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A Thorough Analysis of the Principles and Mechanisms of Magnetic Fluid Seals That Improve Sealing Performance!

Nov 02, 2024
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    In order to understand the principle of improving the sealing performance of magnetic seals, the following will answer your questions:

    • Types and principles of magnetic seals

    • Mechanism of frictionless extended life

    • Application examples of magnetic seals and maintenance when in use

    Understand the principles and find the best magnetic seal for your needs before considering a purchase.


    Types of Magnetic Fluids and How They Work

    Magnetic seals, also known as magnetic fluid seals or vacuum seals, are rotary motion sealing unit products that utilize magnets to attract magnetic fluids for sealing.

    ◇ Magnetic Fluid Seal

    Magnetic Fluid Seal is one of the sealing units used for rotary motion parts to prevent gas leakage by the action of magnetic fluid and magnetic field. Magnetic fluid is a special fluid that has the property of being attracted to magnets. By holding the magnetic fluid in a magnetic field, the sealing function can be realized.

    Magnetic fluid seals function by sealing small gaps between rotating shafts and stationary parts such as polarized parts. Typically, materials such as O-rings or oil seals are used for these gaps, but because rotation creates friction, they are prone to problems such as wear and dust generation. In magnetic fluid seal, however, a liquid magnetic fluid is used, so there is no solid contact and friction, wear and dust generation can be effectively suppressed.

    Inside the magnetic fluid seal, magnets are positioned between a rotating shaft and a polar member to form a magnetic field. The magnetic fluid is held along the magnetic field and acts like a liquid O-ring seal, thereby effectively preventing gas leakage even when pressure differentials exist. The strength of the magnetic fluid retention is directly proportional to the magnetic force; the stronger the magnetic force, the greater the resistance to differential pressure.

    Therefore, magnetic fluid seals have many advantages over other sealing mechanisms, such as ultra-high vacuum, high-speed rotation, suppression of dust generation, and long service life.

    ◇ Rotary shaft seals and direct-acting shaft seals

    Magnetic seals can be categorized into rotary shaft seals and direct-acting shaft seals according to their structures. Their respective characteristics are summarized as follows:


    ◆ Rotary shaft seal

    Rotary Shaft Seal realizes sealing by keeping the magnetic fluid in the gap between the rotary shaft and the fixed parts. It is able to adapt to high speed rotation and has the advantages of long life and low dust. However, its disadvantage is that it is difficult to cope with large shaft diameters exceeding 300mm.


    ◇ Static seal and dynamic seal

    Seals are divided into two types: static seals and dynamic seals, which are distinguished according to whether there is movement or not. Static seals are used to seal between two fixed surfaces that do not move with each other. Dynamic seals, on the other hand, are used between faces that are in relative motion.

    Static and dynamic seals each have different characteristics, so it is important to choose the right type of seal. For example, when a high vacuum needs to be maintained, a static seal with a low leakage rate is more suitable, while for sealing moving parts such as rotating shafts, a dynamic seal is more appropriate. By understanding the characteristics of each type of seal, the best seal can be selected to enhance the performance and life of the equipment.


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    Mechanisms for Frictionless Life Extension

    Magnetic seals, as the name suggests, seal by magnetism and therefore do not generate contact friction like conventional oil seals or mechanical seals. This frictionless structure is the key to realizing the long life of magnetic seals.

    In conventional sealing methods, the contact parts inevitably wear and deteriorate and need to be replaced periodically. In magnetic seals, however, these problems are avoided because the magnetic fluid is a non-contact seal.

    Although the magnetic fluid itself is a liquid and is not immune to deterioration, MORETEC, as a manufacturer of magnetic seals offers 15 types of magnetic fluids that are suitable for different conditions of use, and by selecting the most suitable magnetic fluid, a long sealing life can be realized. In addition, MORETEC CO., LTD. has the technology to calculate the life of the magnetic fluid and the bearing, and can provide the optimal magnetic seal design according to the customer's needs.

    As a result, magnetic seals are able to achieve long life through frictionless construction, optimal selection of magnetic fluid, and advanced design technology.


    Examples of Magnetic Fluid Applications and Maintenance in Use

    Magnetic seals are widely used in a variety of fields due to their excellent characteristics. As typical application examples, magnetic seals are used in semiconductor manufacturing equipment, vacuum equipment, analytical instruments, and other applications that have stringent requirements for a high degree of hermeticity and a clean environment.

    More specific examples include sputtering devices, PVD devices, CVD devices, ion implantation devices, vacuum heat treatment furnaces, vacuum robots, and single crystal pull-up devices. These devices play an important role in manufacturing processes that require a high degree of technology, and magnetic seals are a key factor in achieving their optimal performance.

    Magnetic seals offer significant advantages over conventional sealing materials in terms of longevity, but their service life can be further extended with proper maintenance. The following are key points regarding the maintenance of magnetic seals.


    • Magnetic fluid deterioration

      Periodic exchange


    • Confirmation of operating environment

      Temperature, vacuum, rotation speed


    • Confirmation of abnormal sound and vibration

      Early detection and response


    • Maintain clean environment

      Regular cleaning of the surrounding area



    By paying attention to these points, you can maintain the performance of the magnetic seal and contribute to the stable operation of the equipment.


    If you need magnetic fluid, leave it to MORETEC CO., LTD.

    If you are looking for a high-performance magnetic sealing device, Moretec Corporation has the ideal solution for you. Moretec Co., Ltd. specializes in the research, development, manufacturing and sales of magnetic seals, magnetic fluid seals, vacuum seals and other products, and has a strong ability to supply a stable supply of high-quality products.

    In order to meet the diverse needs of our customers, we not only design and manufacture a wide range of magnetic seals, but we also offer customized products for special applications, so please feel free to contact us.

    Moretec Corporation's technological strength is based on many years of experience and track record. We have achieved low-cost supply of high-precision products by doing everything in-house, from design and manufacturing to quality control. In addition, with advanced analytical techniques such as life calculation, magnetic field analysis, thermal analysis, and fluid analysis, we are able to design magnetic sealing solutions that best suit our customers' needs.


    • Design and Manufacturing

      Design・Manufacturing Cost management and quick delivery through in-house integrated production system.


    • Analytical Calculation

      Optimized design using life cycle calculation, magnetic field analysis, thermal analysis, and fluid analysis.


    • Processing

      Cost reduction through automated production and high-precision machining through heat treatment Use of precision machining equipment (made in Japan)


    • Equipment

      Use of imported precision machining equipment


    • Magnetic fluid

      Selection of the most suitable product for the application from a wide range of magnetic fluids.


    • Quality Control

      Double checking by thorough parts inspection, He leak test and pressurized leak test.


    • Stable supply

      Manufacturing and delivery through domestic and overseas bases


    • Achievements

      Experienced in manufacturing a large number of customized products


    Moretec Corporation provides high-quality magnetic fluid for sale as a partner for your business success.



    References

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