Choosing the correct oil seal application

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.

Find out more

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

   

• 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.

   

https://www.chinarubberseals.com/