Gasket V.S. O-Ring: Which Is Better | DCW

Gasket V.S. O-Ring: Which Is Better

Frequently, PTFE O-rings and gaskets are utilized to PTFE seal the interface between two or more components. They are utilized in machinery, motors, plumbing fixtures, and gas pipes.

 

To seal the joint between two or more components, an O-ring or gasket may be utilized. Upon installation of the required component, the components will be sealed to prevent leaks. Although both O-rings and gaskets provide a sealed mating surface, they cannot be substituted.

What Is an O-Ring?

A packing joint, commonly known as an O-ring, is a mechanical seal comprised of a circular elastomer piece. They are intended to provide an impermeable and pressure-resistant mating surface. In fact, certain O-rings can resist up to 5,000 pounds per square inch of pressure (PSI). Even when subjected to high pressure, O-rings maintain their integrity, preventing liquids, gases, or air from leaving the components in which they are utilized.

 

Despite being available in a variety of sizes, O-rings all have the same form. They consist of a loop of elastomer with a hollow center. The round shape of O-rings allows them to fit over cylindrical components such as pipes and hoses.

O-Rings Typical Applications

Common applications that require o-rings include:

Hydraulics

Hydraulics use the union of a fluid, such as water or oil, with a hydraulic unit. O-rings are the main component used in hydraulic systems and are the only components that are used because they are able to withstand high pressure.

Fuel Systems

O-rings are a common component used in fuel lines. Fuel lines are used in automobiles to supply fuel to the engine. The fuel pressure is what forces the fuel into the engine; this pressure is typically is above 100 PSI. 

 

O-rings containing oil or grease provide a tight seal when the fuel is introduced. This protects the fuel system and engine from damage. If a leak occurs, the pressure difference causes the O-ring to expand and contract. This action firmly seals the leak, preventing the leak from escaping into the fuel system.

Medical and Pharmaceutical

In the medical field, specially designed O-rings are used on catheters. O-rings are commonly used on the body and are a common component used in tubes. When inserted, the O-rings will prevent liquids from penetrating the tube and damaging the body.

Oil

O-rings are commonly used as a sealing element in oil and gas engines. In these types of machines, the oil is pumped through a tube. O-rings are used to keep the oil from escaping through the pipe. In addition, O-rings can be used in oil breathers. These types of components are used when an oil system needs to be pressurized, but not yet filled.

Pipe Joints

Pipe joints are an essential part of piping structures in which the joints are made of various materials such as polymers, metals, and plastics. Due to their a variety of applications, the main types of O-rings commonly used in pipe joints include low-temperature O-rings, high-temperature O-rings, and self-lubricating O-rings. Low-temperature O-rings are used in situations when the temperature of the joint is very low. 

 

For example, in a low-temperature machine, the lubrication system could be used to create a seal between the bearing and the connecting parts. These are used in situations when the temperature of the joint is relatively high. These are used in places where the temperature is excessive and continuous use is necessary. High-temperature O-rings are also used in machines that are very close to the combustion point in order to increase the safety of the machine.

HVAC

The O-ring’s most common application in the HVAC industry is in the water returns of air machines. They are a common component used in the water separators because they are able to withstand and prevent air from escaping the machine.

O-rings Common Materials

The following are the common materials in an O-rings:

Oxiglass

Oxiglass is a glass ptfe material that is used for many different applications. O-rings, such as in the medical field, can be made from oxiglass.

Silicone

O-rings are commonly made from silicone. Much like the medical field, silicones are used in many different applications.

Polysulfone

Polysulfone is a material used in aerospace applications and is also used in medical applications. O-rings are made from polysulfone; this material is used to create seals that resist high pressure.

Fluoroelastomer

Fluoroelastomer is a material that is used in medical, electrical and mechanical applications. The most common application for this material is in the creation of O-rings.

What is a Gasket?

Common applications that require gaskets include:

Electronics

Gaskets are actually elastomeric materials that are used in electronic equipment. These gaskets are used to seal off the electronic equipment and protect it from the harsh environment. Gaskets are also used in places where there is frequent contact with water such as the marine industry.

Electrical Motors

Gaskets are used in motor bearings, which are enclosures filled with lubricating oil that protect the moving parts. These gaskets protect the motor from dirt, dust, and frictions. The gaskets allow the oil to flow freely throughout the bearings. 

 

If the bearings are sealed, the friction would cause excess heat to build up which could lead to the destruction of the motor.

Power Generation

Gaskets are used in power generation systems to help seal the rotor. They help prevent overheating and the loss of heat from the motor which can lead to the destruction of the motor.

Transportation and Automotive

Gaskets are used to seal the engine of passenger cars and trucks such as automobiles, vans or sport utility vehicles. They can also be used to seal out dirt and dust particles which can harm the engine parts.

Telecommunication Devices

Gaskets are used in telecommunication devices such as cell phone, satellite phones and internet services. They protect the internal circuit components from water and dust particles that can damage the equipment and make it unusable.

Select the Suitable Seals for Your Application

For your application, the right sealing solution will depend on the material of the gasket, its intended application and desired mechanical properties. The following table gives a brief overview of different materials that can be used to manufacture gaskets.

Conclusion

These comparison of Gasket V.s o-rings is based on the number of applications by company and the number of application by type. From the table ” O-rings are used in hydraulic systems and are the only components that are used because they are able to withstand high pressure. 

 

O-rings are commonly used in fuel systems. Fuel systems are used in automobiles to supply fuel to the engine. The fuel pressure is what forces the fuel into the engine; this pressure is typically is above 100 PSI.


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