Examination of ultra-compact buoyancy control device using PTFE for underwater robots

-Performance comparison by the shape of PTFE ring-

Abstract

In this paper, we compared the sealing performance and friction force of different shaped PTFE rings. PTFE ring is a seal ring used for buoyancy control device. The PTFE ring seals the PTFE slide shaft. When the friction between the PTFE ring and the PTFE slide shaft is reduced, the operating efficiency of the buoyancy control device is increased. PTFE rings with multiple lips and a slipper seals are compared.Experimental results showed that the PTFE ring with single lip had more than 1 [MPa] sealing performance and the lowest friction among the comparisons.