HOW TO PROPERLY STORE SEALS?

Seals are usually used as spare parts which should be stored for a long time. Under the influence of distortion, oxygen, ozone, light, heat, moisture, oil or solvent, O-rings may fail due to changes in their physical and chemical properties. So how should the mechanical seal be stored reasonably?

Temperature

In general, the storage temperature of seals should not exceed 50 ° C (120 ° F), and should be kept within 30 ° C if possible. Low temperature has no permanent harm to most rubber products, as long as the rubber products are handled carefully, do not hang or press. When taken out from a low-temperature environment, the temperature of the material should be raised to approximately 30 ° C (70 ° F) before use.

Humidity

In an environment without airflow, the optimal humidity is about 65%. In the period of high humidity in spring and summer, it is necessary to control the inventory reasonably, and it is not appropriate to store a large amount of inventory products.

Light (sunlight, strong artificial light)

It is important to avoid direct sunlight and artificial light with high UV content. Unless stored in opaque packaging, it is recommended to cover the window with red or orange glass or coating.

Oxygen and ozone

Elastic items should avoid air circulation as much as possible. Because ozone is particularly harmful to rubber, storage warehouses should avoid the use of equipment that may cause electrical sparks or discharges. Vulcanized rubber products should be stored in packaging, sealed containers, or other suitable means.

Deformation

Rubber articles should be stored in a loose and flat state, and should not be pulled or compressed. Avoid hanging or crushing to avoid deformation.

Avoid contact with liquids and semi-solid materials

All sealing materials and components should avoid contact with liquid and semi-solid materials (especially with solvents such as oil or grease).

Avoid contact with metal

Metals or copper alloys such as manganese, iron, and copper may have a detrimental effect on rubber, and they can be separated with cardboard or cellophane interlayers.

Avoid contact with non-metals

In this case, avoid contact with other rubber or creosote oil. The packaging medium should also be reasonably selected. For example, the packaging material which has PE shrink film containing an extender is not suitable for polyurethane seals. The extender contained in the PE packaging material will penetrate into the polyurethane and affect the performance of the polyurethane.

Inventory turnover

Combining different sealing materials to do good inventory management, try to achieve the same kind and store at the same time, the elastomer should be kept as short as possible.

Clean

Cleaning agents harmful to sealing materials are usually organic solvents such as trichloroethylene, carbon tetrachloride and petroleum. Soap, water and methylated alcohol are the least harmful, and all parts should be stored dry at room temperature before use.

We have shared some storage seal requirements for you. Hope it can help you. If you are interested in purchasing mechanical seal, please feel free to contact us.