Taking a proactive approach towards maintenance is a must for every vehicle owner. Since cars and motorcycles will be subject to heavy use over the years, you need to ensure that the automobile’s inner workings are operating efficiently. Failure to conduct periodical checkups won’t just compromise performance; it can also pave the way for an accident.
Out of all your vehicle’s components, the engine is the most sensitive. Since it serves as your car’s main driving force, an engine malfunction will cause inconvenience to you should it happen. If you need to replace seals or gaskets in your engine, your knowledge of O‑rings will come in handy.
What are O‑rings?
An O‑ring is an elastic and donut-shaped device that serves as a sealing agent. This small ring can withstand high temperatures and enormous amounts of pressure, making it suitable for a wide range of industrial applications.
In cars and motorcycles, it is inserted between the grooves of components to prevent liquids or gases from escaping to unwanted areas. By creating an airtight seal between the engine’s valves and combustion chamber, it prevents leaks that can potentially damage your vehicle.
If you service your engine yourself, you’ll need to approach things with care. Replacing components hastily can damage your vehicle’s structural integrity, which can be a costly mistake. To help you out, the guide below will discuss everything you need to know about O‑rings.
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Most Common Materials Used for Making O‑rings
To cater to different needs, O‑rings are made from different materials. For instance, O‑rings that will be exposed to extreme heat should be in silicone since these pieces can withstand up to 205 °C. Meanwhile, those who need to seal harsh chemicals should go for O‑rings made of nitrile. Knowing the properties of each material will help you identify which is best suited for your needs.
1. Nitrile or NBR O‑rings (also known as Buna‑N O‑rings)
Nitrile or NBR O‑rings are general purpose o‑rings that can effectively seal different fluids. They are known for their durability and can easily withstand physical pressure in a wide range of applications. They are popularly known for their physical resistance and affordability. They aren’t easily torn, can seal up various compounds and can withstand harsh exposure from the elements.
Example of types of Nitrile O‑rings are:
- NBR 70 O‑rings – used in military, transport, and food preparation services and perfect for oil-ridden and low-temperature environments. The ‘70’ signifies the durometer of the nitrile material.
2. Viton O‑rings
Viton O‑rings are highly resistant to different chemicals. They can also withstand higher temperatures of up to 205 °C for short periods.
Also known as fluorocarbon elastomer O‑rings, Viton O‑rings can withstand different compounds. They’re commonly used as food product seals since they are also resistant to acid and oil. Viton O‑rings are more commonly used throughout various heavy industries than Nitrile O‑rings because of their more exceptional physical and chemical properties, however they are also more expensive.
3. Silicone O‑rings
Silicone O‑rings are best for outdoor applications. They are highly resistant to different chemicals and can fare well with the elements. Most Silicone O‑rings are food-grade and FDA approved, thus they are widely used in food manufacturing.
4. Metal O‑rings
Metal O‑rings are widely used for industrial applications, like gaskets for high temperature and pressure scenarios. Metal O‑rings made of stainless steel are ideal for static uses (e.g. flange or radial sealing) since stainless steel can return to their normal form after the pressure lifts.
Why Do O‑rings Fail?
O‑rings can fail for many different reasons, but most faults can be attributed to human error. When replacing gaskets and seals, knowing the various issues you may encounter and how they can be fixed will benefit you greatly.
1. Abrasion
O‑rings used for dynamic applications will eventually be damaged by abrasion. Friction between components may cause scratches in the O‑ring, which may ultimately result in a leak. Lubricating the surface of the O‑ring and the grooves between inner mechanisms will help you avoid this.
2. Chemical Attack
The material of the O‑ring can react violently to the chemicals it’s containing. With this in mind, you should select an O‑ring compatible with the fluids you’re handling to ensure that your seal doesn’t degrade over time.
3. Chemical Swell
Apart from compromising its hardness and color, chemical reactions can cause your O‑ring to appear larger. Use or switch to an O‑ring that is resistant to the chemical you’re handling.
4. Installation Damage
O‑ring damages can also be caused by carelessness during installation. In case you plan to repair your vehicle on your own, ensure that seals are correctly placed, have the right size, and are lubricated.
5. Spiral Failure
Over time, improperly installed or incompatible O‑rings can be cut in high-stress areas. This is fairly common in dynamic and high-pressure applications, so consider getting a harder O‑ring if you’re faced with this problem.
6. Thermal Degradation and Extrusion
O‑rings can crack, harden, and become less elastic if they’re excessively exposed to heat. Switching to a type that can withstand higher temperatures and erratic weather patterns will fix this.
7. UV Degradation
Ultraviolet light exposure on certain O‑rings can discolor and crack them. If you can get O‑rings in black, do so. While they have the same properties, these variants are more resistant to UV damage.
Tips to Avoid O‑ring Problems
1. Determine the type of O‑ring application you are working with.
Will your O‑ring handle a static or a dynamic function? The environment and stress the O‑ring will be subjected to will help you to identify the variant to purchase.
2. Determine the appropriate O‑ring size based on the application type (i.e., face, radial, static, dynamic, etc.).
After establishing your O‑ring’s use, the next step would be to find the right size. All O‑ring suppliers in the Philippines have a chart of options ready and are generous enough to offer lucrative packages. Discussing matters with your vendor should give you a quick fix.
3. Choose the right O‑ring material for the job.
Consider the type of fluids you’ll be containing and the environmental parameters your O‑ring will have to deal with. This will help you select the suitable material for the job and allow you to avoid a chemical attack.
4. Check engineering calculations either manually or using available software programs.
Accuracy is vital in O‑ring applications, so make the necessary calculations. Estimating sizes and pressure levels without care can result in eventual damage.
5. Test design, if possible.
As with all engineering-endeavors, it’s best to undergo a series of tests. This will let you know if the O‑rings you’ve applied will function well, saving you from a sudden malfunction.
Final Takeaways
Due to its many uses, it’s safe to say that O‑rings are a revolutionary invention in manufacturing. Its impact is felt across different industries and continuously offers various benefits not only to professional mechanics and engineers but also to consumers who prefer to maintain their vehicles themselves. Now that you have a better idea of what O‑rings are, servicing your vehicle should be a lot easier.
If you’re in search of the best O‑rings in the country, Simplex has what you’re looking for! As the premier distributor of industrial parts in the Philippines, we’ll be glad to address your need for parts and other equipment. Browse our shop today for top-quality O‑rings and more!
