An O-ring is a mechanical gasket that is shaped like a ring and they are placed within grooves and are developed to handle compression between two parts. This then works to create a seal, making them one of the most common seals seen in machine design.

The Purpose of O-Rings

The main purpose of O-rings is to prevent fluid or air from escaping as it acts as a sealing device. When the ring is squeezed between two surfaces, it takes up the clearance and then prevents any fluid or air from being released. They also retain their shape, so once they are released, they will naturally return to their previous shape. It is the memory that allows O-rings to seal under low or no pressure. When pressure is applied, the O-ring is squeezed against the wall of the groove and this causes expansion in the opposite direction.

What Material is Used?

They are made from a range of materials depending on the application they are needed for. Some O-rings will come into contact with chemicals or heat and so, they require different materials in order to deal with this. To name a few, O-rings can be made of:

• Polyurethane
• Fluorocarbon
• Neoprene
• Silicone
• Nitrile

What Applications Are They Used In?

O-rings are highly versatile which means that they can be used in an array of applications. They are cheap to manufacture while the installation is simple and replacements are cheap. When they are maintained correctly, they are highly durable too.

So, they can be used in applications where hydraulic cylinders move quickly and place pressure on the seals, but the O-ring has the ability to withstand this pressure. However, they can also be used in a range of other applications that can vary from the automotive and aerospace industry to inside computers.

The Benefits

They have the ability to withstand wear and tear while they require no specialist installation tools. Maintenance is simple and they are cost-effective too. They are highly resistant to heat and chemicals which means that they are suitable in a range of applications.

Contact our Sales team at sales@nes-ips.com to find out how our O-rings can benefit your application!

 

O-rings can fail for several reasons but there are more common reasons as to why this can occur. So, this article will help to identify the indications and causes of O-ring failure:

Extrusion and Nibbling

Indications of this problem appear as nibbles or nicks taken from the low-pressure side of the seal.

This is caused by high stresses as a result of high pressure, causing the ring to be pushed into the clearance gap.  As the O-ring becomes trapped, the sharp edges cause damage to the seal.

Abrasion

When abrasion occurs, the contact faces of the O-ring will have a grazed surface while lacerations might be visible.

The cause of this is down to repetitive contact between the O-ring and the housing whereby the friction is excessive between the two. If there is not enough lubrication then this can also cause failure due to abrasion.

Chemical Attack

The visible signs of chemical attack can be blisters, alteration in hardness, discolouration and cracking.

The cause of this is down to the way in which some chemicals interact with certain elastomers. This can often lead to cross-link density and that can cause the material to become brittle and hard.

Compression Set

A common sign of this problem is the way in which the o-ring changes its shape and becomes less circular while the surfaces appear flattened to the point where it has taken on the shape of the groove. This permanent appearance means that it is unable to return to its original shape.

The cause could be due to the elastomer being exposed to high temperatures causing the o-ring to set or poor-quality polymer formulation. As a result, the O-ring loses its elasticity, preventing it from returning to its shape.

Chemical Swell

The O-ring will look larger than its original design and this is likely to be consistent over the whole of the O-ring or in areas that have been exposed to chemical.

The cause is down to ingress of media within the elastomer which is down to a likeness between the compound and the media.

Rapid Gas Decompression (RGD)

The seal will show signs of blistering, cracking and could even have splits where it has ruptured.

High-pressure gas and elevated temperatures over long periods can cause this to happen. The external pressure reduces but the gas that is dissolved within the material is released and as it expands, it can cause the seal to fail if the rate of decompression and expansion is high.

O-ring failure is common when they are exposed to vibration and chemicals that cause corrosion. As a result, small fragments from seals can end up working their way into the product stream.

In most cases, this can cause production and processes to stop in order to replace the O-ring. However, when this occurs in industries such as food and pharmaceuticals, it means that there are bigger problems as these are products that are being manufactured for human consumption. As a result, this can lead to costly shutdowns while inspections take place to locate the problem part in the system. Downtime costs money and reduces safety and should the faulty part make its way into the supply chain then this can cause a wide range of problems.

One solution to help avoid or reduce this is to use metal detectable O-rings as they can help to keep the process safe and more efficient should problems arise. These O-rings can be detected quicker, reducing the risk of contamination while ensuring processes can begin sooner. What this means is that any failed components can be detected before they find their way into the supply chain. Standard seals can fail and find their way into the product, making it impossible to identify them and rectify the solution without costly interventions.

These metal detectable O-rings can be identified using standard metal detection methods and so, in very little time, they can be identified and removed. The production line can be paused allowing for an engineer to remove the contaminated products, so they do not enter the supply chain. Amazingly, it is possible to identify fragments as small as 2mm in size. These O-rings and seals can be made using a wide range of compounds and colours while they all provide a highly effective solution.

Essentially, metal or X-ray detectable O-rings can be easily detected, and this can help to minimise or completely reduce the need for product recalls which can help to reduce costs and the risk of further problems. They can be used in standard OEM equipment too, helping to prevent the distribution of products while they are also suitable for mechanical, high-temperature and microbial applications.

Used in a wide range of applications, O-rings are the most commonly used type of seal in a multitude of industries. O-rings come in many forms but the most common are rubber O-rings which come in a number of compounds that are developed to suit a variety of applications.

We provide a full range of standard sizes however, along with this, also have the ability to manufacture O-rings that not of a standard size.

If you are enquiring about O-Rings then please take a look at the table below to see all of the dimensions of BS O-rings.

BS Number	O-Ring Size (ID x Cross Section (mm))	Nominal Size (Inches)
		ID	OD	Cross Section
BS001	0.74 x 1.02	1/32	3/32	1/32
BS002	1.07 x 1.27	3/64	9/64	3/64
BS003	1.42 x 1.52	1/16	3/16	1/16
BS004	1.78 x 1.78	5/64	13/64	1/16
BS005	2.57 x 1.78	3/32	7/32	1/16
BS006	2.90 x 1.78	1/8	1/4	1/16
BS007	3.68 x 1.78	5/32	9/32	1/16
BS008	4.47 x 1.78	3/16	5/16	1/16
BS009	5.28 x 1.78	7/32	11/32	1/16
BS010	6.07 x 1.78	1/4	3/8	1/16
BS011	7.65 x 1.78	5/16	7/16	1/16
BS012	9.25 x 1.78	3/8	1/2	1/16
BS013	10.82 x 1.78	7/16	9/16	1/16
BS014	12.42 x 1.78	1/2	5/8	1/16
BS015	14 x 1.78	9/16	11/16	1/16
BS016	15.6 x 1.78	5/8	3/4	1/16
BS017	17.17 x 1.78	11/16	13/16	1/16
BS018	18.77 x 1.78	3/4	7/8	1/16
BS019	20.35 x 1.78	13/16	15/16	1/16
BS020	21.95 x 1.78	7/8	1	1/16
BS021	23.52 x 1.78	15/16	1 1/16	1/16
BS022	25.12 x 1.78	1	1 1/8	1/16
BS023	26.7 x 1.78	1 1/16	1 3/16	1/16
BS024	28.3 x 1.78	1 1/8	1 1/4	1/16
BS025	29.87 x 1.78	1 13/16	1 5/16	1/16
BS026	31.47 x 1.78	1 1/4	1 3/8	1/16
BS027	33.05 x 1.78	1 5/16	1 7/16	1/16
BS028	34.65 x 1.78	1 3/8	1 1/2	1/16
BS029	37.82 x 1.78	1 1/2	1 5/8	1/16
BS030	41.0 x 1.78	1 5/8	1 3/4	1/16
BS031	44.17 x 1.78	1 3/4	1 7/8	1/16
BS032	47.35 x 1.78	1 7/8	2	1/16
BS033	50.52 x 1.78	2	2 1/8	1/16
BS034	53.7 x 1.78	2 1/8	2 1/4	1/16
BS035	56.87 x 1.78	2 1/4	2 3/8	1/16
BS036	60.05 x 1.78	2 3/8	2 1/2	1/16
BS037	63.22 x 1.781	2 1/2	2 5/8	1/16
BS038	66.4 x 1.78	2 5/8	2 3/4	1/16
BS039	69.57 x 1.78	2 3/4	2 7/8	1/16
BS040	72.75 x 1.78	2 7/8	3	1/16
BS041	75.92 x 1.78	3	3 1/8	1/16
BS042	82.27 x 1.78	3 1/4	3 3/8	1/16
BS043	88.62 x 1.78	3 1/2	3 5/8	1/16
BS044	94.97 x 1.78	3 3/4	3 7/8	1/16
BS045	101.32 x 1.78	4	4 1/8	1/16
BS046	107.67 x 1.78	4 1/4	4 3/8	1/16
BS047	114.02 x 1.78	4 1/2	4 5/8	1/16
BS048	120.37 x 1.78	4 3/4	4 7/8	1/16
BS049	126.72 x 1.78	5	5 1/8	1/16
BS050	133.07 x 1.78	5 1/4	5 3/8	1/16
BS102	1.25 x 2.62	1/16	1/4	3/32
BS103	2.06 x 2.62	3/32	9/32	3/32
BS104	2.85 x 2.62	1/8	5/16	3/32
BS105	3.63 x 2.62	5/32	11/32	3/32
BS106	4.42 x 2.62	3/16	3/8	3/32
BS107	5.23 x 2.62	7/32	13/32	3/32
BS108	6.02 x 2.62	1/4	7/16	3/32
BS109	7.60 x 2.62	5/16	1/2	3/32
BS110	9.20 x 2.62	3/8	9/16	3/32
BS111	10.77 x 2.62	7/16	5/8	3/32
BS112	12.37 x 2.62	1/2	11/16	3/32
BS113	13.95 x 2.62	9/16	3/4	3/32
BS114	15.55 x 2.62	5/8	13/16	3/32
BS115	17.12 x 2.62	11/16	7/8	3/32
BS116	18.72 x 2.62	3/4	15/16	3/32
BS117	20.30 x 2.62	13/16	1	3/32
BS118	21.90 x 2.62	7/8	1 1/16	3/32
BS119	23.47 x 2.62	15/16	1 1/8	3/32
BS120	25.07 x 2.62	1	1 3/16	3/32
BS121	26.65 x 2.62	1 1/16	1 1/4	3/32
BS122	28.25 x 2.62	1 1/8	1 5/16	3/32
BS123	29.82 x 2.62	1 13/16	1 3/8	3/32
BS124	31.42 x 2.62	1 1/4	1 7/16	3/32
BS125	33.0 x 2.62	1 5/16	1 1/2	3/32
BS126	34.6 x 2.62	1 3/8	1 9/16	3/32
BS127	36.17 x 2.62	1 7/16	1 5/8	3/32
BS128	37.77 x 2.62	1 1/2	1 11/16	3/32
BS129	39.35 x 2.62	1 9/16	1 3/4	3/32
BS130	40.95 x 2.62	1 5/8	1 5/8	3/32
BS131	42.52 x 2.62	1 11/16	1 3/4	3/32
BS132	44.12 x 2.62	1 3/4	1 15/16	3/32
BS133	45.7 x 2.62	1 13/16	2	3/32
BS134	47.30 x 2.62	1 7/8	2 1/16	3/32
BS135	48.90 x 2.62	1 15/16	2 1/8	3/32
BS136	50.47 x 2.62	2	2 3/16	3/32
BS137	52.07 x 2.62	2 1/16	2 1/4	3/32
BS138	53.64 x 2.62	2 1/8	2 5/16	3/32
BS139	55.25 x 2.62	2 3/16	2 3/8	3/32
BS140	56.82 x 2.62	2 1/4	2 7/16	3/32
BS141	58.42 x 2.62	2 5/16	2 1/2	3/32
BS142	59.99 x 2.62	2 3/8	2 9/16	3/32
BS143	61.60 x 2.62	2 7/16	2 5/8	3/32
BS144	63.17 x 2.62	2 1/2	2 11/16	3/32
BS145	64.77 x 2.62	2 9/16	2 3/4	3/32
BS146	66.34 x 2.62	2 5/8	2 13/16	3/32
BS147	67.95 x 2.62	2 11/16	2 7/8	3/32
BS148	69.52 x 2.62	2 3/4	2 15/16	3/32
BS149	71.12 x 2.62	2 13/16	3	3/32
BS150	72.70 x 2.62	2 7/8	3 1/16	3/32
BS151	75.87 x 2.62	3	3 3/16	3/32
BS152	82.22 x 2.62	3 1/4	3 7/16	3/32
BS153	88.57 x 2.62	3 1/2	3 11/16	3/32
BS154	94.92 x 2.62	3 3/4	3 15/16	3/32
BS155	101.27 x 2.62	4	4 3/16	3/32
BS156	107.62 x 2.62	4 1/4	4 7/16	3/32
BS157	113.97 x 2.62	4 1/2	4 11/16	3/32
BS158	120.32 x 2.62	4 3/4	4 15/16	3/32
BS159	126.67 x 2.62	5	5 3/16	3/32
BS160	133.02 x 2.62	5 1/4	5 7/16	3/32
BS161	139.37 x 2.62	5 1/2	5 11/16	3/32
BS162	145.72 x 2.62	5 3/4	5 15/16	3/32
BS163	152.07 x 2.62	6	6 3/16	3/32
BS164	158.42 x 2.62	6 1/4	6 7/16	3/32
BS165	164.77 x 2.62	6 1/2	6 11/16	3/32
BS166	171.12 x 2.62	6 3/4	6 15/16	3/32
BS167	177.47 x 2.62	7	7 3/16	3/32
BS168	183.82 x 2.62	7 1/4	7 7/16	3/32
BS169	190.17 x 2.62	7 1/2	7 11/16	3/32
BS170	196.52 x 2.62	7 3/4	7 15/16	3/32
BS171	202.87 x 2.62	8	8 3/16	3/32
BS172	209.22 x 2.62	8 1/4	8 7/16	3/32
BS173	215.57 x 2.62	8 1/2	8 11/16	3/32
BS174	221.92 x 2.62	8 3/4	8 15/16	3/32
BS175	228.27 x 2.62	9	9 3/16	3/32
BS176	234.62 x 2.62	9 1/4	9 7/16	3/32
BS177	240.97 x 2.62	9 1/2	9 11/16	3/32
BS178	247.32 x 2.62	9 3/4	9 15/16	3/32
BS201	4.34 x 3.53	3/16	7/16	1/8
BS202	5.94 x 3.53	1/4	1/2	1/8
BS203	7.52 x 3.53	5/16	9/16	1/8
BS204	9.12 x 3.53	3/8	5/8	1/8
BS205	10.69 x 3.53	7/16	11/16	1/8
BS206	12.29 x 3.53	1/2	3/4	1/8
BS207	13.87 x 3.53	9/16	13/16	1/8
BS208	15.47 x 3.53	5/8	7/8	1/8
BS209	17.04 x 3.53	11/16	15/16	1/8
BS210	18.64 x 3.53	3/4	1	1/8
BS211	20.22 x 3.53	13/16	1 1/16	1/8
BS212	21.82 x 3.53	7/8	1 1/8	1/8
BS213	23.39 x 3.53	15/16	1 3/16	1/8
BS214	24.99 x 3.53	1	1 1/4	1/8
BS215	26.57 x 3.53	1 1/16	1 5/16	1/8
BS216	28.17 x 3.53	1 1/8	1 3/8	1/8
BS217	29.74 x 3.53	1 13/16	1 7/16	1/8
BS218	31.34 x 3.53	1 1/4	1 1/2	1/8
BS219	32.92 x 3.53	1 5/16	1 9/16	1/8
BS220	34.52 x 3.53	1 3/8	1 5/8	1/8
BS221	36.09 x 3.53	1 7/16	1 11/16	1/8
BS222	37.69 x 3.53	1 1/2	1 3/4	1/8
BS223	40.87 x 3.53	1 5/8	1 7/8	1/8
BS224	44.09 x 3.53	1 3/4	2	1/8
BS225	47.22 x 3.53	1 7/8	2 1/8	1/8
BS226	50.39 x 3.53	2	2 1/4	1/8
BS227	53.57 x 3.53	2 1/8	2 3/8	1/8
BS228	56.75 x 3.53	2 1/4	2 1/2	1/8
BS229	59.92 x 3.53	2 3/8	2 5/8	1/8
BS230	63.09 x 3.53	2 1/2	2 3/4	1/8
BS231	66.27 x 3.53	2 5/8	2 7/8	1/8
BS232	69.44 x 3.53	2 3/4	3	1/8
BS233	72.62 x 3.53	2 7/8	3 1/8	1/8
BS234	75.80 x 3.53	3	3 1/4	1/8
BS235	78.97 x 3.53	3 1/8	3 3/8	1/8
BS236	82.14 x 3.53	3 1/4	3 1/2	1/8
BS237	85.32 x 3.53	3 3/8	3 5/8	1/8
BS238	88.49 x 3.53	3 1/2	3 3/4	1/8
BS239	91.67 x 3.53	3 5/8	3 7/8	1/8
BS240	94.84 x 3.53	3 3/4	4	1/8
BS241	98.02 x 3.53	3 7/8	4 1/8	1/8
BS242	101.20 x 3.53	4	4 1/4	1/8
BS243	104.37 x 3.53	4 1/8	4 3/8	1/8
BS244	107.54 x 3.53	4 1/4	4 1/2	1/8
BS245	110.72 x 3.53	4 3/8	4 5/8	1/8
BS246	113.89 x 3.53	4 1/2	4 3/4	1/8
BS247	117.07 x 3.53	4 5/8	4 7/8	1/8
BS248	120.24 x 3.53	4 3/4	5	1/8
BS249	123.42 x 3.53	4 7/8	5 1/8	1/8
BS250	126.60 x 3.53	5	5 1/4	1/8
BS251	129.77 x 3.53	5 1/8	5 3/8	1/8
BS252	132.95 x 3.53	5 1/4	5 1/2	1/8
BS253	136.12 x 3.53	5 3/8	5 5/8	1/8
BS254	139.30 x 3.53	5 1/2	5 3/4	1/8
BS255	142.47 x 3.53	5 5/8	5 7/8	1/8
BS256	145.64 x 3.53	5 3/4	6	1/8
BS257	148.82 x 3.53	5 7/8	6 1/8	1/8
BS258	152.0 x 3.53	6	6 1/4	1/8
BS259	158.34 x 3.53	6 1/4	6 1/2	1/8
BS260	164.70 x 3.53	6 1/2	6 3/4	1/8
BS261	171.04 x 3.53	6 3/4	7	1/8
BS262	177.40 x 3.53	7	7 1/4	1/8
BS263	183.74 x 3.53	7 1/4	7 1/2	1/8
BS264	190.10 x 3.53	7 1/2	7 3/4	1/8
BS265	196.44 x 3.53	7 3/4	8	1/8
BS266	202.80 x 3.53	8	7 1/4	1/8
BS267	209.14 x 3.53	8 1/4	7 1/2	1/8
BS268	215.50 x 3.53	8 1/2	7 3/4	1/8
BS269	221.84 x 3.53	8 3/4	9	1/8
BS270	228.20 x 3.53	9	7 1/4	1/8
BS271	234.55 x 3.53	9 1/4	7 1/2	1/8
BS272	240.90 x 3.53	9 1/2	7 3/4	1/8
BS273	247.25 x 3.53	9 3/4	10	1/8
BS274	253.60 x 3.53	10	10 1/4	1/8
BS275	266.29 x 3.53	10 1/2	10 3/4	1/8
BS276	278.99 x 3.53	11	11 1/4	1/8
BS277	291.69 x 3.53	11 1/2	11 3/4	1/8
BS278	304.39 x 3.53	12	12 1/4	1/8
BS279	329.79 x 3.53	13	13 1/4	1/8
BS280	355.19 x 3.53	14	14 1/4	1/8
BS281	380.59 x 3.53	15	15 1/4	1/8
BS282	405.26 x 3.53	16	16 1/4	1/8
BS283	430.66 x 3.53	17	17 1/4	1/8
BS284	456.06 x 3.53	18	18 1/4	1/8
BS309	10.47 x 5.33	7/16	7/16	3/16
BS310	12.07 x 5.33	1/2	1/2	3/16
BS311	13.64 x 5.33	9/16	9/16	3/16
BS312	15.24 x 5.33	5/8	5/8	3/16
BS313	16.82 x 5.33	11/16	11/16	3/16
BS314	18.42 x 5.33	3/4	3/4	3/16
BS315	19.99 x 5.33	13/16	13/16	3/16
BS316	21.59 x 5.33	7/8	7/8	3/16
BS317	23.17 x 5.33	15/16	15/16	3/16
BS318	24.77 x 5.33	1	1	3/16
BS319	26.34 x 5.33	1 1/16	1 1/16	3/16
BS320	27.94 x 5.33	1 1/8	1 1/8	3/16
BS321	29.52 x 5.33	1 13/16	1 3/16	3/16
BS322	31.12 x 5.33	1 1/4	1 5/8	3/16
BS323	32.69 x 5.33	1 5/16	1 11/16	3/16
BS324	34.29 x 5.33	1 3/8	1 3/4	3/16
BS325	37.47 x 5.33	1 1/2	1 7/8	3/16
BS326	40.64 x 5.33	1 5/8	2	3/16
BS327	43.82 x 5.33	1 3/4	2 1/8	3/16
BS328	46.99 x 5.33	1 7/8	2 1/4	3/16
BS329	50.17 x 5.33	2	2 3/8	3/16
BS330	53.34 x 5.33	2 1/8	2 1/2	3/16
BS331	56.52 x 5.33	2 1/4	2 5/8	3/16
BS332	59.69 x 5.33	2 3/8	2 3/4	3/16
BS333	62.87 x 5.33	2 1/2	2 7/8	3/16
BS334	66.64 x 5.33	2 5/8	3	3/16
BS335	69.22 x 5.33	2 3/4	3 1/8	3/16
BS336	72.39 x 5.33	2 7/8	3 1/4	3/16
BS337	75.57 x 5.33	3	3 3/8	3/16
BS338	78.74 x 5.33	3 1/8	3 1/2	3/16
BS339	81.92 x 5.33	3 1/4	3 5/8	3/16
BS340	85.09 x 5.33	3 3/8	3 3/4	3/16
BS341	88.27 x 5.33	3 1/2	3 7/8	3/16
BS342	91.44 x 5.33	3 5/8	4	3/16
BS343	94.62 x 5.33	3 3/4	4 1/8	3/16
BS344	97.79 x 5.33	3 7/8	4 1/4	3/16
BS345	100.97 x 5.33	4	4 3/8	3/16
BS346	104.14 x 5.33	4 1/8	4 1/2	3/16
BS347	107.32 x 5.33	4 1/4	4 5/8	3/16
BS348	110.49 x 5.33	4 3/8	4 3/4	3/16
BS349	113.67 x 5.33	4 1/2	4 7/8	3/16
BS350	116.84 x 5.33	4 5/8	5	3/16
BS351	120.02 x 5.33	4 3/4	5 1/8	3/16
BS352	123.19 x 5.33	4 7/8	5 1/4	3/16
BS353	126.37 x 5.33	5	5 3/8	3/16
BS354	129.54 x 5.33	5 1/8	5 1/2	3/16
BS355	132.72 x 5.33	5 1/4	5 5/8	3/16
BS356	135.89 x 5.33	5 3/8	5 3/4	3/16
BS357	139.07 x 5.33	5 1/2	5 7/8	3/16
BS358	142.24 x 5.33	5 5/8	6	3/16
BS359	145.42 x 5.33	5 3/4	6 1/8	3/16
BS360	148.59 x 5.33	5 7/8	6 1/4	3/16
BS361	151.77 x 5.33	6	6 3/8	3/16
BS362	158.12 x 5.33	6 1/4	6 5/8	3/16
BS363	164.47 x 5.33	6 1/2	6 7/8	3/16
BS364	170.82 x 5.33	4 3/4	7 1/8	3/16
BS365	177.17 x 5.33	7	7 3/8	3/16
BS366	183.52 x 5.33	7 1/4	7 5/8	3/16
BS367	189.87 x 5.33	7 1/2	7 7/8	3/16
BS368	196.22 x 5.33	7 3/4	8 1/8	3/16
BS369	202.57 x 5.33	8	8 3/8	3/16
BS370	208.92 x 5.33	8 1/4	8 5/8	3/16
BS371	215.27 x 5.33	8 1/2	8 7/8	3/16
BS372	221.62 x 5.33	8 3/4	9 1/8	3/16
BS373	227.97 x 5.33	9	9 3/8	3/16
BS374	234.32 x 5.33	9 1/4	9 5/8	3/16
BS375	240.67 x 5.33	9 1/2	9 7/8	3/16
BS376	247.02 x 5.33	9 3/4	10 1/8	3/16
BS377	253.37 x 5.33	10	10 3/8	3/16
BS378	266.07 x 5.33	10 1/2	10 7/8	3/16
BS379	278.77 x 5.33	11	11 3/8	3/16
BS380	291.47 x 5.33	11 1/2	11 7/8	3/16
BS381	304.17 x 5.33	12	12 3/8	3/16
BS382	329.57 x 5.33	13	13 3/8	3/16
BS383	354.97 x 5.33	14	14 3/8	3/16
BS384	380.37 x 5.33	15	15 3/8	3/16
BS385	405.26 x 5.33	16	16 3/8	3/16
BS386	430.66 x 5.33	17	17 3/8	3/16
BS387	456.06 x 5.33	18	18 3/8	3/16
BS388	481.38 x 5.33	19	19 3/8	3/16
BS389	506.78 x 5.33	20	20 3/8	3/16
BS390	532.18 x 5.33	21	21 3/8	3/16
BS391	557.58 x 5.33	22	22 3/8	3/16
BS392	582.68 x 5.33	23	23 3/8	3/16
BS393	608.08 x 5.33	24	24 3/8	3/16
BS394	633.48 x 5.33	25	25 3/8	3/16
BS395	658.88 x 5.33	26	26 3/8	3/16
BS425	113.67 x 7	4 1/2	5	1/4
BS426	116.84 x 7	4 5/8	5 1/8	1/4
BS427	120.02 x 7	4 3/4	5 1/4	1/4
BS428	123.19 x 7	4 7/8	5 3/8	1/4
BS429	126.37 x 7	5	5 1/2	1/4
BS430	129.54 x 7	5 1/8	5 5/8	1/4
BS431	132.72 x 7	5 1/4	5 3/4	1/4
BS432	135.89 x 7	5 3/8	5 7/8	1/4
BS433	139.07 x 7	5 1/2	6	1/4
BS434	142.24 x 7	5 5/8	6 1/8	1/4
BS435	145.42 x 7	5 3/4	6 1/4	1/4
BS436	148.59 x 7	5 7/8	6 3/8	1/4
BS437	151.77 x 7	6	6 1/2	1/4
BS438	158.12 x 7	6 1/4	6 3/4	1/4
BS439	164.47 x 7	6 1/2	7	1/4
BS440	170.82 x 7	4 3/4	7 1/4	1/4
BS441	177.17 x 7	7	7 1/2	1/4
BS442	183.52 x 7	7 1/4	7 3/4	1/4
BS443	189.87 x 7	7 1/2	8	1/4
BS444	196.22 x 7	7 3/4	8 1/4	1/4
BS445	202.57 x 7	8	8 1/2	1/4
BS446	215.27 x 7	8 1/2	9	1/4
BS447	227.97 x 7	9	9 1/2	1/4
BS448	240.67 x 7	9 1/2	10	1/4
BS449	253.37 x 7	10	10 1/2	1/4
BS450	266.07 x 7	10 1/2	11	1/4
BS451	278..77 x 7	11	11 1/2	1/4
BS452	291.47 x 7	11 1/2	12	1/4
BS453	304.17 x 7	12	12 1/2	1/4
BS454	316.87 x 7	12 1/2	13	1/4
BS455	329.57 x 7	13	13 1/2	1/4
BS456	342.27 x 7	13 1/2	14	1/4
BS457	354.97 x 7	14	14 1/2	1/4
BS458	367.67 x 7	14 1/2	15	1/4
BS459	380.37 x 7	15	15 1/2	1/4
BS460	393.07 x 7	15 1/2	16	1/4
BS461	405.26 x 7	16	16 1/2	1/4
BS462	417.96 x 7	16 1/2	17	1/4
BS463	430.66 x 7	17	17 1/2	1/4
BS464	443.36 x 7	17 1/2	18	1/4
BS465	456.06 x 7	18	18 1/2	1/4
BS466	468.76 x 7	18 1/2	19	1/4
BS467	481.46 x 7	19	19 1/2	1/4
BS468	494.16 x 7	19 1/2	20	1/4
BS469	506.86 x 7	20	20 1/2	1/4
BS470	532.26 x 7	21	21 1/2	1/4
BS471	557.66 x 7	22	22 1/2	1/4
BS472	582.68 x 7	23	23 1/2	1/4
BS473	608.08 x 7	24	24 1/2	1/4
BS474	633.48 x 7	25	25 1/2	1/4
BS475	658.88 x 7	26	26 1/2	1/4
BS901	4.7 x 1.42
BS902	6.02 x 1.63
BS903	7.65 x 1.63
BS904	8.92 x 1.83
BS905	10.72 x 1.83
BS906	11.90 x 1.98
BS907	13.46 x 2.08
BS908	16.36 x 2.21
BS909	17.93 x 2.46
BS910	19.18 x 2.46
BS911	21.92 x 2.95
BS912	23.47 x 2.95
BS913	25.04 x 2.95
BS914	26.61 x 2.95
BS916	29.74 x 2.95
BS918	34.42 x 2.95
BS920	37.47 x 3
BS924	43.69 x 3.00
BS928	53.09 x 3.00
BS932	59.36 x 3.00

 

Inflatable seals are developed to provide a solution when it comes to sealing against powders, gases, liquids, dust and granules. They are generally used to seal fabricated equipment where the sealing gap can vary while they are useful in instances where assembly and disassembly must take place quickly. They are also suitable for use where hygienic procedures exist.

But where are they used?

 

Marine Applications

These seals provide a watertight solution for door applications and sliding windows while they are also used in transom and salon doors on yachts. As they can be fitted into machined grooves, frog leg and channel fit profiles are commonly used.

The Handling of Powders and Solids

They are commonly used in food processes and pharmaceutical industries where powders are transferred and require an airtight seal. This can include the likes of bulk bag filler seals, hopper seals and seals for viscous pumping equipment.

Energy Generation Industry

Inflatable seals are used in the energy generation industry and in particular, nuclear power. They are suitable for meeting the tight tolerances as well as the tight quality control that needs to be put in place. They are used to seal pool gates in nuclear power plants while they are also used to seal airlocks, access door and equipment hatches.

Airtight Doors

Inflatable seals are ideal for ensuring a positive seal is achieved on doors that require an airtight seal. As they expand towards sealing, they can handle variations in the tolerances when the door is manufactured. While they create a positive seal, they also provide frequent access as they can be inflated and deflated. They are commonly found in chemical processing plants, laboratories and research facilities.

Aerospace, Transportation and Defence

All of these industries use inflatable seals for both bespoke and technical applications. Inflatable seals are used to deliver uniform pressure when bonding airframe components while they are also used to seal wind tunnels.

Inflatable seals can also be used to create watertight seals on military and other vehicles. In many cases, USP Class Vi and FDA certified, making it suitable for use in a range of industries. They can be developed to be heat and water-resistant, making them the perfect sealing solution across a variety of uses.

If you have an application that you think could benefit from an Inflatable Seal, contact the NES Sales Team at sales@nes-ips.com

 

An inflatable seal is an elastomeric tube that can be made from several different elastomers or can also be fabric-reinforced and custom molded in a concave, flat or convoluted configuration. It is developed to round out when inflated to ensure that a tight barrier is created between a mounting and a striking surface.

How Does an Inflatable Seal Work?

When the inflatable seal is introduced and inflated, it will expand to the striking surface which helps to create a reliable seal that can prevent liquids and gases from escaping. When the inflatable seal is removed, the seal will retract to a deflated configuration. This helps to create a level of clearance that enables one or both surfaces to move freely.

How Is an Inflatable Seal Inflated?

Naturally, the most commonly used medium when inflating a seal is regulated air. The inflatable seals have to be inflated in line with the specific parameters of the application to help achieve the optimum operating pressure. In certain instances, some applications may require liquid to inflate the seals. This medium is introduced through a stem which is commonly a flexible hose that is securely connected to the inflatable seal using an integrally molded fitting.

What Are the Benefits OF An Inflatable Seal?

There are a number of reasons why an inflatable seal would be used over other sealing methods. Of course, the correct seal has to be used but an inflatable seal does provide a wealth of benefits.

An inflatable seal provides a leak-proof seal when preventing gases or liquids from escaping while it also provides clearance when required. It also provides a simplified design of the structure and hardware while it reduces the need for close machining or fabricating tolerances. Along with this, it is not exposed to compression set which can reduce the effectiveness of other seals.

Inflatable seals can be installed in a wide range of settings, whether that is radially in, radially out or axially.

So, inflatable seals are suitable for specific uses and provide an effective solution for many different applications. They are perfect for moulding to contoured shapes, offering greater flexibility while they can be inflated to suit the specific requirements of the manufacturing process.

If you think an Inflatable Seal could benefit your application, speak to our Sales Team at sales@nes-ips.com

 

One of the most important aspects of producing and manufacturing food and medicines in the food and pharmaceutical industries is that contaminants are kept at bay. If they enter the production chain, then it can bring it to a grinding halt and that costs money. However, while it is possible to mitigate risks, there is still every possibility that it can happen as unexpected particles from parts of the machine and deteriorate such as a rubber seal.

Seals form an integral part of the process in areas such as pipe couplings where ingredients pass through. While the seals are developed for long-term use, over time, they can wear and become brittle which means that they have the potential to enter the system and the process. If these are found in the final product then this can cause a huge range of problems such as having to stop production and recall products. It will also have an impact on consumers and what they think of the products, leading to a loss of sales.

Detecting Contaminants with Metal/X-Ray Detectable

If pure rubber is used within machinery, particles find their way into the process, they can be extremely difficult to detect during the control process. Therefore, there are special rubber materials that have been developed to overcome this problem as they can be detected by Metal/X-ray Detection or via magnets. The basic materials used for these products are EPDM, NBR, FKM and Silicones and all are specially developed materials for use in the food and pharmaceutical industries and so, they meet the specific requirements of the FDA.

Much of the equipment used in these industries will have X-ray and magnetism detection systems built-in and so, there is no need to adapt or modify the equipment in any way. Even particles as small as 2mm can be detected using this specialised equipment.

There is a wide range of advantages that come with using metal-detectable products. They are made from high-quality materials and they are developed to last. Whether they are metal detectable O-rings or coupling rings, they are all completely detectable and developed to help minimise problems.

Therefore, metal detectable O-rings can be easily and quickly detected, and this means that downtime is reduced as well as the need to carry out recalls which saves time.

To find out how Metal Detectable seals can benefit your application, please contact the NES Sales Team at sales@nes-ips.com

What is an O-Ring?

The O-ring has been around since the dawn of the 20th century. Amazingly, the overall design of the O-ring has remained the same although the type of material used has changed. However, in their simple form, they are extremely straightforward and reliable.

How Do They Work?

They take their name from their shape and they are developed to create a leak-proof seal between two components to prevent gases or liquids from escaping. Essentially, they are a form of gasket but the difference is that they are used in high-pressure environments. They sit in a groove or a channel between two surfaces that are then pushed together. The more pressure placed on the join, the more distorted the O-ring becomes, improving the seal up to a certain point.

How To Use O-Ring Seals

These are commonly found in pumps, valves, connectors and cylinders. The seal joins between separate components. These components can be static, dynamic, hydraulic or pneumatic and so, O-rings provide a flexible solution. Even when the compression forces are removed, the O-ring will return to its shape but over time it will need to be replaced.

Static and Dynamic O-ring Seals

Static O-rings are developed to make contact with two or more surfaces that do not move relative to each other. A dynamic O-ring will work with moving parts to provide a seal. In most instances, static O-rings are made using hard-wearing materials, however, the components used in a dynamic environment are carefully developed so they do not abrade, shear or destroy the O-ring. Dynamic O-rings will require more frequent lubrication as well as maintenance.

What Are They Used For?

O-rings are used in many ways and there are O-rings that are developed for a range of uses.

This can include O-rings that are made for:

● High-temperature sealing
● High-pressure sealing
● Chemical resistance sealing
● Engines
● Food and Beverage Industry
● Aerospace
● Chemical/Petrochemical Industry
● Co2/Gas applications

They are also manufactured using an array of materials and that means that they are suitable for different purposes. There are Viton O-ring seals, Nitrile O-rings, Silicone O-rings, Fluorocarbon O-rings, NBR O-rings and more.

O-rings are an integral part of many processes and provide an effective solution to prevent the leaking of gases and liquids.

To learn more on how NES’ O-rings and Seals can benefit your business, contact the NES Sales Team at sales@nes-ips.com

Sealing solutions are a vital part of nearly every industrial application but this is more important in those applications within the medical and pharmaceutical industries. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) have the responsibility of ensuring that their products meet minimal requirements and so they offer quality and assurance when reducing the risk of cross-contamination.

Aside from keeping contamination levels low, sealing in the medical industry must also complement the mechanical performance and chemical resistance. Therefore, OEMs, should consider certain attributes when choosing a seal manufacturer.

Elastomer Materials

Sealing in the medical industry must be able to show that it is resistant to harmful and toxic materials. They must also be able to handle a wide range of process media, potent active pharmaceutical ingredients and rigorous cleaning routines.

There might be certain qualities required of the elastomeric material, depending on the medical application. Therefore, it is important to choose a seal manufacturer that offers a wide range of materials.

To guarantee chemical resistance, OEMs must prove that all of their medical sealing is manufactured using the highest-quality and highest-performing elastomers. Examples of these elastomer materials that are suitable for medical applications include perfluoroelastomers which are suitable for sealing applications where chemical resistance and high-temperature performance are crucial. Metal detectable elastomers are ideal for containment and controlling contamination.

Across industries, international standards show the quality in the material of a component. Therefore, when choosing sealing components that consist of high-quality, compliant materials you should look for FDA Approval as well as USP Class VI.

To ensure that OEMs adhere to the requirements associated with low contamination levels in medical sealing, they should choose sealing solutions that provide a range of services and engineering capabilities. One of the most significant for both medical and pharmaceutical application is cleanroom manufacturing.

Cleanrooms offer an exceptionally clean environment whereby manufacturers can examine their products, allowing them to ensure that every component that leaves their facility meets all quality standards and contamination levels.

Manufacturers will make and supply sealing solutions for a range of applications that are developed for human consumption which is not just in the medical or pharmaceutical industries but also dairy and food. Therefore, they should be able to demonstrate compliance with the appropriate governing standards that are put in place by the International Standards Organisation.

Contact the NES Sales Team (sales@nes-ips.com) to discuss your Medical and Pharmaceutical sealing needs