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Oil Seal Compounds

There are many materials of oil seals. All of which vary in resilience to specific conditions. The most commonly used materials in oil seals are Buna (Nitrile) and Viton®.

Buna (Nitrile) oil seals are the most widely used elastomer in sealing. Nitrile oil seals have great resistance to petroleum oils and fuels, mineral oils and greases, hydraulic fluids, water, steam, and alcohol. Nitrile has a great set of attributes such as low compression set, high tensile strength, and abrasion resistance.

Viton® oil seals have a high temperature and chemical resistance to petroleum oils and fuels, mineral oils and greases, solvents, hydraulic fluids, water, and steam. They have low compression set characteristics. Viton® oil seals are used preferably in chemical exposure situations and for hard vacuum service.

Silicone oil seals have a high lubricant absorbency which minimizes friction and wear. Silicone oil seals are resistant to mineral and vegetable oils, salty solutions, and various environmental conditions. Silicone is typically used in the food and beverage and medical/pharmaceutical industries.

EPDM oil seals are suitable for use with alcohol, water, greases, and other environmental conditions. EPDM oil seals are resistant to organic and inorganic acids, sodium and potassium alkalis water, steam, and cleaning agents.

HNBR oil seals have excellent resistance to petroleum oils and sour gas. Compared to standard nitrile, HNBR oil seals have a better temperature range and higher abrasion resistance when exposed to chemicals.

Teflon® oil seals are tough, chemically inert, and have outstanding chemical resistance. Teflon® oil seals can be used in petroleum oils and fuels, solvents, and environmental conditions. Teflon® oil seals are for static and slow intermittent dynamic situations.

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Polyacrylate oil seals have higher heat resistance than nitrile. Polyacrylate oil seals resist petroleum oils and fuels, transmission fluid, and perform well in environmental conditions. Polyacrylate oil seals are preferred in high surface speed applications.

Oil Seal Compound Chemical Compatibility

The elastomer&#;s resistance to temperature, abrasion, chemicals, weather, sunlight, and ozone can affect a profile&#;s longevity and performance. The two most prevalent materials are Nitrile and Viton. Listed below with their respective chemical compatibilities are Nitrile, Viton®, Silicone, and Polyacrylate oil seal materials.

&#;Fluid Media Nitrile Viton Silicone Polyacrylate

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Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR, nitrile)

NBR, also known as nitrile rubber or nitrile, is the most popular material for an oil seal because of its good resistance to many oils and greases, such as mineral grease and hydraulic oil. Depending on their composition, synthetic oils and greases, such as those based on glycol, can damage NBR rubber materials. Depending on the amount of glycol, a PTFE lip seal may be the best choice. NBR is also unable to cope with contact with acids and solvents. The rubber is suitable for oil and grease at temperatures from -35 °C to 100 °C.

Most ERIKS oil seals, such as the types M, MST, R and RST, are made of NBR as standard.

Fluorine rubber (FKM, Viton&#;)

FKM or FPM, which is in well-known brand Viton&#;, can withstand higher liquid temperatures of up to 180 ˚C. FKM is highly resistant to strong acids and bases, as well as to synthetic oils and greases. Glycol-based oil and grease, however, can also damage FKM.

Because of the higher temperature resistance of FKM, this material is also chosen for applications where higher speeds play a role, which raise the temperature at the sealing lip considerably. Usually, using FKM will result in a longer life than using NBR. This compensates the higher price of FKM compared to NBR, as an FKM does not have to be replaced as frequently. The low temperature resistance of standard FKM is limited to -15 ˚C.

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, Teflon®)

PTFE, which is used in the well-known brand Teflon®, is less commonly used, but it is the preferred material for specific rotating seals in the chemical, food and pharmaceutical industries. This material is notable for having a very low frictional resistance and the best chemical resistance. It can also withstand a very wide range of temperatures in these types of seals; -80 ˚C to 200 ˚C. The shafts on which oil seals with PTFE lips are used require a harder and finer finish. Something like an axle sleeve can also be used to meet this requirement.

EPDM

EPDM oil seals are less common. They are used in solvent, hot water and steam applications, EPDM resists low temperatures down to -50 °C and UV radiation well. Some types of EPDM are also suitable for higher temperatures up to +150 °C. EPDM oil seals are usually available upon request.

VMQ (silicone)

VMQ, also known as silicone, is also used for oil seals, but this is less common because the mechanical strength of VMQ is low and this material has poor wear-resistance This makes it less suitable for dynamic applications, but it can withstand fairly low and high temperatures from -60 °C to 200 °C. Many types of VMQ are also suitable for contact with pharmaceutical and food products, so VMQ is an option worth considering. VMQ oil seals are usually available on request.

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