Which seal type is described as acting like a maze to trap oil?

Which seal type is described as acting like a maze to trap oil?

• A. Thread seals
• B. Carbon seals
• C. Ball bearings
• D. Labyrinth seals

Answer: (D)

Labyrinth seals create a maze-like path with interlocking ridges on the housing and shaft. Oil trying to escape must weave through multiple turns and narrow gaps, causing successive pressure drops and trapping oil in pockets along the path. This geometry greatly reduces leakage without relying on contact between surfaces, which is why they're described as acting like a maze to trap oil. Thread seals rely on threaded interfaces and gaskets, carbon seals depend on a seal-face contact, and ball bearings are not a seal type.

Labyrinth seals create a maze-like path with interlocking ridges on the housing and shaft. Oil trying to escape must weave through multiple turns and narrow gaps, causing successive pressure drops and trapping oil in pockets along the path. This geometry greatly reduces leakage without relying on contact between surfaces, which is why they're described as acting like a maze to trap oil. Thread seals rely on threaded interfaces and gaskets, carbon seals depend on a seal-face contact, and ball bearings are not a seal type.