Sweet Operations - Mesmerised By Industrial Equipment and Supplies

A Quick Guide To O-Ring Storage

14 February 2023

Terry Reyes

O-rings are a simple way of providing a seal between two items that are joined together. They are very versatile and have a range of uses in plumbing, engineering, food preservation and many forms of industry. It may therefore be worth buying them in bulk and keeping them for future use. If you do so you will need to store them carefully.

Packaging

Do not store your O-rings loosely. They are sensitive to heat and light, and they can get damaged if any dirt gets into them. They are best kept in sealed plastic bags and placed in opaque containers. Do not over-fill these containers. If the O-rings get twisted or crushed they will not work properly. You should also avoid containers that contain nails, wires or anything sharp that could puncture the rings.

Temperature

O-rings should not be kept in places with high temperatures. You should therefore keep them away from heaters or direct sunlight. Colder temperatures should not be a problem. Just make sure that the O-ring has returned to room temperature before you attempt to use it.

Humidity

Humidity should also be kept to a minimum. O-ring seals absorb water easily, including moisture in the air. This can cause them to go out of shape and stop working properly. You should find somewhere else to keep them if you cannot control the humidity in your storage area.

Conditions

Keep the O-rings away from harsh conditions. This includes sunlight which contains harmful ultraviolet radiation that will damage the O-rings. Sources of ozone should also be avoided, as ozone is harmful to rubber and can damage your ring. Also keep the rings away from any sources of ionising radiation, which can be another source of damage.

Rotation

O-rings have a shelf life of many years, but they do not last forever. For this reason, you should ensure that you do not store your rings for too long. Make sure that they are all stored with the date and that the oldest ones are used first. Using whichever rings are nearest could mean that some of them are no longer usable by the time you come to fit them.

Your O-rings will last for years if you store them properly and use them in good time. Your supplier will answer any more questions you have, allowing you to store your O-rings safely and securely. For more information on O-rings, contact a supplier near you.

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About Me

Welcome visitors. My name is Tim Hayes and this is my humble blog about industrial equipment and supplies. When I was a child, my dad worked as an engine driver in a sugar mill. I was mesmerised by all the machinery and tools needed to keep the mill functioning. My dad would patiently explain about the gauges and turbines and how they worked. I only ever heard him swear when they were waiting for parts and the machinery wouldn't operate properly! That was the start of my life-long preoccupation with what goes on behind the scenes in producing the goods we take for granted. If you are inquisitive about industrial equipment and supplies, I hope that these posts add some spark to your day. Thank you.