The aging of sealing rings leads to shortened lifespan. How to avoid this?

The aging of sealing rings causing shortened lifespan is a common problem in equipment operation. However, by selecting materials scientifically, using them in a standardized manner, and conducting systematic maintenance, the aging process can be effectively delayed. The following are specific measures to avoid it and practical suggestions:

I. Material Selection: Enhance Resistance to Aging from the Source

Match materials based on operating conditions

High-temperature environment: Prefer fluororubber (FKM, with a temperature resistance of 200°C+), silicone rubber (with a temperature range of -60°C to 250°C), or perfluororubber (FFKM, with a temperature resistance of 300°C+).

Chemical corrosion: Fluororubber (resistant to oil and acids and bases), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, resistant to strong acids and bases), or nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR, resistant to mineral oil).

Dynamic sealing: Select hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR) or polyurethane (PU) with good wear resistance.

Low-temperature environment: Silicone rubber or acrylate rubber (ACM, resistant to low temperatures of -30°C).

Add anti-aging agents

Add antioxidants (such as amine and phenol), anti-ozonants (such as paraffin), or UV absorbers to the rubber formula to delay oxidation and photodegradation.

Avoid material abuse

For example: Using nitrile rubber (NBR) in a medium with strong acid will cause swelling, so it should be replaced with fluororubber or PTFE.

II. Environmental Control for Use: Reduce External Damage Factors

Temperature Management

Avoid overheating: Ensure the system temperature is lower than the maximum temperature resistance of the sealing ring material (such as FKM with a temperature resistance of 200°C, actual use should be ≤ 180°C).

Preheating at low temperatures: Before starting the equipment in a cold environment, the system can be preheated to above the minimum working temperature of the sealing ring.

Temperature fluctuation control: Frequent temperature changes will accelerate aging, so it is necessary to stabilize the temperature through insulation or temperature control devices.

Chemical medium isolation

Compatibility testing: Confirm the compatibility of the sealing material with the contacting fluid (such as hydraulic oil, refrigerant) before use.

Isolation protection: Apply a chemical-resistant coating on the surface of the sealing ring or add an isolation sleeve to prevent direct contact with corrosive media.

Anti-ultraviolet and anti-ozonization

Storage in dark: Unused sealing rings should be stored in a dark place to avoid direct sunlight.

Anti-ozonization design: In an environment with high ozone concentration (such as an electric welding workshop), choose anti-ozonization rubber or add a paraffin coating.

III. Installation and Usage Specifications: Reduce Mechanical Damage

Correct installation

Direction confirmation: One-way sealing rings (such as lip seals) should be installed according to the flow direction to avoid reverse installation causing leakage.

Size matching: Ensure that the inner diameter, outer diameter, and cross-sectional dimensions of the sealing ring match the groove precisely to avoid being too tight or too loose.

Tool selection: Use dedicated installation tools to avoid scratching the sealing surface with screwdrivers or other hard objects.

Avoid excessive compression

Control the compression rate within a reasonable range (such as 15% to 30% for static sealing of O-rings and 10% to 20% for dynamic sealing).

Add backup rings to prevent extrusion under high pressure.

Dynamic sealing optimization

Reduce the friction coefficient between moving parts and the sealing ring through lubrication or surface treatment (such as chrome plating).

Control the movement speed to avoid local overheating caused by high-speed friction.

IV. Maintenance and Monitoring: Extend Service Life Regular inspection

Appearance inspection: Check the sealing ring for cracks, deformation or hardening every 3 to 6 months.

Leakage monitoring: Determine the sealing status by observing pressure drop or medium leakage.

Size measurement: Regularly measure the compression amount of the sealing ring to ensure it is within a reasonable range.

Lubrication management

Select compatible lubricants: For example, silicone-based lubricating grease is suitable for high-temperature environments, while mineral oil-based lubricating grease is suitable for general conditions.

Regular replenishment: Regularly replenish lubricants at dynamic sealing locations to reduce wear.

Replacement strategy

Preventive replacement: Set a replacement cycle based on the severity of the working conditions (e.g., replace once every 1 to 2 years).

Failure-driven replacement: Replace immediately when leakage or signs of aging are detected to avoid equipment damage.

V. Storage and transportation: Prevent aging of unused items

Storage conditions

Temperature: 5℃ to 25℃, avoid extreme high or low temperatures.

Humidity: Relative humidity ≤ 60%, prevent dimensional changes due to moisture absorption.

Shade: The sealing ring should be stored in a black packaging bag or dark box, away from ultraviolet rays.

Transport protection

Avoid mixing the sealing ring with metals or sharp objects to prevent squeezing or scratching.

Maintain stable transportation during the process, avoid severe vibration.

By taking the above measures, the service life of the sealing ring can be significantly extended, the equipment failure rate can be reduced, and the system reliability can be improved.

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