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5 Must-Follow O-Ring Maintenance Tips

Set of o-rings for mechanical manufacturing application.

Optimally functioning O-rings are critical for your success when working in an industry that relies on seal-dependent equipment. O-rings are a common sealing solution that provides a reliable and long-lasting seal for various industrial applications. However, like any other component, O-rings require proper maintenance to ensure longevity and effectiveness. In this blog post, we will share some essential O-ring maintenance tips that can help you avoid leaks and prolong the life of your equipment.

Before we dive into our critical O-ring handling guidelines, we’ll break down what can happen with unmaintained seals to demonstrate the importance of following all O-ring maintenance protocols.

The Importance of Proper O-Ring Maintenance

Proper O-ring maintenance is essential to ensure the reliability and longevity of equipment utilizing these robust sealing solutions. Following all vital O-ring care advice can help preserve critical performance parameters. These critical performance parameters include pressure boundary integrity, the actuating force required, and internal leak tightness.

Failure to maintain O-rings can result in leaks, contamination, and other failures, which can lead to:

  • Downtime
  • Equipment damage
  • Financial loss
  • Potential safety hazards

Regular O-ring maintenance can help identify potential issues before they become major problems. This saves you time and money in the long run. Maintaining your O-rings according to the manufacturer’s guidelines is a small investment that can significantly benefit the efficiency and safety of equipment.

Next, we’ll share our five essential O-ring maintenance tips to help keep your seals in tip-top condition for optimal performance.

5 Must-Follow O-Ring Maintenance Tips

Following are the five maintenance tips we recommend the most to keep your FFKM and FKM Viton® O-rings performing their best:

1) Inspect O-rings regularly

One of the most critical aspects of maintaining O-rings is routine inspection. Over time, O-rings can become unreliable seals that are brittle. These outdated O-rings may crack or even tear. To prevent leaks or premature failures, inspect your O-rings regularly, especially if they are exposed to corrosive environments, accumulated solids, harsh environmental conditions, or harsh chemicals.

2) Avoid using incompatible chemicals

Some chemicals can degrade or damage certain O-ring materials, causing performance-reducing cracks, stains, discoloration, swelling, shrinkage, or hardness changes. Be sure to select a material compatible with the chemicals used in your application and avoid using any incompatible chemicals that could damage the O-ring.

3) Keep O-rings lubricated

Linked Image for a video about how to lubricate an o-ring

Proper O-ring lubrication can help these sealing solutions maintain flexibility and prevent friction damage. Choose a lubricant compatible with the O-ring material and the application in which it is used, and be sure to apply the lubricant evenly and avoid over-lubricating, which can attract dirt and debris.

4) Clean O-rings regularly

Regular cleaning of equipment and O-rings can help prevent contamination that could lead to premature failures or leaks. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning and disinfecting your equipment and O-rings to maintain optimal performance.

5) Replace O-rings on schedule

Even with proper maintenance, O-rings will eventually wear out and must be replaced. Keep tabs on the manufacturer’s recommended schedule for replacing O-rings to avoid unexpected failures or leaks.

Expert Guidance on O-Ring Application and Maintenance

There’s no doubt that O-rings play an integral role in keeping your industrial equipment and operations running smoothly, and their maintenance is crucial to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Connect with our O-ring experts for specific maintenance recommendations and tips for your application.

Are you looking for a reliable provider of O-ring sealing solutions? We have decades of expertise in material science and over 6,000 square feet of O-rings in various sizes and compounds, and we’re ready to ship your order the same day. We’ve partnered with the industry’s leading manufacturers, including the Parker O-Ring Division, to give you access to the best solutions. If you need help determining which O-ring is right for your application, let our engineers provide expert guidance for optimal performance in your application.