5 Facts About Aerospace O-Rings

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O-rings play an important role in the aerospace manufacturing industry. Also known as toric joints — a reference to their circular torus shape — they are designed to seal the spaces around hoses and other parts. Connection points for hoses are susceptible to leaks. As the fluid or gas flowing through a hose becomes pressurized, it may leak from a connection point. O-rings, however, can seal spaces such as this to protect against leaks.

#1) Commercial Airliners Contain Thousands of O-Rings

While the exact number varies, most commercial airliners contain thousands of O-rings. They are commonly used around oil and fuel lines. Oil and fuel lines, of course, are pressurized. Therefore, they require mechanical seals around connection points, with O-rings being the most common type of mechanical seal used for this purpose.

#2) Rated for Up to 3,000 PSI

Even when exposed to highly pressurized fluid or gas, high-quality O-rings won’t leak. After all, they are designed specifically to withstand pressurized fluid or gas. Some O-rings, in fact, are rated for up to 3,000 pounds per square inch (PSI) of pressure.

#3) Available in Dozens of Materials

You can find O-rings in different materials. Most of the materials in which O-rings are made feature a high level of elasticity. With their elastic properties, they will expand when exposed to hot, pressurized fluid or gas, thereby preventing leaks.

Common materials in which O-rings are made include:

• Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
• Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer (EPDM
• Perfluoroelastomer (FFKM)
• TFE Propylene (Aflas) TetrafluoroethylenePropylene Rubbers
• Polysulfide rubber (PSR)
• Butadiene rubber (BR)
• Butyl rubber (IIR)
• Nitrile rubber (NR)
• Ethylene propylene rubber (EPR)

#4) Two O-Rings May Be Used in the Same Space

It’s not uncommon for two O-rings to be used in the same space. For sealing applications involving 800 PSI or higher, for example, two O-rings may be used. There’s a primary O-ring, and a secondary or “backup” O-ring. The backup O-ring acts as a failsafe. If the primary O-ring begins to leak, the backup O-ring will provide the necessary sealing.

#5) Measured in ID and CS Sizes

When shopping for O-rings, you’ll need to consider the inner diameter (ID) and cross-section (CS). The ID refers to the length from the widest point of the inside of an O-ring to the opposite side. The CS, in comparison, represents the thickness of an O-ring. You can refer to the ID and CS to determine the size of an O-ring and whether it will fit your intended application.

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• Source: https://monroeaerospace.com/blog/5-facts-about-aerospace-o-rings/