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Premature Piston Seal Failure

Premature Piston Seal Failure

seal failure analysis

MAI engineers were called in to determine the cause of multiple piston seal failures by a manufacturer of air compressors. Microscopic examination revealed embedded contaminant particles in the seals.

seal failure analysis

Analysis of the contaminant particles by Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy determined the particles were leaded brass. Evaluation of other components in the compressor identified improperly machined retaining rings as the source of the contaminant.


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