Inconspicuous, but systemically relevant: Why seals are crucial in energy technology

Discussions on the topic of energy technology often revolve around the large system components, such as rotor blades, generators, converters or support structures.

However, there are also far fewer visible components are crucial for smooth operation. Seals are among these key technical components. They protect against leaks, Contamination and pressure loss – ideally for years.

If a seal fails, this can cause the whole paralyze assemblies, disrupt the lubricant circuit or downstream components damage. In wind energy, such defects are particularly critical: Due to the difficult access to the facilities, the changing weather conditions and the logistical effort, the repair effort significantly.

Applications with high demands
Seals are used in almost all technical interfaces of modern wind turbines, whether in Gearboxes, main bearings, pitch systems or hydraulic units.

The mechanical and thermal load in these areas is extremely high. The materials must comply with the lubricants used, as well as UV radiation, Withstand temperature changes and abrasive particles.

Especially for offshore installations These requirements are further exacerbated by salt, moisture and the fluctuating pressure. A well thought-out sealing concept thus contributes to the contribute significantly to the plant availability.

Gasket not all gaskets are the same
Depending on the installation situation, different types of seals are used. In addition to static sealing elements such as O-rings or flat gaskets, rotary seals play an important role special role.

In this context, it is often the question of the right system – for example between a oil seal or shaft seal https://kofler-dichtungen.at/dichtung/standardprofile/wellendichtring/simmerring-dichtung. Crucial for the answer are pressure ratio, Shaft diameter and medium. In addition, the material must also be taken into account: While NBR − nitrile rubber − is used in standard applications, at higher temperatures or aggressive media, often FKM − fluororubber − or PTFE − polytetrafluoroethylene − are used.

The selection is ideally made on based on the technical data sheets, the manufacturer's specifications and the industry-specific standards.

The systems are able to detect leaks detect at an early stage and thus avoid unplanned downtimes. Round 18 percent of technical failures in wind turbines can be attributed to defective sealing systems. These, in turn, usually draw entail considerable follow-up costs.

Operators looking for proactive maintenance and tailor-made spare parts procurement, thus not only increase the availability, but also the service life of the critical components.

Technological Progress meets new requirements
Manufacturers are responding to the increasing requirements with innovative developments in the field of Sealing technology.

New lip profiles improve the For example, sealing under changing pressure conditions. Low friction Surface structures and reinforced materials such as FEP-coated elastomers or composite systems with metal beams are also increasingly being used. At the same time, sustainability aspects are also coming to the fore: Bio-oil-compatible seals or recyclable materials are therefore more and more entry into new series.

Digital tools also ensure Assistance with selection and configuration. CAD data, Simplify service life calculator and interfaces to the spare parts database both planning and procurement. For the operators, this means a Better predictability, lower inventory costs and shorter downtimes in the event of damage.

The sum up shows: Seals should by no means be regarded as just any peripheral components. Her function affects the entire system to a great extent, from the Lubricant cycle to warehousing and maintenance strategy - More information here: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Instandhaltungsstrategie

Is used in the selection, maintenance and monitoring for quality and technical fit, expensive However, effectively minimize failures and extend operating times.