Differential pressure affects an o-ring by forcing it to the low pressure side of the gland, causing the cross section to distort (See Illustration 5.1 below). This motion blocks the diametrical clearance gap between the mating surfaces and forms a seal. If the o-ring cannot resist increasingly high pressure, part of the o-ring will be forced (extruded) into the diametrical gap. This condition leads to premature failure, leakage and system contamination. O-Rings operate optimally within a certain range of pressure. Differential pressure does aid in sealing potential by compensating for the elastomer's tendency to assume a compression set over time, which reduces o-ring compression and utility.

Methods commonly used to prevent o-ring extrusion under pressure include:

Illustrations


effect of pressure on o-rings
Illustration 5.1
Effect of Pressure


o-ring extrusion limit
Illustration 5.2
Extrusion Limit