The Laboratory of Oleo-Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems (LABSON) of the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) and EPIDOR Seals and Rubber Technology (ESRT) have collaborated in the development of a test bench to test different sealing solutions for hydraulics.
Our company is a leader in the distribution and manufacturing of mechanical products and industrial services, specializing in high quality mechanical engineering components, especially sealing and vibration isolation.
General view of the bank
The bank allows the comparative testing and performance validation between different gasket configurations, designs and materials. Working conditions can be adjusted for the development of new products or the optimization of existing products.
Example of test on hydraulic actuators
Four hydraulic cylinders driven by a single hydraulic power pack capable of operating at up to 400 bar and speeds between 0.3 and 1 m/s are mounted on a common bed. Each of the hydraulic cylinders contains one piston rod on each side of the feed, so that up to 8 different configurations of piston rod seals are tested in each test.
The constructive design of the bench consists of:
- Four cylinders per test.
- Eight sealing systems per test.
- Modular cylinders that allow different types of assemblies.
- Heated cylinder liners.
- Variable number of cycles per test.
- Temperature set point.
- Pressure set point.
We want to study the behavior of a complex stem sealing system consisting of (from left to right): wiper, guide, collar, low friction seal, guide and guide.
Once the fluid of interest, temperature, working pressure and number of cycles have been decided, the test stand is set to monitor the following parameters:
- Temperature fluctuations.
- Pressure fluctuations.
- Quantification of friction forces.
- Leakage.
In addition to observing and concluding on the fluid dynamic behavior of the stem, conclusions can also be drawn on the wear suffered by the parts after comparing them before and after the test.
The test bench is a very useful tool for the research and development of sealing solutions in the field of hydraulics.
Detail of a test cylinder