Labyrinth Seal – Non‑Contact Bearing Protection for Pumps
The labyrinth seal is primarily used on vertical pumps to protect anti‑friction bearings from water splashes and external contamination. It is a non‑contact sealing system that combines several sealing elements to achieve reliable protection without generating significant wear.
Design and sealing concept
Depending on the application, different lip rings made from various materials can be used. Common designs include friction‑optimized shaft seals as well as pre‑tensioned PTFE lip seals that rotate on hardened shaft sleeves.
For increased protection, multiple lip rings can be arranged in series. The intermediate spaces between the lip rings can additionally be equipped with a grease lock, further improving sealing performance and preventing the ingress of external media.
Application on horizontal pumps and stationary sealing
On horizontal pumps, quench chambers are typically sealed using single‑acting mechanical seals combined with a lip ring.
The same sealing principle is also applied as a stationary seal for hydrodynamic shaft seals, ensuring reliable sealing when the pump is at standstill.
