O-rings are integral parts of seals that are used in various pumps. You can obtain O-rings in various types of materials such as synthetic fibers and rubber. Based on your requirements, you will need to choose the most suitable type of O-ring. However, there are certain common criteria that will help you in the selection of the best O-rings.
Selecting the Right Size of O-Ring
When you set out to pick an O-ring for your application, see to it that the given sample fits your size range. Normally, O-rings are available in Aerospace size standard AS568B in the United States of America. Here, the size of O-ring is listed in 6 groups in millimeters and inches. You can find O-rings in two types of dimensions: the inside diameter (ID) and the cross sectional diameter (CD). Out of the 6 groups, the first 5 are based on the cross sectional diameters falling in the range of 0.040 to 0.275 inches. The inside diameter for these rings lies in the range of 0.029 to 25.940 inches. You will find sizes for boss seals in the sixth group of the O-rings.
Other Factors to Consider while Selecting O-Rings
Apart from the size of rings, certain other factors should be taken into consideration so that you will end up buying the best O-rings for your applications. Let us have a look at these factors:
- Diffusion Rate or Permeability: O-rings are usually used for pumps that contain air, other gases, or certain liquids that are stored under pressure. While selecting the O-ring, you will need to check the extent to which the ring allows diffusion of gases or liquids into the chamber. Based on the specifications of your application, you can pick the seal that has the suitable diffusion rate.
- Material Used: As stated earlier, O-rings are available in different types of materials. Suitability of the material is important for any application. Thus, make sure that you select O-rings that are made from aptly matching material for best results.
- Durability: Certain applications require seals that can be changed on a regular basis, while there are some that make use of same seals for years. Based on your application type, you will need to select the o-ring with matching durability. It is advisable to go for highly durable O-rings as they show resistance to extrinsic factors for a longer time.
All these factors are important as they will help you in the selection of the best O-rings. Nowadays the market is abuzz with different developers and dealers who provide a wide range of o-rings. Valley Seal is a leading distributer of superior quality seals and O-rings since three decades. To know more about us, kindly visit our website www.valleyseal.com.
