Choosing and using the proper sealing devices within oil and gas applications can be vital when preventing dirt, dust, water, and other debris from potentially getting inside and contaminating products.
Of course, all rubber materials and seals will provide a range of benefits; however, you will need to consider chemical compatibility, sufficient temperature ranges, pressure ranges, and more.
At specialistsealingproducts.co.uk, we have a range of o rings and gaskets available to suit various applications across a multitude of sectors. We work with clients to understand all needs and requirements, providing further information where required.
Below, you will find a range of o ring materials outlining the properties and benefits so you can make an informed decision for your application.
Oil seals applications
Oil seals can also be known as rotary shafts seals, shaft seals, lip seals, elastomeric seals, and more.
Ultimately, oil seals are devices that help to exclude dust and dirt, etc., while at all times retaining the lubricant in the piece of equipment.
Oil seal materials
Nitrile (also known as Buna N)
The most common and economical material within the sealing industry, Nitrile, is used in many oil applications, the automotive sector for aircraft fuel applications, military and marine applications, and more.
The main benefits of Nitrile when opting for use as an oil seal includes:
- It is petroleum-based oil and fuel resistant
- Resistant to silicone greases, water, and hydraulic fluid
- It offers a low compression set
- Has a high tensile strength
- Abrasion-resistant
- Can sustain temperature ranges from -40 degrees Fahrenheit to 257 degrees Fahrenheit.
Viton (Fluorocarbon)
A synthetic rubber used in gaskets, o rings, lip seals, and other moulded devices, Viton offers sealing properties for a range of oil-based applications. Viton with high fluorine grades will also produce excellent resistance to swell, especially in oxygenated fuel and high-octane blends.
In these instances, Viton can be the perfect sealing material for methanol/ethanol-blended gasoline.
The benefits of Viton include:
- Can sustain a temperature range from -13 degrees Fahrenheit to 446 degrees Fahrenheit
- It is resistant to high temperatures
- Resistant to various chemicals such as transmission fluid, petroleum oils, and gasoline
- It can be modified for applications with large chemical exposure and hard vacuums.
Silicone
Out of all of the elastomers, silicone offers you the widest range of working temperature ranges. Renowned for its flexibility and low compression set capabilities, silicone is the optimal choice for o rings and other moulded seals.
The benefits of silicone include:
- It offers a temperature range from -85 degrees Fahrenheit to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
- It is ozone, weather, and sun resistant
- Phenyl based silicones can perform to -148 degrees Fahrenheit
- It is completely flexible (making it great for electrical insulation).
Fluorosilicone
An oil seal type that is resistant to oils, fuels, and solvents, fluorosilicone also offers temperature stability. Primarily found in aerospace fuel applications and automotive fuel emission control, this o ring material is fast becoming popular in more and more oil-based applications across a wide spectrum of industries.
Benefits include:
- A temperature range from 75 degrees Fahrenheit to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
- It is resistant to high temperatures
- It has good compression set properties
- It can withstand exposure to ozone, air, and sun
- It is chlorinated and aromatic hydrocarbon resistant.
Atlas
Aflas is created from fluoroelastomers (FKM), providing the following benefits:
- Temperature range from -10 degrees Celsius to 205 degrees Celsius
- Resistant to steam, petroleum oils, amine corrosion inhibitors, and hydrogen sulphide.
Carboxylate Nitrile
These oil seals are created from a low-temperature tolerant compound. Benefits include:
- Temperature range from -55 degrees Celsius to 135 degrees Celsius
- Resistant to abrasion, water, and petroleum oils
- Low temperature tolerant.
Propylene (fluorinated ethylene)
This tough, chemically inert polymer has a wide working scope as well as:
- A temperature range of -55 degrees Celsius to 205 degrees Celsius
- Resistant to the majority of chemicals
- Ideal for static and slow intermittent dynamic applications.
Hydrogenated Nitrile/Highly saturated Nitrile
This is often the material of choice for the oil industry due to the extensive temperature range the material can sustain. Benefits include:
- Temperature range from -30 degrees Celsius to 170 degrees Celsius
- Petroleum oil and sour gas resistant
- Resistant to H25 and CO2.
Polyacrylate
Offering a much more superior temperature resistance, polyacrylate seals are perfect for applications such as high surface speed oil. Benefits include:
- Temperature range from -20 degrees Celsius to 150 degrees Celsius
- Resistant to petroleum oils and Freon.
Polyurethane
Typically used in hydraulic high-stress applications where compounds under high pressure are exposed to wear, the benefits of polyurethane seals include:
- Temperature range between -15 degrees Celsius to 185 degrees Celsius
- Abrasion-resistant
- Offers a high degree of strength
- Petroleum oils and hydraulic oil resistance.
Perfluoroelastomer FFKM
An elastomer that has the broadest resistance to chemicals, elasticity, and a roust sealing strength, FFKM benefits also include:
- Temperature range of -50 degrees Celsius to 327 degrees Celsius
- Resistant to the vast majority of chemicals.
To find the right o ring and gasket for your oil-based application, look no further than the o ring suppliers, Specialist Sealing Products. On hand to provide you with the best information, call a member of our team today on 01535 274 776.
