Reasons for deformation of rubber seals
In various industrial applications, rubber seals are widely used due to their good sealing performance and elasticity. However, rubber seals may deform during use, affecting their sealing effect. This article will explore in depth the three main factors that cause deformation of rubber seals.
1. Temperature influence Temperature is one of the key factors affecting the deformation of rubber seals. High temperature environment will accelerate the aging process of rubber materials, resulting in an increase in the compression permanent deformation of the seal. When the deformation exceeds 40%, the seal will lose its sealing ability and may cause leakage. In addition, the initial compression of the seal working in a low temperature environment may decrease or disappear completely due to the sharp drop in temperature, especially at extreme low temperatures of -50~-60℃, rubber materials that are not resistant to low temperatures will completely lose their initial stress.
2. The influence of compression rate and stretching O-rings will generate compressive stress in a compressive environment, which will gradually decrease over time. Long-term use will lead to increased compression rate and stretching, increased stress caused by rubber stress, and ultimately insufficient elasticity of the seal and loss of sealing ability. In order to reduce this effect, the compression rate should be minimized during design, for example, by increasing the cross-sectional size of the seal, although this may increase the size of the structure.
3. The role of medium pressure Medium pressure is another key factor that causes the deformation of O-rings. With the increasing working pressure of modern hydraulic equipment, seals that are subjected to pressure for a long time may deform. Therefore, it is necessary to select suitable pressure-resistant materials according to the working pressure during design. In addition, in order to improve the pressure resistance of the sealing ring material, it may be necessary to improve the material formula or add adhesives. However, it should be noted that the adhesive of the sealing ring that has been immersed in the medium for a long time may be absorbed by the medium, resulting in the shrinkage of the sealing ring volume and even negative compression. Conclusion Understanding the causes of rubber sealing ring deformation is crucial to selecting suitable sealing materials, designing reasonable sealing structures, and ensuring the long-term stable operation of the sealing system.
By reasonably selecting materials, controlling compression and stretching, and considering the influence of medium pressure, the service life of rubber sealing rings can be effectively extended to ensure the safety and efficiency of industrial systems.
