When dealing with any manner of machinery or industrial applications, the important role o-rings play is undeniable. In our last article, we looked at when it can be time to buy a new seal and what factors can lead to premature deterioration. Continuing further with the aspect of preventing deterioration, we’re going to offer some quick tips on how to keep your o-rings, which typically play a big role in proper sealing, well-preserved for the longest operational life possible.

So let’s discuss what you can do.

Choose the Right O-Ring

Now, this may seem like an obvious and possibly patronizing statement, but it is actually a very important factor to take into consideration at all times. Depending on the machinery or application at hand, your o-ring material may differ.

We touched on this previously, but remember that factors such as moisture, temperature, how dynamic or static the application is, and others can all dictate the applicable materials. O-ring materials comprise several variations, including:

• Silicone
• Polyurethane
• Viton / fluorocarbon
• Ethylene-Propylene (EPDM)

Different materials work better for different applications, such as silicone seals often being a good choice for high-temperature applications. If an o-ring is being used on scuba gear, a material such as Buna-N (aka nitrile) could be a solid option. If an application expels hot water and/or steam, EPDM could be a good suit.

Cleaning and Maintenance

While all o-rings are respectively designed to last and endure when installed to the right application, typical cleaning and maintenance is always worthwhile. Of course, it’s possible that you may not be able to do this for certain o-rings – such as where removing them could lead to problems with the machinery or application they were installed on as they may need to operate constantly.

However, for those where you can stop the application and clean the o-ring, methods differ. Some may involve immersing the o-ring (dependent on its material) in an acidic solution that will eat away at hardened grit that has managed to calcify on its exterior. If the o-ring isn’t inflicted with calcium or hardened chemicals, then you may be able to simply remove slime or grime with a simpler cleaning solution or even water.

However, such efforts are on a case-by-case basis and entirely dependent on what the o-ring can or cannot withstand.

On the maintenance front, this involves regularly checking the o-rings for any signs of wear, tear, or general damage. So if you notice any cracks, warping, or thinning, consider your next step. Can the issue be resolved through some general repairs or would it be best to replace the affected o-ring(s) with a new one?

Regularly revising your o-rings will allow you to better maintain it and catch any damage before it could turn into a catastrophic problem.

To ensure you get the best o-rings for your applications, always hire a company that can provide custom made o-rings backed by decades of experience. Contact Real Seal today.
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Image source: Ilja at the German language Wikipedia [GFDL or CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

When it comes to maintaining the life of an industrial seal, there’s only so much you can do until the seal simply reaches the end point of its operational life. Other times, using the wrong seal on a specific application means that the seal itself will deteriorate at a faster rate. Either way, there are certain signs you can look out for that may indicate it’s time to invest in a new seal.

Signs of Damage

Cracks

Signs of damage can differ between seals depending on their material and what they’re applied to, but many do share some similar signs of deterioration. One big sign is that of a crack forming in the seal. This may appear as a type of hairline fracture (one that may require you to even examine the seal at extremely close quarters) or a crack that is far more noticeable.

Often, cracks will appear along the height of the seal. This, of course, makes sense as the height is typically shorter than the seal’s length, and allows you to more easily spot where tension or age can have an initial impact. If you’re using the correct seal for your application (for example, you don’t need a seal capable of dealing with regular movement if your application is static), you hopefully should not see any signs of cracking for years. However, even if you use the right type of seal for its respective application, remember to keep in mind the material.

Say, for example, you have a seal that is perfect for dynamic applications – a rubber seal may perform better or worse than a thermoplastic one. It all depends on the nature of the application, the chemicals that may be involved, the temperature range of the application, etc. You can read more about the importance of choosing the right materials here.

Thinning

Another warning sign is if the seal is beginning to thin. When first having a seal installed, consider measuring its width. The width is usually relatively thin as it is (at least when compared to the height and length), but any thinning after installation is worth keeping track of. Friction could cause thinning, as well as damage caused by certain erosive chemicals. Chances are if your seals are becoming thinner and thinner at a rapid rate, you’re using the wrong material.

Melting/Deformation

If your seals become deformed or have shown clear signs of melting, you’ll undoubtedly need to change them. More importantly, it’s a sign that you’re using the wrong material. Different seals handle different temperature ranges (from subzero temperatures to those that can reach above 400 degrees Fahrenheit); so if your seal has deformed/melted, it means you likely need a new a more heat-resistant seal.

On the flipside, if your seal appears to crack or even outright shatter, it could also be a sign that the material of your elected seal is unable to handle extremely low temperatures. That’s why it is important to consider all facets of every application and which seal and material is appropriate.

To ensure you get the seal you need, talk to a professional seal manufacturer and provided such as Real Seal. We’ve been in the industry for decades, offering our wide range of clients custom-made seals perfect for any requested applications and operations. To find out how we can produce the right seal for you, contact us today.

Image: By U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Sarah A. Beavers [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons