Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR, nitrile)
NBR, also known as nitrile rubber or nitrile, is the most popular material for an oil seal because of its good resistance to many oils and greases, such as mineral grease and hydraulic oil. Depending on their composition, synthetic oils and greases, such as those based on glycol, can damage NBR rubber materials. Depending on the amount of glycol, a PTFE lip seal may be the best choice. NBR is also unable to cope with contact with acids and solvents. The rubber is suitable for oil and grease at temperatures from -35 °C to 100 °C.
Most ERIKS oil seals, such as the types M, MST, R and RST, are made of NBR as standard.
Fluorine rubber (FKM, Viton&#;)
FKM or FPM, which is in well-known brand Viton&#;, can withstand higher liquid temperatures of up to 180 ˚C. FKM is highly resistant to strong acids and bases, as well as to synthetic oils and greases. Glycol-based oil and grease, however, can also damage FKM.
Because of the higher temperature resistance of FKM, this material is also chosen for applications where higher speeds play a role, which raise the temperature at the sealing lip considerably. Usually, using FKM will result in a longer life than using NBR. This compensates the higher price of FKM compared to NBR, as an FKM does not have to be replaced as frequently. The low temperature resistance of standard FKM is limited to -15 ˚C.
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, Teflon®)
PTFE, which is used in the well-known brand Teflon®, is less commonly used, but it is the preferred material for specific rotating seals in the chemical, food and pharmaceutical industries. This material is notable for having a very low frictional resistance and the best chemical resistance. It can also withstand a very wide range of temperatures in these types of seals; -80 ˚C to 200 ˚C. The shafts on which oil seals with PTFE lips are used require a harder and finer finish. Something like an axle sleeve can also be used to meet this requirement.
EPDM
EPDM oil seals are less common. They are used in solvent, hot water and steam applications, EPDM resists low temperatures down to -50 °C and UV radiation well. Some types of EPDM are also suitable for higher temperatures up to +150 °C. EPDM oil seals are usually available upon request.
VMQ (silicone)
VMQ, also known as silicone, is also used for oil seals, but this is less common because the mechanical strength of VMQ is low and this material has poor wear-resistance This makes it less suitable for dynamic applications, but it can withstand fairly low and high temperatures from -60 °C to 200 °C. Many types of VMQ are also suitable for contact with pharmaceutical and food products, so VMQ is an option worth considering. VMQ oil seals are usually available on request.
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.
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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
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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 274 776.
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