Super seals

Increasingly large facilities and ever more extreme locations are placing greater demands on seals in wind turbines. They must not only withstand severe fluctuations in temperatures but above all must be resistant to the lubricants used in their drive units. To deal with these issues, Freudenberg Sealing Technologies has developed the ‘Ventoguard’ material family to reliably seal the bearings of wind power plants.

The seals are made of nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), a highperformance synthetic rubber. It not only exhibits especially high resistance to grease, oils and hydrocarbons but also is insensitive to temperature fluctuations. It exhibits a favourable aging behaviour and low abrasive wear. These qualities make it possible for the main bearing seals to permanently keep lubricants from leaking from the bearing. For another, they ensure that dirt particles, sand and water condensation do not penetrate the bearing from the exterior and damage it.

The seals manufactured from this material stand out for their special longevity. Especially in high seas, expensive maintenance work should be kept to a minimum during the 20-year lifespan that these facilities require.

Furthermore, as requirements do vary greatly depending on the location and the facility, Freudenberg Sealing Technologies has developed a computer programme for experts that harmonises the precise material qualities, the seal geometry and the lubricant to the manufacturer’s particular facility concept.