Your situation
Increased wear of seals due to uneven grain size
A high-quality toner manufacturing line had 13 screw conveyors installed. The existing shaft sealing device was an oil seal (2 pieces) with an air purge, but when the oil seal wore out, the toner got in between the seals, and the particles bonded together due to the rotational friction heat, resulting in uneven particle size and quality problems.
The conveyor screw shaft was supported by pillow blocks on both ends, but because it was a simple thin plate structure, shaft runout occurred and the accuracy of squareness was low. The shaft runout accelerated wear of the seal and reduced the sealing function, so the oil seal had to be replaced frequently.
The conveyor screw shaft was supported by pillow blocks on both ends, but because it was a simple thin plate structure, shaft runout occurred and the accuracy of squareness was low. The shaft runout accelerated wear of the seal and reduced the sealing function, so the oil seal had to be replaced frequently.
Our Initiatives
ABC Seal (split periaxial seal) adopted after leakage testing
To solve this problem, we considered introducing the ABC Seal. The ABC Seal uses a split ring called an ABC Ring to purge gas at a pressure higher than the internal pressure of the device. While controlling the purge flow rate, gas is ejected from the gap between the ABC Ring and the sleeve, pushing the toner back into the device and preventing it from leaking into the atmosphere. The structure is designed to accommodate shaft runout and prevents toner from entering.
We conducted a leakage test using actual toner in our open testing room and it passed. After that, it was trial-adopted on 1 screw conveyor at a customer's site, and after the long-term test results were confirmed, it was officially adopted. Currently, ABC Seal is used on 13 machines.
We conducted a leakage test using actual toner in our open testing room and it passed. After that, it was trial-adopted on 1 screw conveyor at a customer's site, and after the long-term test results were confirmed, it was officially adopted. Currently, ABC Seal is used on 13 machines.
ABC Seal performance verification using toner test machine and adoption in actual machine
Test machine created
Test machine
Top: Screw conveyor
Bottom: Rotary valve
Top: Screw conveyor
Bottom: Rotary valve
Attached to a screw conveyor
ABC Seal
ABC Seal
Attached to a rotary valve
ABC Seal
ABC Seal
ABC stickers used on the actual aircraft
ABC Seal appearance (shaft diameter φ40)
ABC Seal placed on the sleeve
ABC Rings and Springs
Effect
Realizing stable product quality, reduced labor costs, and improved working environment
- The use of ABC Seal ensures consistent particle size and is highly regarded for its ability to improve and stabilize product quality.
- ABC Seal is not a periaxial seal, so it has less wear and a longer life. This eliminates the need to replace the oil seal once a year, making it maintenance-free.
- The toner powder leakage problem has been eliminated and the working environment has improved significantly.
Guest Reviews
We have received positive feedback from our customers and are considering expanding the service further.
We were able to confirm the performance of ABC Seal before purchasing it by conducting tests in an environment close to the actual usage conditions in the public testing room. This gave us confidence that it can be used safely in the field. As the purpose and effect of the improvements were fully realized, we are considering adopting 15 more ABC Seal units at factories in other regions.
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