Tips for Avoiding Problems with Your O-Rings

O-rings are a very commonly used sealing solution for a wide variety of applications. However, there are some circumstances in which O-rings will fail or develop certain types of problems, especially when placed under pressure. For this reason, it is important for you to plan out how you’ll use those O-rings and consider all of the various stressors that could affect them so you can make sure you minimize any potential problems with them.

Here are just a few steps you can take to ensure you experience as few problems as possible with your O-rings and custom seals in San Jose, CA:

• Know the kind of O-ring application you will use: You’ll have either static or dynamic sealing operations. Static applications have little vibrational movement. You should also be aware of other environmental factors, such as ozone attack potential, intermittent use, a high exposure to ultraviolet light, constant usage, etc. These are factors you’ll need to take into account when determining if the application is radial dynamic or radial static.
• Consider the fluid: After you’ve determined the O-ring application type, you’ll need to determine the elastomer that will be used to seal the fluid. To find an elastomer that is compatible with the fluid, the material should only demonstrate minimal changes in properties when it’s exposed. These properties include volume, tensile strength, elongation and modulus. Ideally, you’d find an elastomer that is compatible with a wide range of fluids/media.
• Consider environmental factors: There are other environmental parameters you’ll need to take into consideration. Some of the most important parameters to consider are temperature, time and pressure.
• Sizes: The previous several factors we’ve mentioned primarily have to do with the operating environment of the O-ring, but there are other practical matters to consider as well. For example, the size of the O-ring is something you’ll need to consider. There are many sizes of O-rings, and you’ll have to figure out which size is most appropriate for your specific application. The good news is you’ll find guidebooks and software packages that provide tables that make it easy for you to determine the exact size of O-ring you need. Otherwise, be sure to ask the provider of your O-rings what size they’d recommend for your given application if you feel you need a second opinion.
• Additional calculations: There are several important calculations that affect the design that you must consider for your O-ring application: compression percent stretch (in some cases), percent squeeze and the volume to void ratio. For most standard hardware dimensions, you’ll already have these calculations tabulated, but there are some circumstances in which you may be working with unique hardware, which will require you to make these calculations to ensure accuracy. Here again, it is a good idea to seek the assistance of a skilled O-ring designer so you can be sure you’re getting exactly what you need.

For more information about some of the steps you can take to limit potential problems with your O-rings in San Jose, CA, contact the experts at Royal Brass Incorporated today.

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