Key Factors for Optimal Performance of O-Ring Seals

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O-rings are named for their typical circular shape. They are versatile elastomer gaskets that produce a tight seal between two mechanical components. While O-rings have a similar appearance and function, few critical differences define where an O-ring can be employed. The choice of material is among the most crucial elements. Despite their identical compositions of O rings the elastomers differ in their chemical and mechanical properties. This affects how they perform in a specific sealing task. 

When choosing O Ring Seals, it’s important to evaluate your application’s requirements and restrictions rather than looking for a one-size-fits-all seal. This guide will take you through different factors to consider for the optimal performance of the O-ring.

Increase the Performance of O ring Seals by Considering These Factors 

The Temperature

The low temperature causes the lips of polyurethane or rubber seals to freeze and become brittle, diminishing flexibility and causing leakage, and potentially making the entire seal hard and brittle.

On the other hand, the high temperature causes the seal volume to expand and soften, resulting in the seal’s friction resistance rapidly increasing and pressure capacity decreasing.

Material selection

Choosing the proper material is crucial to ensuring an O-ring can handle the Pressure Limits, Ambient and operational temperatures, Exposure to chemicals, acids, bases, and other sources of corrosion, and The likelihood of experiencing vibration.

Pressure rating

O-rings provide leak protection in pressured systems, with each having its unique pressure rating. It is critical to identify the maximum pressure used in your system and choose an O-ring with a PSI rating that surpasses it by a safe margin.

O Ring Seals hardness

O-ring hardness is the most critical factor in determining sealing performance. The hardness of the O-ring controls its compression and the groove’s maximum permissible extrusion gap. 

Extrusion gap

The maximum permitted extrusion gap for an O-ring is determined by the system pressure, the O-ring’s cross-sectional diameter, and the material hardness. The maximum allowed extrusion gap is often lower as the working pressure increases. If the gap exceeds the permitted range, the O-ring may squeeze out or be damaged.

Compression set

The compression set of the chosen material is an additional metric for assessing the sealing effectiveness of O-rings. The O-ring, an elastic element deforms elastically when pressure is applied, and permanent plastic deformation will also happen as pressure rises.

Pre-compression of the O-ring seals

The O-ring is inserted into the groove. An initial compression should be set aside to guarantee the sealing performance of the material. The pre-compression amount of the cross-sectional diameter W varies depending on the application. Typically, it is between 15% and 30% for static rod seals and between 9% and 25% for dynamic rod seals.

Final Words

Always purchase your O-rings from reliable O Ring Seals suppliers like Horiaki India Private Limited to guarantee they are of the best possible quality. We follow industry norms and specifications and have implemented strict quality control procedures. We can help fulfill your application demands as your go-to source for the best O rings! For more contact us.

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Horiaki India Private Limited

Horiaki India Private Limited was established in the year 1998 with an aim to manufacture and supply premium rubber bonded products in India as well as the international market.