Abstract: A dry running mechanical ball joint seal includes a spherical element penetrated by a central passage and suspended between support rings that are pressed by springs against the spherical element and form a sliding dry seal therewith. A lip seal is located between the support rings and includes wipers pressed radially inward by a lip seal spring to form an additional seal with the spherical element. In embodiments directed to piping systems, a fluid is able to flow through the central passage. Other embodiments include a sliding rod directed through the central passage and sealed to the spherical element by a rod support within the central passage and also by at least one rod lip seal having a wiper pressed by a spring against the rod. The rod support can include a compressible packing material and/or a linear ball bearing sealed to the spherical element within the central passage.

Abstract: A dry running mechanical ball joint seal includes a spherical element penetrated by a central passage and suspended between support rings that are pressed by springs against the spherical element and form a sliding dry seal therewith. A lip seal is located between the support rings and includes wipers pressed radially inward by a lip seal spring to form an additional seal with the spherical element. In embodiments directed to piping systems, a fluid is able to flow through the central passage. Other embodiments include a sliding rod directed through the central passage and sealed to the spherical element by a rod support within the central passage and also by at least one rod lip seal having a wiper pressed by a spring against the rod. The rod support can include a compressible packing material and/or a linear ball bearing sealed to the spherical element within the central passage.