Mechanical Labyrinth Seal

A labyrinth seal is a type of mechanical seal that provides a tortuous path to help prevent leakage. An example of such a seal is sometimes found within an axle's bearing to help prevent the leakage of the oil lubricating the bearing.

The basic principle of a Labyrinth Seal is based on the geometric shape of the labyrinth seals which causes some turns of the contaminant on its way to penetrate the seal. The major factor for the efficiency of a non-contact seal is the centrifugal force caused by rotation and applied to the contaminant to throw it radially away before penetrating the seal.