We are surrounded by many devices and devices that work based on hydraulic installations. But for them to work in normal parameters, they need gaskets.

Certainly, in the house, you will find different products that require gaskets for hydraulic installations, so in the following lines, I will tell you a few things about them.

Gaskets are small components whose main purpose is to fill the space between two or more surfaces that meet and compress to not grind and function normally.

These gaskets also take care of possible leaks from certain objects or in certain objects. The gaskets are known to be life-saving in many moments.

The gaskets are often connecting, finishing, and perfecting elements of the different surfaces that meet. For example, two hoses or two cylinders that do not have very well-finished surfaces will not operate due to imperfections. The gaskets save the situation and make the two elements combine perfectly to work very well.

The most common types of gaskets are those made of malleable materials that are suitable for various problems. For example, when a gasket is subjected to very high pressure or even high temperatures, it is very good that it is made of rubber or similar material that manages to expand.

There are gaskets made of several materials, but the most common are rubber or similar materials and very rigid materials such as metal. Depending on the needs for which they are used, it is important to choose the right gaskets.

Also, the gaskets are made in most cases from flat materials such as sheets of paper, rubber, silicone, felt, cork, neoprene, fiberglass, or metal.

An important aspect in choosing a gasket is the pressure test of that gasket. The resistance of the gaskets at high or low temperatures must be confirmed, but also the resistance to the force exerted on them. Most manufacturers and importers display these tests’ results, so you know what kind of gasket to choose for your appliances.

Many people buy different gaskets and keep them at home for possible emergencies. If you are a good craftsman, you can change the gaskets of household items, such as kitchen and bathroom sink gaskets, shower gaskets, or even power plant gaskets.

It is very important to see exactly the gasket model you are going to replace and to purchase a similar one.

The car’s Viton O-rings are damaged for several reasons. This short guide provides details of some of the most common damage methods (there are others, but this article does not cover them).

Abrasions

Visual indications: The contact faces of the Viton o-ring have a scratched surface, and where the wear was greater, there were deeper tears and even ruptures.

Causes: Often found in dynamic applications, abrasion occurs under conditions of repeated contact between the surface of the o-ring and the housing, leading to excessive friction between the two. Improper lubrication or improper finishing of the metal surface can exacerbate the risk, as they can allow abrasive contaminants to infiltrate the sealing system.

Solution: Ensuring proper lubrication of the sealing system is important. Infiltration of contaminants can be reduced by using scrapers.

The chemical attack

Visual indications: Depending on the chemical to be sealed, the Viton o-ring may show some signs, including blisters, cracks, a change in hardness, or discoloration.

Causes: Some chemicals can react with certain elastomers. This often leads to increased reticular density, resulting in a hard, brittle material with a reduced ability to provide a reaction force. And the breaking of the polymer chain is possible, leading to a decrease in strength. Sometimes the reticular density may decrease, resulting in a softer and stickier material, which leads to loss of initial shape and integrity.

Solution: Choosing the right elastomer material is vital to ensure that the gasket is compatible with the application environment. The chemical attack is accelerated at high temperatures and when the elastomeric gaskets are subjected to stress due to excessive stretching or compression and mechanical conditions. Check the thermal compatibility of the main types of elastomers using our online guide.

Chemical swelling

Visual indications: The Viton o-ring seems larger than its initial dimensions. This appears to occur along with the entire gasket or in certain places that have been subjected to the chemical environment.

Causes: The chemical medium’s penetration causes swelling into the elastomer due to the chemical similarity between the compound and the medium. The increased volume of the gasket can lead to gasket filling, extrusion, and loss of tightness. Chemical swelling can also lead to loss of physical properties, such as breaking strength.

Solutions: Use an elastomeric sealing material with proven resistance to the chemical environment. Check the chemical compatibility of the main types of elastomers.

Modification by compression

Visual indications: The cross-section of the o-ring becomes less circular, with flattened surfaces, taking the channel’s shape or gasket. The O-ring has taken a permanent shape, meaning it cannot return to its original shape after removing the deforming factor. This is quantified as a percentage loss in compression compared to the initial compression applied.

Solution: Selecting elastomers with low compression change and/or high-temperature efficiency will help extend the gasket’s life. The gasket pattern should be checked to ensure that the o-ring is not overcompressed. Cold modification can be reduced using a more flexible polymeric structure reflected in a lower glass transition temperature.

Extrusion and pinching

Visual indications: The edges of the low-pressure ring have a pinched, chipped, or lacy appearance. A leveling can occur in extreme cases where the surface of the ring seems to be peeled.

Causes: High stresses, usually the result of high pressure forcing the material into intersections, lead to extrusion. High-pressure pulses can cause the gaps between the contact surfaces to close and open. This can cause the ring to be caught between the edges of the contact surfaces, leading to physical damage to the gasket’s surface, often called pinching.

Solution: A harder material can help and the use of safety devices that can reduce gaps. At the end of the day you want a quality gasket. A good company to get gaskets from is Jay Turner Company as they use only the highest quality Viton sheet gasket material.