A mechanical seal is a device that helps join systems or mechanisms together by preventing leakage (e.g. in a plumbing system), containing pressure, or excluding contamination. The effectiveness of a seal is dependent on adhesion in the case of sealants and compression in the case of gaskets.
A stationary seal may also be referred to as 'packing'.
Seal types:
Induction sealing or cap sealingAdhesive, sealantBodok seal, a specialized gas sealing washer for medical applicationsBonded seal, also known as Dowty seal or Dowty washer. A type of washer with integral gasket, widely used to provide a seal at the entry point of a screw or bolt Bridgman seal, a piston sealing mechanism that creates a high pressure reservoir from a lower pressure sourceBungCompression seal fittingDiaphragm sealFerrofluidic sealGasket or Mechanical packingFlange gasketO-ringO-ring boss sealPiston ringGlass-to-metal sealGlass-ceramic-to-metal sealsHeat sealHose coupling, various types of hose couplingsHermetic sealHydrostatic sealHydrodynamic sealInflatable seal Seals that inflate and deflate in three basic directions of operation: the axial direction, the radial-in direction, and the radial-out direction. Each of these inflation directions has their own set of performance parameters for measurements such as the height of inflation and the center-line bend radius that the seal can negotiate. Inflatable seals can be used for numerous applications with difficult sealing issues.Labyrinth seal A seal which creates a tortuous path for the liquid to flow throughLid (container)Rotating face mechanical sealFace sealPlugRadial shaft sealTrap (plumbing) (siphon trap)Stuffing box (mechanical packing)Wiper sealDry gas seal
