Nuclear Seals

SQUEEZE
Initial design squeeze or compression provides for a low pressure sealing. The recommended squeeze is from 10% to 35%, depending on the actual cross section of the o-ring. Higher percentage of squeeze may be tolerated when the o-ring is in a static application where friction and wear are not considerations.

In a dynamic application it is often desirable to reduce O-ring compression to a minimum. Design squeeze typically should not fall below 0.010 inch.

PRESSURE
Sealing is enhanced by pressure up to a certain point. Pressure may cause increase in friction and wear of the seals. Above 1500 PSI pressure may cause seal failure in standard gland configurations. A Back-Up ring is suggested when pressure is high.

Static applications may be possible to modify the gland design to withstand the higher pressure without use of a Back-Up ring.

When ordering O rings or other Parts to be used in Military or Aerospace applications you must specify the following items:

1. For O-rings you will need a 568-XXX # or and ID, OD and Cross Section, or specify a drawing number or dimensions of the actual parts which are going to be purchased.

2. Specify the compound number and material specification for the material that will be used in the actual part.

3. Specify any packaging requirements for the parts that are to be purchased.

4. Supply any conformance documentation that is required on the purchase order, such as test reports, Batch, Cure Requirements for the actual purchase order.

5. If you supply all this information at the time of quotation it will eliminate any extra costs or delivery issues which may arise if these requirements are not factored in with the original quotation, and assure all requirements will be supplied along with shipment of the actual purchase order.

The most widely used compounds in the rubber industry are as follows:

Nitrile, (Buna), Fluorocarbon (Viton), Ethylene Propylene (EPDM/EPR), Silicone, and Neoprene (Chloroprene)

Your application will determine which base material you will choose a compound from, this is the first thing you need to consider when choosing your rubber material.

Once you choose which material group you will need, other factors will determine which actual compound # should be chosen for your application from the material group as each rubber compound base has numerous materials compounds that are specifically blended from the base polymer to meet specific application requirements.

You should have all application information, i.e. specifications which may be required, fluid contact, temperature requirements etc…

A rubber distributor is your best source to help you in making the best choice, so you will get the best performance from your rubber parts.

When choosing the rubber to use for your application here are a few things to consider:

Most people assume that all rubber is the same, this is a commom mistake, as the rubber you choose for your application will be affected by many factors and determine how your rubber parts will perform in your specific application.

Here are just a few of the most important things to consider when choosing what rubber your application will require…

1. What will the rubber part be coming into contact with, such as oils, fluids, water, gasoline, etc.
2. Temperature range the rubber will be subjected to, low and high range
3. Will the temperature be constant or in limited serviceablilty
4. Are there any specific specifications required, such as AMS or ASTM requirements

These are just a few of the things that you need to consider when choosing the rubber that you will be having your part molded from.

There are only a few manufacturers of custom nuclear seal parts worldwide. All manufacturers follow specific guidelines when creating product for the nuclear industry.

Countries utilizing clean nuclear energy include Japan, the Netherlands, and the United States.

We’ll be posting more information related to custom o-rings, nuclear seals, molded rubber designs, and related compounds and applications.

Manufacturing Technologies such as compression molding, Liquid Injection Molding (LIM), and transfer molding are common among O-Ring manufacturers. Custom o-rings are typically available in EPR (EPDM), Nitrile, Viton®, and Silicone in most cross sections. Some seal companies will splice and vulcanize o-rings to project specifications when standard inside diameters are unavailable.

Nuclear Seals Custom Molded Rubber & O-Rings

This site focuses on the industry of nuclear seals, custom molded rubber products, manufacturing of custom o-rings, products such as Viton® O-Rings, and related compounds and components.

Most companies involved in the manufacturing of high performance seals, such as nuclear or industrial seals, will do runs in low as well as high quantities. Some companies offer engineering support, but many do not.

Products and services related to the seal industry include O-Ring Cord, Commercial O-Rings, O-Ring Seals, sealing components for both hydraulic and pneumatic systems, Hydraulic Seals, Pneumatic Seals, and Metric Seals.

Custom molded rubber companies may work with air seals, compounds, rubber, plastic, die cutting, encapsulated o-rings, pressure sensitive gaskets, emi shielded orings, chemical resistant gaskets and seals, automotive gaskets, buna-n gaskets and seals, metric seals, butyl-rubber gaskets, and a number of other industry specific compounds.

Watch for weekly posts related to the field of o-rings and custom molded rubber products, commonly used in nuclear facilities.