Oil Seal Material Chart

Material Chart for Oil Seals

Oil Seals, also referred to as Rotary Shaft Seals, shaft seals, or elastomeric lip seals, act as protectors against contaminants like dust, dirt, and moisture while retaining lubricant in rotary shaft equipment. These seals are essential for safeguarding the bearings of rotating shafts and ensuring efficient machinery operation.

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Selecting the Right Oil Seal Material

Understanding the properties of various oil seal materials is crucial. The following chart details the selection criteria for different materials:

**Temperature range:** Between -10^°C and +205^°C (with specific compounds enduring up to -20^°C to +250^°C)

**Applications:** Aflas® consists of a superior Fluoroelastomer (FKM), demonstrating resistance to steam, petroleum oils, corrosion inhibitors, and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S).

**Resistant to:** Steam, Petroleum Oils, H₂S

**Temperature range:** -55^°C to +135^°C

**Applications:** Carboxylated Nitrile (XNBR) oil seals are engineered from a low-temperature tolerant compound with excellent abrasion resistance.

**Resistant to:** Water, Petroleum Oils

**Temperature range:** -20^°C to +205^°C or -45^°C to +230^°C (depending on the compound)

**Applications:** FKM Fluorocarbon seals are notable for their solvent and petroleum oil resistance, making them ideal for high-temperature conditions and challenging environments.

**Resistant to:** Transmission Fluids, Gasoline, Petroleum Oils

**Temperature range:** -55^°C to +205^°C (depending on the core material)

**Applications:** FEP seals are excellent for static and slow-moving dynamic operations and showcase robust chemical resistance.

**Resistant to:** Most Chemicals

**Temperature range:** -60^°C to +180^°C (up to +200^°C for specific compounds)

**Applications:** Fluorosilicone (FVMQ) oil seals offer remarkable low and high-temperature resilience as well as strong resistance to solvents and fuels.

**Resistant to:** Gasoline, Petroleum Oils

**Temperature range:** -30^°C to +170^°C (limit up to +190^°C for specific compounds)

**Applications:** Hydrogenated Nitrile (HNBR) seals provide excellent resistance to sour gas and petroleum oils and are favored in the oil industry due to their robust performance.

**Resistant to:** H₂S, CO₂, Petroleum Oils

**Temperature range:** Buna-N ranges from -40^°C to +135^°C (up to +150^°C for intermittent use), while Low-Temp applications operate between -65^°C and +120^°C.

**Applications:** Nitrile (NBR) is the prevalent elastomer in the Fluid Seal Industry, known for its compatibility with hydraulic oils, water, silicone greases, and alcohols.

**Resistant to:** Water, Petroleum Oils & Fluids, Hydraulic Oils

**Temperature range:** -20^°C to +150^°C

**Applications:** Polyacrylate seals show superior high-temperature endurance compared to Nitrile and are suitable for high-velocity oil applications.

**Resistant to:** Freon, Petroleum Oils

**Temperature range:** -15^°C to +85^°C (intermittent ranges between -50^°C and +100^°C)

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**Applications:** Polyurethane oil seals are recognized for their high abrasion resistance and tensile strength, making them ideal for demanding hydraulic applications.

**Resistant to:** Hydraulic Oils, Petroleum Oils

**Temperature range:** -60^°C to 250^°C (with special grades reaching up to +300^°C)

**Applications:** Silicone (VMQ) seals emphasize lubricant absorbency, reducing wear and friction in various applications.

**Resistant to:** A variety of Acids, Petroleum Oils

**Temperature range:** -50^°C to +327^°C (intermittent use may reach +350^°C for specific compounds)

**Applications:** Simriz® oil seals are made from an elastomer boasting the highest chemical resistance among elastomer materials, providing similar flexibility and sealing strength as FEP (Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene).

**Resistant to:** Most Chemicals

The information provided originates from multiple resources and is intended to serve as a general guide. Users must conduct tests under their actual operating conditions to ascertain the appropriateness of any compound for particular applications.

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Choosing between Buna, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), and Viton can be challenging, as each seal material has its unique properties. The right elastomer or polymer selection is crucial for ensuring quality, service lifespan, and application performance. An unsuitable seal material may lead to issues like tearing, peeling, or breaking, significantly affecting the application's efficiency.

Understanding High Elasticity

High elasticity refers to an object's capacity to revert to its original shape when stress is removed. Rubber compounds, classified as elastomers, consist of a base elastomer, vulcanizing agents, fillers, and plasticizers, with high elasticity as their defining feature. Consequently, rubber remains the most favored seal material. Consider these questions when selecting the appropriate seal material for your application:

• Will the application come into contact with water, oil, gas, harsh chemicals, or other substances?
• What are the minimum and maximum temperature tolerances?
• What compression strength is required for optimal performance?
• Will the application be exposed to sunlight for prolonged periods?

Evaluating the unique features and benefits of Buna, EPDM, and Viton is vital in making an informed choice.

Buna (Nitrile)

Buna is recognized for its impressive resistance to abrasion, water, and oil, making it an economical elastomer choice. Commonly known as Nitrile rubber, it is highly regarded for its mechanical strength and excels in oil, petrochemical, and chemical applications. Higher Nitrile content in polymers equates to increased chemical, acid, and oil resistance. Buna is frequently used across various industries, including applications involving crude oil, water, different alcohols, silicone grease, and hydraulic fluids.

Buna comprises a synthetic rubber copolymer that effectively adheres to metals and resists abrasion. Though limited in extreme conditions, such as high temperatures, sunlight exposure, and steam resistance, it remains effective in low-temperature environments and is unsuitable for clean-in-place (CIP) sanitizing agents containing acids and peroxides, such as OXONIA.

Advantages of Buna:

• Cost-effective
• Strong elongation properties
• Effective in oil and water resistance
• Low compression set
• High abrasion resistance
• Durable strength
• Wide temperature range

Disadvantages of Nitrile:

• Limited resistance to extreme temperatures
• Poor flame resistance
• Not compatible with hydraulic fluids, brake fluids, ketones, and acetates
• Limited resistance to sunlight, weather, and ozone

Common applications of Nitrile rubber include:

• Sealants
• O-rings
• Molded products

EPDM

EPDM is an excellent choice when flexibility, strength, and weather resistance are paramount, as well as its ability to withstand extreme conditions. This synthetic rubber is a common elastomeric material in automotive, construction, and mechanical applications. Although more expensive than Buna, its longevity and high tensile strength make it suitable for a variety of thermal and mechanical environments. EPDM demonstrates resistance to water, chlorine, bleach, and other alkaline solutions, making it versatile for applications spanning waterproofing to HVAC systems.

With its elastic and adhesive properties, EPDM returns to its original form after stretching regardless of temperature. However, it is not suitable for petroleum oils, fluids, chlorinated hydrocarbons, or hydrocarbon solvents.

Key advantages of EPDM:

• Extensive operational temperature range
• Suitable for extreme environments and cold materials
• Resistant to ozone and sunlight
• Good compression set
• Excellent tear, abrasion, and steam resistance
• High tolerance to sodium hydroxide solutions, diluted acids, ketones, and alkalis
• Diverse in applications, including HVAC

Disadvantages of EPDM:

• More susceptible to damage
• Poor resistance to petroleum-based fuels
• Difficult to adhere
• Incompatible with some oils or acids

Common applications of EPDM include:

• Seals and O-rings
• Tubing
• Washers

Viton

Viton is the premium choice for applications subjected to extreme weather, ozone, and chemical degradation. Known for its robustness, this fluorinated hydrocarbon rubber excels in O-ring and seal applications. Withstanding extreme temperatures and impressive resistance to ozone, oxidation, and various harsh chemicals, Viton is a viable option for many industrial applications.

Viton effectively manages a broad range of substances, offering high-temperature resistance and resilience under pressure, making it suitable for even the most demanding needs.

Advantages of Viton:

• Highly effective under pressure
• Outstanding high-temperature performance
• Compatibility with various chemicals and acids
• Retains flexibility and elasticity in high-pressure environments
• Ideal for sterilization
• Excellent heat resistance
• Efficient fluid absorption
• Extended lifespan
• Environmentally friendly

Disadvantages of Viton:

• Higher cost compared to Nitrile
• Incompatible with ketones
• Less effective in low-temperature conditions

Common applications for Viton include:

• O-Ring applications
• Pumps and valves
• Sealing leaks

Selecting the correct polymer is essential. While all seal materials have similarities, each polymer serves unique functions to address specific needs.

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