When installing the thin-walled sealing ring, special attention should be paid to its flexibility, deformability and vulnerability to damage. The following are the key precautions and operation suggestions to ensure the sealing effect and avoid installation damage:
I. Pre-installation Preparation
Check the sealing ring and the installation environment
Use lubricants compatible with the sealing material (such as silicone-based grease, fluorine-based lubricants), avoid using lubricants containing petroleum components (which may corrode rubber).
The lubricant should be evenly applied to the surface of the sealing ring and the installation groove to reduce friction resistance.
Size matching: Confirm that the inner diameter, outer diameter and wire diameter (cross-sectional diameter) of the sealing ring strictly match the size of the installation groove. If the wire diameter is too fine, it may cause the sealing ring to deform or extrude under pressure, and if it is too thick, it may be difficult to install or damaged.
Cleanliness: Clean the sealing ring and the installation groove with a lint-free cloth or alcohol to avoid scratches on the sealing surface or leakage caused by dust, metal shavings, etc.
Lubricant selection:
Environmental condition control
Temperature: Avoid installing in extreme temperatures (such as high temperatures causing rubber to soften and low temperatures causing brittleness). If it is necessary to operate in a low-temperature environment, the sealing ring can be heated with warm water (but ensure the material's tolerance).
Humidity: High humidity environment may accelerate rubber aging. The equipment should be sealed as soon as possible after installation.
II. Installation Key Points
Tool selection
Special tools: Use sealing ring installation sleeves, conical guides or plastic pry bars instead of metal tools (such as screwdrivers) to avoid direct piercing or pulling.
Tool-free installation: If the wire diameter is extremely fine (such as O-ring wire diameter < 1mm), use a finger dipped in lubricant to gently roll and install, avoiding nail scratches.
Installation direction and position
Axial installation: When installing the sealing ring on the shaft, slowly push it in from one end. Avoid tilting or twisting. If the sealing ring has a lip (such as Y-ring), ensure that the lip direction is consistent with the direction of the medium pressure.
Through-hole installation: When pressing the sealing ring into the hole groove, use a guide sleeve to guide, avoiding direct striking that may cause the sealing ring to flip or break.
Uniform force: Maintain uniform force on the sealing ring during installation to avoid excessive stretching or compression in one area.
Avoid common errors
Twisting and deformation: Check if the sealing ring is flat after installation, without spiral-like distortion (can be checked by light transmission or manual adjustment).
Excessive stretching: The stretching rate of wire-diameter-thin sealing rings is limited. Forceful stretching may cause permanent deformation or fracture.
Cutting damage: If the sealing ring needs to be cut for installation (such as in large equipment), the cut should be smooth and the angle ≤ 45°. After installation, fix the cut with glue or straps.
III. Post-installation Inspection and Testing Visual inspection
Confirm that the sealing ring has no scratches, cracks, blistering or deformation, and that the lip (if present) is intact and fits the sealing surface.
Check that there are no residual lubricants or impurities in the installation groove to avoid affecting the sealing performance.
Functional test
Low-pressure test: First, introduce a low-pressure medium (such as air or water) to check for any leakage (apply soap water to the sealing surface to observe bubbles).
High-pressure test: Gradually increase the pressure to the working pressure and continuously observe the state of the sealing ring to ensure no extrusion or leakage.
Dynamic test: If the equipment needs to move (such as a piston reciprocating motion), conduct multiple cycle tests to check if the sealing ring follows the movement without sticking or wear.
Four. Special scenario handling
High/High-temperature environment
Select sealing ring materials that are resistant to high temperatures and high pressures (such as fluororubber, perfluororubber).
When installing, reserve an appropriate compression amount (usually 10%-30% of the wire diameter), to avoid rubber expansion due to high temperature causing leakage.
Chemical medium contact
Select materials that are resistant to corrosion according to the medium type (such as nitrile rubber for oil resistance, silicone rubber for acid and alkali resistance).
Confirm the compatibility of the sealing ring with the medium before installation to avoid swelling or hardening.
Small-sized sealing ring (such as micro O-ring)
Use a microscope or magnifying glass to assist in checking the installation quality.
Consider using automated installation equipment (such as pneumatic installation tools) to improve accuracy.
Five. Maintenance and replacement suggestions
Regular inspection: Based on the frequency of equipment use, inspect the sealing ring condition every 3-6 months and replace aged or damaged sealing rings in time.
Replacement record: Record the material, specification and replacement date of the sealing ring to facilitate subsequent maintenance reference.
Inventory management: The sealing ring should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place to avoid compression or deformation.
Through the above steps, it is possible to effectively prevent the sealing ring from being damaged during installation and ensure its long-term sealing performance. If unsure about the materials or installation process, it is recommended to consult the sealing ring supplier or professional engineers.
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