- April 27, 2019
5 Aspects To Consider For O-Ring Seals In Sensor Applications
Sensors are being used in newer ways ever since the increase in the improvement of computing capabilities. With the advent of these new uses arrive the need to shrink the sensor and the related components, without compromising the design and performance.
You can seal the environment from electronic and optical devices in a variety of ways. Metal or plastic components could be welded, and other applications could use adhesives, potting or dispensed RTV sealants. However, a lot of these processes are time-intensive and messy. Moreover, you can’t open or remove the unit once the unit is sealed using these methods.
A well-crafted elastomeric seal provides the appropriate sealing function as well as reusability. Here are 5 aspects to consider for ensuring your sensor sealing application is durable and appropriate.
Chemical and Seal Material Compatibility
The most important consideration is the compatibility of the application chemicals and the seal material. Be sure to identify the chemical that will be used in the application. If the O-Ring material is incompatible with the chemical environment, the O-Ring would be a failure. So the first step is to choose an O-Ring that perfectly matches the chemicals of the application.
Miniaturisation
Designers are constantly flooded with demands to fit in more and more components in a device. Resultantly, individual components must also be shrunk without compromising the performance. The tolerance level of the seal and the mating components will decide the minimum specifications for O-Rings.
UV and Ozone
Ozone shields us from the sun’s destructive UV rays in the upper atmosphere. However, at ground level, it can decay rubber. At ground level, ozone is formed when there’s a reaction of oxides, electrical motors and volatile organic compounds.
This ozone can attack the bonds that are found in rubber polymer, which could create cracks in the rubber’s surface. The same happens when these polymers are constant exposure to UV light.
So choose an O-Ring that’s made of materials that are resistant to UV and ozone. Such materials include EPDM, FKM, silicone and HNBR.
Outgassing
Rubber is essentially a mixture of polymer, oils, fillers, curatives and protectants. Some of these components aren’t reactive to the polymer, so you could release them even in extreme conditions. During high-temperature or vacuum applications, sub-par curatives or oil may outgas from the rubber, and find their way on critical connectors and electronics. Ensure the O-ring you procure are made from low outgassing materials.
Measurex Can Help
When you are looking for a customised sealing solution, Measurex can help. We have the skills, the resources develop new materials, designs and processes. Should you have any questions about O-Ring seals in the context of sensor applications feel free to ask our experts. We would be happy to work with you. Get in touch with us today for more information.
