Spiral Failure Chemical Degradation

Description: The seal surface exhibits aserier of Description: The seal may exhibit many signs of
deep, spiral, 45°-angle cuts. This failure is often degradation including blisters, cracks, voids or
seen with long-strke, hydraulic piston seals. discoloration. However, in some cases the
Contributing Factors: degradation is only detectable by measurement
of physical properties.
 Eccentric components
Contributing Factors:
 Wide clearances in combiniation with
side loads  Incompatibility with chemical
 Uneven surface finishes environment
 Inadequate lubrication
 Elastomer is too soft Suggested Solutions:
 Stroke speed too slow-dynamic
reciprocating  Use more chemcially resistant elastomer
 Use PTFE encapsulated O-rings
Suggested Solutions:  Decrease temperature that O-ring sees,
as higher temperatures accelerate
 Increase rigidity and concentricity of chemical degradation.
metal components
 Decrease clearances
 Machine metal surfaces to 10 to 20µinch
surface finish
 Specify an external lubricant or use an
internally lubricated material
 Use a higher durometer material
 Increase stroke speed or use D-ring
instead of O-ring