Seal failure detection systems and related methods

摘要

A seal failure prediction system consisting of a seal component and a member conveniently placed; such member, which may be in the form of a strip, a set of wires, or a single wire, generating a characteristic electrical or audible signal when the seal component wears a certain amount.

主权项

1. A seal failure prediction system comprising:
a seal element comprising an outer flange, a center channel section, and an inner flange comprising a seal lip having an inside diameter; a housing having the seal element disposed therein; an electrically conductive strip spaced from a shaft and disposed in or adjacent the center channel section of the seal element and the inner flange and having an outer perimeter exposed and in electrical communication with the housing and having an inner perimeter; and a canted coil spring disposed in a cavity defined by the inner and outer flanges and the center channel section of the seal element, and biasing the electrically conductive strip and the inner flange towards the shaft; wherein the outer perimeter of the strip contacts the housing and the inner perimeter of the strip is spaced from the shaft by a clearance gap and only contacts the shaft when the seal lip wears an amount sufficient to expose the inner perimeter of the strip.