The wine market worldwide has been growing, and expects to continue to do so over the next decade. Greater demand calls for reliable and efficient equipment, as well as the industrial seals to keep them performing.
Finding the Right Rotary Seal for a Delicate Process
Winemaking is a precise art, and any factor that might affect the flavor or appearance of the finished product must be meticulously managed. In large-scale production, avoiding seal leakage is critical to prevent contamination. Choosing reliable seals is essential to ensure the wine’s quality and marketability.
Rotary shaft seals help keep large winemaking equipment like receiving hoppers, pomace and stem removal conveyors, and tank conveyors running smoothly. They operate in harsh environments, dealing with acids, sand, and pomace that can damage bearings, reduce service life, and cause unscheduled maintenance. Traditional sealing options like basic rope packing, stuffing boxes, and lip seals fall short on durability and reliability. CinchSeal rotary shaft seals overcome these issues and are easy to install.
Why Choose CinchSeal Rotary Shaft Seals for Winemaking?
Prior to advanced rotary shaft seals, manufacturers often face challenges that compromise their machines’ seals. These include bearing damage and difficulty maintaining a tight seal. Parts failures are particularly troublesome, such as:
- O-ring failures due to harsh conditions
- Leakage and contamination from small shaft/seal interfaces
- Friction damage between the seal and the shaft
- Inability to maintain a seal under high pressure
CinchSeal’s advanced rotary shaft seals address these common sealing issues with their innovative design features:
- FDA-approved silicone elastomer molded slightly smaller than the shaft for an interference fit, preventing leakage
- Elastomer that spins with the shaft, reducing potential damage
- Rotor cups that turn with the shaft, compressing optimally against stationary faces to seal leak paths
- Air or nitrogen purging, creating a pressure barrier to keep the product out of the seal
CinchSeal: Designed to Work, Made to Last
CinchSeal’s design innovations ensure better seal performance, reduced maintenance needs, and extended service life of processing equipment. They also feature:
- Boot-mounted rotor cups that allow the rotary assembly to float with the shaft, accommodating misalignment common to bulk handling equipment of up to 1/4 inch
- Self-lubricating design that allows dry operation
- Split internal parts for easy repairs without unbolting the housing
- Repair kits that refresh seals with new elastomer, rotor cups, or stator plates
Takeaways for Winemakers
CinchSeal’s innovative rotary shaft seals are cost-effective, prevent leakage, and use modern technology for optimal performance and reliability. With over 30 years of experience, CinchSeal continues to lead the way in manufacturing high-quality rotary shaft seals, providing significant improvements over traditional solutions and minimizing the need for frequent machine replacements. For more information, contact CinchSeal. Quotes and drawings are available within 24 hours, and custom engineering typically takes 10 days.