O‑rings 101: Everything Cars & Motorcycle Owners Should Know

O-RINGS 101: Everything That Cars & Motorcycle Owners Should Know WHAT ARE O-RINGS? The O-ring is an elastic donut-shaped device that can withstand enormous amounts of pressure. In vehicles, it is used as a sealing agent to prevent leakage between components. FAST FACTS The first US patent for the O-ring belongs to Danish inventor Neil Christensen. He experimented with rubber rings to see if they could seal the air brake system of his streetcars. (Source: Bearing Centre) O-rings are primarily known as sealing agents, but they have many other uses. They're one of the main components of household, medical, and office appliances, thanks to their ability to regulate vibrations. (Source: Bearing Centre) The strongest O-rings can withstand up to 5000 PSI. (Source: Monroe) They can adjust to extreme temperatures. Pieces made from silicone can withstand a range of -60 °C to 205 °C (Source: UKRS) Apart from cars and motorcycles, O-rings are vital components for aircraft. Since airplanes operate at extreme temperatures and pressure levels, O-rings are used to seal airplane parts. (UKRS) MOST COMMON MATERIALS USED FOR MAKING O-RINGS Since O-rings are used in various situations, manufacturers make them from different materials to address specific needs. Some people may require an O-ring that can withstand extreme heat, while others may need one that's resistant to a particular chemical. Understanding the different types and what they specialize in will benefit you greatly as a consumer. HARDNESS: 70:5S Nitrile or NBR o-rings are general purpose o-rings that can effectively seal different fluids and withstand physical pressure in a wide range of applications. They are popularly known for their physical resistance. They aren't easily torn, can seal up 1 NITRILE OR NBR O-RINGS various compounds, and can withstand harsh exposure from (also known as Buna-N O-rings) the elements. Examples of types of Nitrile O-rings are: NBR 70 O-rings - used in military, transport, and food preparation services and perfect for oil-ridden and low-temperature environments. The 70 signifies the O-ring's durometer. 2 Also known as fluorocarbon elastomer O-rings, Viton O-rings can withstand different compounds. They're commonly used as food product seals since they are also resistant to acid and oil. Viton O-rings are more commonly VITON O-RINGS used throughout various heavy industries than Nitrile O-rings because Viton O-rings are highly resistant to different chemicals. They can withstand higher temperatures of up to 205 °C for short periods. of their more exceptional physical and chemical properities, however they are also more expensive. Silicone O-rings are best for outdoor applications. They are highly resistant 3 to different chemicals and can fare well with the elements. Most Silicone O-rings are food-grade and FDA approved, thus they are widely used in food manufacturing. SILICONE O-RINGS 4 Metal O-rings are widely used for industrial applications, like gaskets for high temperature and pressure scenarios. Metal O-rings made of stainless steel are ideal for static uses (e.g., flange or radial sealing) since stainless steel can return to their METAL normal form after the pressure lifts. O-RINGS WHY DO O-RINGS FAIL? ABRASION CHEMICAL ATTACK O-rings used for dynamic applications can be damaged by friction. Lubricating the surface of your components and sealing system will help you avoid this issue. The material of the O-ring can react violently to the chemicals it's containing. With that said, select an O-ring type that's compatible wit fluids you're sealing. the CHEMICAL SWELL INSTALLATION DAMAGE O-ring damages can also be caused by carelessness during installation. In case you plan to repair your vehicle on your own, ensure that seals are correctly placed, have the right size, and are lubricated. Apart from changes in hardness and discoloration, chemical reactions can cause an O-ring to appear larger. Use or switch to an O-ring that is resistant to the chemical you're handling. SPIRAL FAILURE THERMAL DEGRADATION AND EXTRUSION Over time, improperly installed or incompatible O-rings in high-stress areas will fail. Consider getting a harder O-ring. O-rings can crack, harden, and become less elastic if they're excessively exposed to heat. Switching to an O-ring that can withstand higher temperatures will fix this. UV DEGRADATION Ultraviolet light exposure to certain O-rings can lead to discoloration and cracks. Consider getting O-rings in black since these are highly resistant to UV damage. TIPS TO AVOID O-RING PROBLEMS DETERMINE THE TYPE OF O-RING APPLICATION YOU ARE WORKING WITH. Will your O-ring handle a static or dynamic function? Determining the application type will make it easier for you to identify the units to purchase. DETERMINE THE APPROPRIATE SIZE BASED ON THE APPLICATION TYPE (I.E., FACE, RADIAL, STATIC, DYNAMIC, ETC.). After establishing your O-ring's use, the next step would be to find the right size. Learn about this matter from your vendor. CHOOSE THE SUITABLE O-RING MATERIAL FOR THE JOB. Consider the type of fluids you'll be containing and the environmental parameters the O-ring will be subjected to. This will ensure that you select the ideal type for the job. CHECK ENGINEERING CALCULATIONS EITHER MANUALLY OR USING AVAILABLE SOFTWARE PROGRAMS. Accuracy is key in O-ring applications, so make the necessary calculations. Estimating sizes and pressure levels without care can result in damage. TEST DESIGN, IF POSSIBLE. As with all engineering endeavors, it's best to undergo a series of tests. This will ensure that the C-rings you've applied will function well and not suddenly malfunction. Infographic by: SIMPLEX INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION simplex.com.ph Sources: bearing centre | Hydraulics and Pneumatics | Gasket King | James Walker | Monroe |Precision Polymer Engineering | UKRS