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A Thorough Explanation of the Structure and Principles of Magnetic Fluid Seals! The Importance of Customized Design

Oct 13, 2024
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    Before introducing magnetic fluid seals, it is important to understand their structure and working principle. For readers who need to do so, the following will explain:

    • Basic structure and principles of magnetic fluids

    • How magnetic fluids work

    • Importance of customized design

    Let's learn the basics of magnetic fluid seals.

    Basic Structure and Principles of Magnetic Fluids

    Magnetic fluid seals are sealing components used in rotating moving parts to prevent leakage of gases or liquids. The most important feature is the use of a special fluid called “magnetic fluid”, which achieves non-contact sealing through magnetic force. Because of this structure, magnetic fluid seals have less wear and particle generation than conventional seals, resulting in a longer service life.


    ◇ What is a Magnetic Fluid Seal?

    Magnetic fluid seals are sealing components used to seal rotating parts. The operating principle is to use a magnetic field to maintain a magnetic fluid in a specific position, thereby creating a sealing function.

    The most important feature of magnetic fluid seal is that they are frictionless. Ordinary seals usually seal by contact with the rotating part, but this can cause friction and wear, which can shorten the life of the seal. Magnetic fluid seals, on the other hand, seal non-contact through a magnetic fluid, which does not cause friction or wear. As a result, they are ideally suited for applications that require long life, high vacuum, and clean environments.

    Magnetic fluid sealls seal by injecting a magnetic fluid into a magnetic circuit consisting of a magnet, a Pole Piece and a rotating shaft. The magnetic fluid is attracted to the tiny gap between the Pole Piece and the rotating shaft, forming an annular sealing structure. This structure effectively prevents leakage of gases, vapors or misty liquids. Since it is also suitable for high-speed rotating parts, it is widely used in various industrial fields.


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    ◇ Internal Structure of Magnetic Fluid Seals: Role of Magnets, Magnetic Fluid, Pole Shoes, and Other Components

    Magnetic fluid seals are mainly composed of the following four key parts: magnet, magnetic fluid, pole shoe, and rotating shaft. The functions of each part are as follows:

    ◆ Magnet

    Generates a magnetic field, which is the source of magnetic force for the entire system. The magnetic fluid is adsorbed and maintained in the gap between the pole shoes and the rotating shaft by the magnetic force.

    ◆ Magnetic fluid

    It is a special fluid that is attracted to the magnet. It forms an O-ring-like structure between the pole shoes and the rotating shaft, but because it is a liquid, it produces little friction and therefore does not wear.

    ◆ Pole Piece

    A part made of magnetic material that forms a magnetic circuit with a magnet and helps maintain the stable existence of a magnetic fluid. A small gap is formed between it and the rotating shaft, which is filled with magnetic fluid to form a sealing layer.

    ◆ Rotary shaft

    Also made of magnetic material, it is used to transmit rotary motion. The magnetic fluid is held in the gap between it and the pole shoe, achieving a seal while allowing rotation.

    The magnetic circuit consists of a magnet, a pole shoe and a rotating shaft, under the action of which the magnetic fluid is held to form an annular seal around the rotating shaft. This fluid sealing structure does not cause friction even when the shaft is rotating at high speeds. The pressure resistance of a single layer of magnetic fluid is limited, so when higher differential pressures are required, a multi-stage structure can be used to cope.


    Principle of operation of magnetic fluids

    Magnetic fluids utilize the magnetic properties of magnetic fluids to achieve the sealing function. A magnetic fluid is a fluid that contains microscopic magnetic particles that can be attracted by a magnetic field. By placing this magnetic fluid in a magnetic field consisting of a magnet and a pole (Pole Piece), it is able to perform a sealing function like a liquid O-ring. The principle of operation is as follows:

    • Formation of the magnetic field: a strong magnetic field is formed by the magnet and the Pole Piece.

    • Retention of magnetic fluid: The magnetic fluid is attracted by the magnetic field and stably retained in the gap between the rotating shaft and the pole shoe.

    • Realization of sealing function: The magnetic fluid is firmly held by the strong action of the magnetic field, so that no leakage occurs even if there is a pressure difference, thus effectively performing the sealing function.

    Magnetic fluid seals have a long life due to their non-contact sealing method, which does not cause friction or wear, and can also be used in high vacuum environments. In addition, it is also suitable for high-speed rotation, and is used in a wide variety of applications.


    The Importance of Custom Design

    It is very important that magnetic fluid seals need to be custom designed to meet the specific needs of the customer. This is because the optimum specification for a magnetic seal will vary depending on the application and the environment in which it is used. For example, in high-speed rotating applications, magnetic seals with higher pressure resistance than standard products are required, while in high-temperature environments, magnetic fluid seals made of materials with good heat resistance are needed.

    During the customized design process, several factors need to be considered:

    • Loading conditions: such as radial load, axial load, torque, etc.

    • Applicable media: whether corrosive, viscosity, temperature range, etc.

    • Working environment: ambient temperature, pressure, vacuum, atmosphere composition, etc.

    • Speed requirements: high-speed rotation or low-speed rotation, etc.

    • Pressure resistance: positive pressure, negative pressure, differential pressure, etc.

    • Structure size: shaft diameter, flange diameter, overall length, etc.

    Through customized design, we can provide the most suitable magnetic fluid sealing solution for customer's equipment. Moretec Corporation (Moretec) provides specialized customized magnetic fluid seal products according to customer requirements.

    If you are not sure which magnetic fluid seal is most suitable for your company, you are also welcome to contact us for consultation at any time and we will provide you with professional advice and support.

    For inquiries about magnetic fluids, please contact Moretec Co,. Ltd.

    Magnetic fluid seals are special products that require a high level of advanced technology and precision design. Moretec has an integrated management system for the development, manufacture, and sales of magnetic fluid seals, and is able to provide a stable supply of high-quality products. We also support customized designs to meet customer needs and provide the most appropriate magnetic sealing solutions for various applications.

    Have you encountered any of the following problems when introducing magnetic fluid seals?

    Moretec is able to solve all kinds of problems related to magnetic fluid seals and provide professional technical support and service to our customers.


    • Not sure of the right magnetic fluid for your application

      We will listen to your application and usage environment and propose the most suitable magnetic fluid seal.


    • Need a special shape of magnetic fluid

      Based on our rich experience in design and manufacturing, we offer customized designs to meet your needs.


    • I want to find a magnetic fluid supplier with stable supply of high quality.

      We are committed to providing high quality and stable supply through our consistent production management system.


    • You are worried about the after-sales service after the introduction.

      We provide a comprehensive after-sales support system and are always happy to receive your inquiries.


    Moretec Corporation is committed to providing optimal solutions to help customers solve their problems.

    If you have any questions about magnetic fluid seals, please feel free to contact us.

    Our experienced staff will provide you with detailed and thoughtful service.


    References

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