Zigong Zhaoqiang Sealing Products Industrial Co., Ltd.
Magnetic Fluid Seal

Magnetic Fluid Seal

Our patented magnetic fluid seals utilize magnetic fluids and fields to create leak-proof seals around rotating shafts, replacing conventional mechanical face seals. This innovative sealing solution eliminates any contact between seal faces, ensuring zero leakage.


Compared to mechanical seals, our seals significantly prolong the lifespan of equipment by preventing wear and leaks. They enhance reliability, reduce maintenance costs, increase uptime, boost productivity, and eliminate both leakage and contamination.


Our custom-engineered seals are designed to meet application requirements across various industries including oil/gas, chemicals, water treatment, food processing, semiconductor manufacturing, and more. We offer a wide range of sizes from small pump seals to large compressor/gearbox seals.


These high-performance seals operate smoothly over broad temperature ranges and at speeds up to 10,000 rpm. The inert magnetic fluid can withstand pressures up to 240 psi.


We provide magnetic fluid seals as direct replacements for mechanical seals while working closely with customers to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the product. Contact us now to discover how our advanced sealing solutions can effectively address your most challenging sealing needs!

Magnetic Fluid Seal Working Principle

1. Permanent magnets or electromagnets are installed at the sealing site to form a stable axial magnetic field at both ends of the rotating shaft.

2. The sealing gap is filled with a magnetic fluid, which is a stable liquid containing magnetic particles.  The magnetic fluid forms chain-like structures under the effect of the magnetic field.

3. Under the effect of the axial magnetic field, the magnetic fluid chains form a continuous magnetic fluid ring on the surface of the rotating shaft to achieve sealing.

4. As the shaft rotates, the magnetic fluid ring also keeps renewing, while maintaining an integral sealing state.

5. If pressure changes cause the gap to increase, the magnetic fluid ring can deform accordingly to continue ensuring zero leakage.

6. When the shaft stops rotating, the magnetic fluid restores its non-structured state and does not hinder the re-rotation of the shaft.

7. The magnetic fluid seal utilizes the special properties of magnetic fluids to achieve soft sealing of rotating shafts, solving problems existing in mechanical seals and achieving zero leakage and wear-free operation.


Where Are Magnetic Fluid Seals Commonly Used

Magnetic fluid seals find extensive applications in various industries and equipment, including:


1.  Petrochemical Industry:

- Reactors, distillation towers, centrifuges, and other refining and petrochemical production equipment.

- Pumps and compressors used in oil and gas pipelines.


2.  Food and Pharmaceutical Industries:

- Homogenizers, mixers, and other food processing and filling equipment.

- Fermenters, extraction kettles, and other pharmaceutical production equipment.


3.  Semiconductor and Electronics Industries:

- Etchers, magnetron sputtering equipment for wafer fabrication.

- Vacuum pumps, ion plating machines for electronic equipment.


4.  Water Treatment Industry:

- Water pumps, valves for water supply and drainage systems.

- Reverse osmosis membrane systems for seawater desalination.


5.  Other Industries:

- Drying cylinders in paper machinery.

- Pitch control gearboxes in wind turbines.

- Main engines as well as auxiliary engines in marine applications.


Magnetic fluid seals offer a reliable alternative to mechanical seals by providing leak-free sealing without wear or friction.


Can Magnetic Fluid Seals Be Custom-Designed

Yes, magnetic fluid seals can be custom designed to meet specific needs. Magnetic fluid seals use a magnetic fluid to form a sealing layer around a rotating shaft for extreme conditions that traditional mechanical seals cannot withstand, such as high vacuum, high pressure, or environments where contamination needs to be avoided.


When custom designing a magnetic fluid seal, a number of aspects can be adjusted, including the size of the shaft, the strength of the magnetic field, the type of magnetic fluid, the housing material and design, as well as being optimised for the specific conditions of the operating environment. For example, different carrier fluids can be selected to accommodate temperature and chemical compatibility, or specific magnets and housing materials can be selected to accommodate corrosive environments or temperature extremes.


This ability to customise makes magnetic fluid seals valuable in a wide variety of applications such as semiconductor manufacturing equipment, hard disk drives, vacuum systems, aerospace components and special industrial machinery. By accurately designing the magnetic circuit and selecting the right materials, magneto-fluid seals provide reliable sealing performance, even under extreme conditions.


What Maintenance Is Required for Magnetic Fluid Seals

Magnetic fluid seals are relatively low-maintenance compared to traditional mechanical seals, but they do require some specific care to ensure optimal performance and longevity. The maintenance typically involves the following aspects:


  • Inspection: Regular inspections are crucial to detect any signs of wear or leakage early. Check for any reduction in the magnetic fluid level or contamination of the fluid, which can indicate a breach in the seal.


  • Fluid Top-Up and Replacement: Over time, the magnetic fluid may degrade or evaporate, especially under high temperatures or in aggressive environments. It is important to monitor the fluid level and quality, topping up or replacing the fluid as necessary to maintain the seal’s effectiveness.


  • Cleaning: Accumulation of debris or external contaminants can affect the seal’s performance. Regular cleaning of the exposed parts of the seal can prevent build-up that might interfere with the magnetic properties or the smooth operation of the seal.


  • Magnetic Strength Check: The magnets in the seal should be checked periodically to ensure they maintain the necessary magnetic field strength. Weakening of the magnetic field can reduce the effectiveness of the seal.


  • Environmental Control: Since the performance of magnetic fluid seals can be sensitive to environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity, maintaining a stable environment can reduce the frequency of maintenance required.


By adhering to these maintenance steps, the reliability and functional life of magnetic fluid seals can be significantly enhanced, reducing downtime and maintenance costs in critical applications. Regular maintenance not only ensures the seal’s performance but also prevents potential failures that could lead to more significant equipment damage or operational disruptions.