If you work with hydraulic equipment, then you might be aware of what hydraulic seals are, and you might be aware of the fact that they are important. However, you might not actually know what, in particular, hydraulic seals are actually used for. Basically, hydraulic seals do three main jobs when they are installed on hydraulic systems. These are those three main jobs.

Retaining Hydraulic Fluid

First and foremost, you might already know that you have to add hydraulic fluid to your hydraulic system in order for it to operate properly. If the hydraulic fluid is able to drain out, it can lead to your hydraulic system not working like it's supposed to, and you may even have to worry about your hydraulic system being damaged because of the lack of fluid. Additionally, you have to worry about hydraulic fluid spilling everywhere and making a big mess or posing a slipping hazard, and you also have to worry about environmental issues due to leaking hydraulic fluid. Luckily, properly fitting hydraulic seals that are in good condition can work well at retaining hydraulic fluid so that it will stay in place until you are ready to drain it out.

Maintaining Proper Hydraulic Pressure

Not only do you have to make sure that your hydraulic system has ample hydraulic fluid, but you also have to make sure that there is proper hydraulic pressure. If pressure levels sink too low because of an air leak, for example, your hydraulic system might not operate properly or at all. Having proper hydraulic seals in place is one key way that you can help ensure that hydraulic pressure levels are where they should be so that your system can operate like it's supposed to. Be aware that proper fit is very important to prevent pressure issues; also, be aware that hydraulic seals can stretch or show other signs of damage after they are in use for a long time, and those hydraulic seals will need to be replaced to maintain proper pressure levels.

Preventing Contaminants

Of course, the last thing that you probably want is for your hydraulic system to be contaminated with something that shouldn't be there. You have to worry about dirt, dust, grime, lubricant, and more finding their way into your hydraulic system if you aren't careful. Having a proper seal with hydraulic seals is one good way that you can prevent both liquid and solid contaminants from being a problem with your hydraulic system.

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