If the sealing ring turns white, what will happen if it is still used?

If the sealing ring turns white and is still used, the possible consequences will depend on the cause of the discoloration, the material of the sealing ring, and the usage environment. It could range from slight performance degradation to severe leakage or equipment damage. Here is a detailed analysis:

I. Judging Risks Based on the Causes of White Discoloration

1. Physical White Discoloration (Low Risk, but Alert Required)

Low-temperature contraction or short-term compression:

If the white discoloration is caused by temporary contraction at low temperatures or slight compression during installation, the sealing ring may return to its original state after restoring to normal temperature or removing the pressure. The risk of short-term continued use is relatively low.

However, it should be noted that if the process of low-temperature-to-normal-temperature cycling occurs repeatedly or the sealing ring is subjected to long-term compression, it may accelerate material fatigue, leading to cracks or permanent deformation.

2. Chemical White Discoloration (High Risk, Immediate Handling Required)

Aging and Degradation:

Rubber degrades due to high temperatures, ultraviolet rays, ozone, or chemical media, resulting in white discoloration accompanied by powdering, cracking. Continuing to use it will lead to:

Sealing failure: Elasticity decreases, unable to closely adhere to the sealing surface, causing leakage (such as hydraulic oil, gas, or liquid leakage).

Equipment damage: Leakage may cause insufficient lubrication, corrosion of components, or environmental pollution (such as in the food and pharmaceutical industries).

Safety hazards: In high-pressure, flammable, or toxic medium scenarios, leakage may cause explosions, poisoning, etc.

Additive exudation:

The reaction of lubricants or cleaners with rubber causes the migration of plasticizers, anti-aging agents, etc. to the surface, forming a white film. Short-term it may not affect the sealing, but in the long term it will:

Accelerate aging: The exudates make the rubber brittle, reducing its wear resistance and tear resistance.

Pollute the medium: The exudates may mix into liquids or gases, affecting product quality (such as contamination of food packaging sealing rings with contents).

Hydrolysis or swelling:

When exposed to strong acids, strong bases, or organic solvents, the rubber becomes white and accompanied by expansion and softening. Continuing to use it will lead to:

Sealing ring rupture: Excessive swelling may cause the sealing ring to come out of the groove or be damaged by compression.

Chemical corrosion: The rubber after swelling is more susceptible to medium erosion, further shortening its lifespan.

II. Judging Consequences Based on the Usage Scenario

1. Critical Sealing Scenarios (Extremely High Risk)

High-pressure systems (such as hydraulic equipment, pneumatic systems):

White-discolored sealing rings may cause pressure leakage due to loss of elasticity, leading to equipment shutdown or accidents.

Example: The sealing ring of the hydraulic cylinder in an excavator becomes aged and white, which may cause insufficient movement or rupture of the oil pipe.

High-temperature environment (such as engines, ovens):

High temperatures accelerate rubber aging, and after white discoloration, continued use may cause fires or equipment damage.

Example: The sealing ring of the engine compartment becomes aged, which may lead to oil leakage and self-ignition.

Toxic/Flammable Media (such as chemical pipelines, gas equipment):

Leakage may cause poisoning or explosion risks.

Example: The sealing ring of a natural gas pipeline becomes white, which may lead to gas leakage and explosion.

2. Non-critical Sealing Scenarios (Low Risk, but Observation Required)

Low-pressure static sealing:

If the white discoloration is without cracks or deformation and there is no leakage sign, it can be used for a short period, but regular inspection is required.

Example: The sealing ring of a water drain under the sink becomes slightly white. If there is no leakage, it can be temporarily not replaced, but avoid contact with strong corrosive cleaning agents.

Low-frequency dynamic sealing:

White discoloration may affect sound insulation and heat preservation performance, but it will not cause serious consequences in the short term.

Example: The sealing ring of a refrigerator door seal becomes white, which may lead to air leakage and increased power consumption, but will not immediately damage the refrigerator.

III. Potential Chain Reactions of Continuing Use

Leakage expansion:

Initial minor leakage may gradually expand due to pressure, temperature changes, or vibration, eventually leading to equipment failure.

Example: The sealing ring of a water pump becomes white but is not replaced, which may cause the bearing to be damaged due to lack of oil, resulting in a significant increase in maintenance costs.

Medium contamination:

The exudates or aging debris of the sealing ring may mix into the medium, affecting product quality or equipment operation.

Example: The sealing ring of a pharmaceutical equipment becomes white, which may lead to rubber particles contaminating the medicine, resulting in recall risks.

Increased maintenance costs:

Small problems delayed may lead to extensive equipment damage, with maintenance time and costs increasing exponentially. Example: If the sealing rings of the hydraulic system become old and are not replaced, it may lead to the complete failure of the hydraulic cylinder, and the entire equipment needs to be replaced.

IV. Suggested Handling Methods