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O-Ring Sizes and Guidelines

O-rings are perhaps the most common component used in sealing applications. From the design of machineries to production, its use is extensively found in household appliances, hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders, heavy equipment, mining and agricultural, pharmaceuticals and drugs as well as oil and gas and aerospace industries.

The cross sectional area diameter along with its internal diameter define the size of an o-ring. Accuracy is important in the choice of an o-ring, and upon installation, the o-ring should fit within close tolerance inside the groove of the mounting. The contact area between the mounting and the o-ring should facilitate an even distribution of pressure throughout, and for that to happen, it is critical for the contact surface of the mounting to be even. The fluid pressure that is contained should not exceed the pressure along the contact surface between the o-ring and the surface of the mounting under compression. This is necessary for the prevention of fluid leakage and maintaining the integrity of the seal. The design criteria of the seal should take into consideration the size and shape of the mounting along with an accurate size selection for the o-ring. An o-ring size that is incompatible with the mounting will compromise the integrity of the seal.

O-rings and seals are designed to perform within expectations under harsh conditions such as temperature extremes and aggressive chemical media. Production downtime, cost to the environment as well as factory safety are some of the results of design failure.