Excessive Swell

Failure Pattern: Easily identified by a marked increase in seal dimensions and occurring in both static and dynamic situations. 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.