquid and air). Double seals are often combined with a grease chamber or air seal for optimal performance.

By using an air-sealing system that maintains constant overpressure between two lip seals. This prevents dust ingress and protects bearings from contamination. Regular checks of air pressure and seal condition are essential.

Yes. Certain lip seals are suitable for ATEX areas—they are made from materials that prevent static discharge and meet safety standards for explosion-sensitive environments.

Temperatures outside the recommended range can impair seal elasticity and strength. NBR suits −30 °C to +100 °C, while Viton can handle up to 200 °C. For extreme temperatures, silicones or fluoroelastomers are better choices.

Lip seals are less ideal for very abrasive media, but variants with metal reinforcement or PTFE coatings can be used. For extremely abrasive materials, hybrid seals (e.g., a lip seal combined with a labyrinth seal) are often best.

The correct lubricant reduces friction and limits wear. Ensure compatibility—some oils or greases can attack the elastomer, causing deformation or leakage.

Elastomer seals offer flexibility and excellent sealing properties, whereas PTFE seals resist higher temperatures, chemicals, and wear. PTFE is preferred for heavy-duty or aggressive environments.

Service life varies by application, but as a rule of thumb, inspect and potentially replace them every 4,000 to 6,000 operating hours, depending on operating conditions.

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Klinkenberg B.V.
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