When choosing new seals and O-rings for your daily operations, you need to think carefully about the chemicals and conditions you’ll be using them with. Choosing seals and O-rings isn’t a quick and easy task when you take the time to think about seal chemical compatibility. However, by learning more about this topic, you can avoid wear and tear to these parts and save time and money in the long run. Check our page to learn more about our range of products or get in touch with us today to discover how we can help you find the right parts for any type of process. Keep reading as we share our top tips for chemical compatibility importance, so you can avoid issues with this in the future.
Chemical Compatibility with Seals and O-Rings
When looking at the seal compatibility of chemicals, you need to first think about the chemical and its composition. Firstly, the concentration of the chemical you are using will have a huge impact on the seals and O-rings you can use. The lower the concentration, the easier it will be to use any seal without major consequences. When a chemical is used in high concentrations, then make sure you are very careful about the seals you choose to use. Another key consideration is the temperature of the chemical, as many chemicals are more reactive when you use them at a higher temperature. Take a look at compatibility charts to get a full understanding of when and where you could use a seal or O-ring to avoid issues.
The light and heat that’s involved in your processes will naturally impact your seals and O-rings, with UV light being something to really think about. This can make many seals and O-rings fail when they are in direct contact with UV light for an extended period of time. Plastics in particular often break down and fail with high levels of UV light, so keep this in mind when choosing your seals. After considering all of these factors, you’ll want to think about the material that your O-rings and seals are made from. The good news is there are options on the market to fit everyone’s needs, and we’ll be here to support you in finding the perfect option for your processes.
Common Materials and Their Chemical Compatibility
Now that you know what to look out for in terms of the chemicals you are using, you’ll want to think about the most common base materials that you may use. Iron and stainless steel have excellent compatibility with most chemicals, and they are very resistant to many of the common chemicals we see companies use. Alloys are also a good option, as they are resistant to corrosion and high temperatures. They are often used in the pumping industry, but they have many applications across a wide range of business operations. Polyurethane O-rings are becoming one of our top sellers, and our team sees that they are a great option for those working with a range of chemicals.
Rubber is a common material to use for O-rings, but you’ll need to be very careful with this material and how it’s used and stored. When it’s exposed to heat, light and chemicals for an extended period of time, the material can break down and lose its shape and benefits. That being said, elastomers often have a high resistance to temperature, making them a good option for anyone working with these high temperatures.
How to Choose the Right Seals and O-Rings for Your Business Operations
There’s a lot to consider when it comes to the type of O-ring you use for your business operations. Our team offers a wide range of products, which are designed to be used with almost any chemical you can imagine. We’ll be on hand to answer your questions about the best O-rings and seals for your business operations, so that you can find an option that doesn’t get worn out or break down too quickly. This will help you to save time and money in the long run, so that you don’t waste unnecessary parts due to incompatibility with the chemicals you use on a daily basis.
Are you looking for new O-rings and seals for your business? Our team will be here to support you with this decision and help you find the perfect match for your processes. Contact us today to learn more about the right choice for your unique needs and budget or to discuss any questions you have about the information we’ve shared here today. Our aim is to support businesses of all shapes and sizes to find the right parts for any operations and keep your machinery and employees safe at all times when working with chemicals.
