How to Choose the Right Sealing Material

Number of hits：4942023-05-23 17:26:28　

　　Sealing materials are widely used in various applications to prevent leakage of fluids, gases or solid particles through the gaps between sealing surfaces. Choosing the right sealing material is crucial for the performance and reliability of the sealing system. In this article, we will introduce some important factors that should be considered when selecting sealing materials.

　　Temperature

　　The working temperature of the sealing material should match the temperature of the operating environment. If the working temperature exceeds the heat resistance temperature of the material, it will cause the material to fail or degrade. For example, rubber materials have different heat resistance temperatures depending on their types and grades. Generally, natural rubber can withstand up to 80°C, nitrile rubber up to 120°C, silicone rubber up to 200°C, and fluorine rubber up to 300°C.

　　Pressure

　　The sealing material should be able to withstand the required pressure. If the material cannot bear the pressure, it will cause the material to deform or rupture. For example, elastomers have good elasticity but low pressure resistance. Other materials such as polyurethane and thermoplastics have higher pressure resistance than elastomers.

　　Chemical Properties

　　The chemical properties of the sealing material should be compatible with the chemical properties of the operating environment. If the material cannot resist the chemical substances, it will cause the material to degrade or fail. For example, rubber materials have different chemical resistance depending on their types and grades. Generally, natural rubber can resist water, alcohol and weak acids, nitrile rubber can resist oil and grease, silicone rubber can resist ozone and ultraviolet rays, and fluorine rubber can resist most organic solvents and strong acids.

　　Sealing Performance

　　The sealing material should have excellent sealing performance to prevent leakage of fluids, gases or solid particles through the sealing gaps. The sealing performance depends on several factors such as the shape and size of the sealing surface, the surface roughness of the sealing material and the hardware, the compression ratio of the sealing material, and the lubrication condition of the sealing system.

　　Wear Resistance

　　The sealing material should have sufficient wear resistance for long-term use. The wear resistance depends on several factors such as the friction coefficient of the sealing material, the speed and direction of the relative motion between the sealing material and the hardware, the hardness and roughness of the sealing material and the hardware, and the presence or absence of abrasive particles in the operating environment.

　　Elasticity and Deformation

　　The sealing material should have sufficient elasticity and deformation ability to adapt to different shapes and sizes of sealing surfaces. The elasticity and deformation depend on several factors such as the modulus of elasticity of the sealing material, the stress-strain relationship of the sealing material, the temperature and time effects on the sealing material, and the assembly method of the sealing system.

　　Cost

　　The cost of the sealing material should match its performance to meet the technical requirements while reducing costs. The cost depends on several factors such as the availability and supply of the sealing material, the production process and quality control of the sealing material, and the maintenance and replacement frequency of the sealing system.

　　Conclusion

　　Choosing the right sealing material is a complex and important task that requires considering many factors such as temperature, pressure, chemical properties, sealing performance, wear resistance, elasticity and deformation, and cost. By understanding these factors and their effects on the sealing system, we can select the most suitable sealing material for our applications.