A comparison of test methods for hydraulic rod seals

The rod seal of a hydraulic cylinder is a crucial component as it controls leakage directly into the environment. Several testing methods can be used to detect a decreasing sealing ability, even before measured leakage occurs. This feature article describes the results of leakage measurements, pumping rate measurements and film thickness measurements on the rod surface. The differences between the individual methods are described and discussed, and also compared with predictions from finite element calculations.