Which O-Ring Works Best For Your Industry?

O-rings are one of the most important unseen inventions in human history. Alone they are just round rubber rings that come in various sizes. However, when compressed between two different parts, they create a water-tight seal that locks in fluids and gases. Different industries use these O-rings in a variety of applications. Selecting the right material, size, and durometer can be a stressful and daunting task since finding the right combination is critical to the longevity of the application.

Variability Through Materials

The versatility of O-rings lies in the variety of elastomers available, each tailored to meet specific industrial needs. For instance, silicone O-rings excel in medical and pharmaceutical applications due to their resistance to extreme temperatures and various chemicals. On the other hand, nitrile O-rings are favored in the automotive and oil industries for their excellent resistance to petroleum products. Fluoroelastomer (Viton®) O-rings offer superior performance in harsh chemical environments, making them ideal for aerospace and chemical processing industries. Understanding the unique properties and suitable applications of each elastomer is essential for ensuring optimal performance and durability, ultimately safeguarding the efficiency and safety of critical systems.

Silicone

Silicone overall has notably beneficial properties to be used in a variety of ways. However, it is not commonly recommended for dynamic sealing applications due it its relatively poor tensile-tear strength and relatively low absorption resistance. With a temperature range of -80ºF to 450ºF and resistance to many acids, UV light, ozone, heat, and water, silicone can be used in a variety of industries such as:

• Medical

• Pharmaceutical

• Water Systems

• Technology

• Semiconductor

Nitrile 

Nitrile (Buna-N) has great resistance to petroleum and oil products, and superior compression set, tear, and abrasion resistance. However, it does not wear very well in sunlight or ozone. Nitrile isn’t known to have the greatest chemical resistance but is known to have excellent petroleum and oil resistance. Because of Nitrile’s many good qualities, it has been deemed a general-purpose elastomer and has become one of the most widely used O-Ring materials. Nitrile is used in many industries such as:

• Hydraulic Systems

• Oil, Gas, Petroleum

• Water Systems

• Automotive

• Military

• General Use

Fluoroelastomer (Viton)

Fluoroelastomer (Viton®) performs well in many different environments such as a variety of oil and petroleum products, high vacuum situations, ozone, weather, high temperatures, and strong acids. This material is commonly used to seal leaks, valves, or pumps. Fluoroelastomer (Viton®) has a high resistance to petroleum products as well as a super-low compression set. This makes them a good choice for a variety of industries such as:

• Chemical Processing

• Automotive

• Aerospace

• Automotive

• Oil, Gas, Petroleum

Ethylene Propylene

Ethylene Propylene is a great material to be used in many different fields, especially when it comes to commercial aircraft. It offers great ozone, water, steam, acid, and base resistance. However, it lacks in petroleum sealing. Temperature ranges -65ºF to 300ºF. Ethylene Propylene carries a special resistance to Skydrol® fluids which are commonly used in commercial aircraft hydraulic systems. Ethylene Propylene offers great resistance to ozone, water, steam, acids, and alkalies. This material is not great with petroleum sealing, however, they are wonderful in these industries:

• Pharmaceutical

• Medical

• Food Grade

Urethane (Polyurethane) 

Urethane overall is a great material that has a lot of resistive properties such as hydraulic fluids, oil, grease, chemicals, ozone, and oxygen. Meanwhile, it can endure high pressures and is resistant to cracking and cuts. Urethane is resistant to weathering, ozone, and oxygen. This material also has good resistance to oil and petroleum products and hydrocarbon fuels. This material is frequently used in:

• Firearms

• Fluid Transfer Systems

• Hydraulics

• Pneumatic Systems

• Cylinders

• Valve Systems

APG: The Industry Leader for Industrial Fluid Sealing Products

Elastomers can serve a variety of uses in an unlimited amount of industries. From aerospace, fluid supplies, food and dairy, industrial hydraulics, marine, medical, oil, gas, petroleum, pharmaceutical, and semiconductor, there are a vast number of industries to be served. However, if not stored properly, any elastomer will fail with ease. Check out our Knowledge Base blog to see how to properly store elastomers to ensure their longevity. With custom sizes, a variety of materials, and great customer service, let APG be your fluid sealing and conveyance provider.   Contact Us or look at our Knowledge Base for up-to-date articles on our elastomers.