Vulcanized O-Rings
O-Ring Sizes for Industrial Applications
From machine design to applications in household appliances,
the use of the o-ring is practically indispensable. Availability of o-rings
comes in the form of metric as well as inch sizes.
Industrial applications of o-rings
A precisely engineered mechanical mounting is essential for
the successful use of o-rings in joint design. Such a mounting must take into
consideration the deformation of the o-ring. The amount of stress, which is
mechanical in nature, should be of a precisely calculated amount at the o-ring
contacting surface with the mounting. In principle, the fluid pressure that is
been contained must not be greater than the stress that is imposed on the
o-ring. As such, leakage in the component will not happen. And because the
o-ring material is virtually incompressible, the pressure of the fluid that is
being contained is transferred and the pressure at the interface increases as
the operating pressure goes up. The specification of o-ring sizes is by means
of the inner diameter as well as the thickness, otherwise known as the cross
section diameter. As long as the o-ring does not fail in a mechanical way, the
sealing of high pressure fluid can be done effectively. The usual mode of sealing
failure is at the interface of the adjoining parts.
The design of the seal is such that a contact exist between
the sealing surfaces, that is between the o-ring and the mounting surfaces.
This method of sealing allows for the containment of high pressure fluids. This
can be achieved within the failure stress limits of the o-ring. Imperfections
are common in the contact surfaces of the mounting parts, and o-ring material
which is highly flexible in nature, effectively fills out and accommodates all
uneven surfaces. Nevertheless, an excellent surface finish is imperative for
all the parts that comes into contact, meaning that there should be as little
imperfections as possible on the surfaces between o-ring as well as the contact
surfaces of the mounting. This is especially critical in low temperature
applications because the material of the sealing compound
is at its glass transition temperature threshold, making it more crystalline in
its properties. The same principle would apply to applications of o-ring sealing in dynamic environments.
An exceedingly rough finish to the surface of the contact parts will cause
abrasion to the surface of the o-ring. On the other hand, the sealing would not
be sufficiently lubricated by fluid film in the situation that the surfaces
that come into contact are exceedingly smooth.
In conclusion, the correct choice of o-rings in terms of
sizes and material would have to take into consideration its nature of
application and the environment, including that of physical and chemical
resistance. O-rings are available in a number of materials that include Viton,
nitrile, FFKM, FKM, silicone, epdm and more.
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