EPDM seals: exploring their service life and influencing factors

 

 

EPDM seals are widely used due to their excellent characteristics. Its main features include:

 

- Excellent weather resistance: EPDM has a very high tolerance to ozone, UV and oxidation, especially in outdoor environments.

 

- Good chemical resistance: EPDM is resistant to acids, alkalis and polar solvents, and is suitable for fields such as the chemical and automotive industries.

 

- Excellent elasticity and elongation: Even in low temperature environments, EPDM can maintain good elasticity and adapt to sealing needs of different sizes and shapes.

 

- High and low temperature resistance: EPDM seals can work normally in a temperature range of -40℃ to +120℃.

 

 

The service life of EPDM seals is affected by many factors, the following are several main factors:

 

1. Ambient temperature and humidity

 

Temperature and humidity have a direct impact on the aging and performance of EPDM seals. In high temperature environments, EPDM materials will age faster, and their elasticity and sealing performance will decrease significantly. In low temperature environments, the material may harden, affecting its ductility and sealing effect.

 

2. Chemical media

 

Although EPDM has good tolerance to acids, alkalis and polar solvents, long-term exposure to specific chemical media may still cause material performance to deteriorate. Therefore, when selecting EPDM seals, it is necessary to carefully consider the type and concentration of chemical media in its working environment.

 

3. Pressure and mechanical stress

 

EPDM seals may produce permanent deformation or failure under high pressure or continuous tensile or compressive stress. In this case, the material gradually loses its elasticity and recovery ability, resulting in a decrease in sealing effect and affecting life.

 

4. Installation and maintenance

 

Proper installation and regular maintenance are essential to extend the service life of EPDM seals. Incorrect installation methods, such as excessive pulling or compression of the seal ring, can cause material damage or early failure. In addition, regular inspection and maintenance can timely detect and prevent potential problems and extend its service life.

 

 

In order to maximize the service life of EPDM seal rings, the following are some practical suggestions:

 

1. Reasonable material selection

 

Choose the appropriate EPDM material formula according to the actual application requirements. Different EPDM products may differ in formulation, such as adding special ingredients such as antioxidants and UV inhibitors to improve their aging resistance.

 

2. Suitable storage conditions

 

Unused EPDM seal rings should be stored in a dry, cool, and light-proof environment, avoiding moisture, high temperature and direct exposure to strong light to prevent premature aging of the material.

 

3. Regular inspection and maintenance

 

Regularly check the status of the EPDM seal ring, and replace it in time if aging, cracks or deformation are found. In addition, cleaning the sealing surface and applying an appropriate amount of sealing lubricant can reduce friction and extend the service life.

 

4. Avoid excessive mechanical stress

 

During installation and use, try to avoid excessive stretching and compression of the seal ring. Choose the appropriate size and specifications to avoid stress concentration and damage caused by improper installation.

 

EPDM seal rings have become a widely used sealing material in various industries due to their excellent physical and chemical properties. Their service life is affected by many factors such as ambient temperature, chemical media, pressure stress, and installation and maintenance. The service life of EPDM seal rings can be effectively extended by reasonable selection of materials, storage conditions, regular inspection and maintenance. In practical applications, EPDM seal rings show excellent sealing effect and durability. In the future, with the advancement of technology, their performance will be further improved and their application range will be wider.