Spring energized seal, also called spring loaded seal can select V-shape, H-shape or C-shape spring forms and sealing lip design according to various applications such as dynamic and static or internal and external pressure, so as to produce different sealing force and compressible deformation (see the following figure: spring deformation / elastic curve). The spring force will affect the performance, friction and wear behavior of the spring energized seal. The compressible stroke determines the compensation ability of the spring energized seal for the wear of the sealing lip and the dimensional tolerance variation of the sealing groove. V-shaped spring is commonly used now.

Differences between springs of different shapes

V spring also called Cantilever spring: Sheet opening, small deformation elasticity, but stable elasticity.

• Shaft and piston seal of reciprocating mechanism.
• Suitable for medium pressure.
• It is easy to adapt to a small deviation of groove size in static state.
• The sealing speed of rotating shaft can reach 8m / s.

H spring also called Helical spring: Flake spiral, with large deformation and elasticity.

• Suitable for medium and high pressure environment.
• The force of each coil of spring is uniform.
• It is not applicable to grooves with large size deviation.

C spring also called Canted coil spring：Linear spiral, deformation, elastic instability.

• Suitable for low pressure environment.
• It is suitable for places sensitive to sealing pressure.

Materials of common springs

300 series stainless steel: general purpose, standard material of flood plug spring.

Corrosion resistant alloys hast C-276, Elgiloy and lnconel: suitable for high temperature and highly corrosive fluids.