Failure Pattern
Excessive swell is easily identified by a marked increase in seal dimensions and occurs in both static and dynamic situations. Excessive swell results in a reduction of physical properties and can result in improper sizing between seal and gland. Dynamic applications are especially prone in that friction accelerates seal failure.

Problem Sources
Like a sponge, the seal absorbs the surrounding fluids and swells to the point of malfunction because of incompatibility between seal compound and system environment (i.e. chemical incompatibility, high humidity, etc.).

Suggested Solutions
Employ a chemically compatible O-ring material (see Chemical Compatibility Table, Section 6 in the Seal Design Guide).

O-RING RULE OF THUMB #8

Avoid using graphite-loaded compounds with stainless steel, as they tend to pit the stainless seal surface over time. » Learn More