O-rings for pressfitting: materials and colours for different ...

06 May.,2024

 

O-rings for pressfitting: materials and colours for different ...

Pressfitting is a highly flexible system, allowing us to create joints in a few seconds and guarantee efficient transport of a wide range of fluids. This versatility is made possible by the three different compounds of the o-rings available. Let’s take a look at the materials they are made of, their characteristics and, most importantly, their performance against different fluids.

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The extraordinary versatility of the pressfitting system is one of the reasons for its growing popularity. It allows steel pipe to be connected quickly and mechanically sealed in seconds, with effective hydraulic sealing provided by the compression of the O-ring.

The o-ring in the pressfitting system is certainly the least visible part of the plumbing system, positioned in its chamber inside the press fitting, it begins to perform its important function once it is pressed between the fitting and the pipe.

Basically, we can say that the pressfitting system is essentially composed of the fitting, the pipe and the o-ring, the latter being responsible for the perfect hydraulic seal of the whole. Of course, equally important are the pressing equipments with which this joint is made, in fact, the proper maintenance and cleaning of the pressing systems is crucial to achieving a perfect joint.

Materials available for O-rings in the Eurotubi pressfitting system

The O-rings, made of synthetic rubber, ensure that the joint is perfectly sealed. The choice of diameter varies according to the material used, with options available between 12 and 108 mm.

Eurotubi O-rings can be ordered in the following materials and colours, depending on the type of application and operating temperatures:

 

EPDM – black (often associated with WATER)

This is the standard material, available in diameters from 12 to 108 mm. It is suitable for temperatures between -20 and +120 °C and can handle pressures up to 16 bar.

EPDM has a wide range of applications and is ideal for drinking water, heating, cooling, steam, fire protection, compressed air (oil-free) and inert gases.

 

HNBR – yellow (typically associated with GAS)

This material is specifically designed for applications in gas installations. It is available in a range of diameters from 15 to 108 mm. It performs optimally in a temperature range of -20 to +70 °C and can handle pressures of up to 5 bar.

 

FPM – green (also known as FKM – green, often associated with SOLAR applications)

This material is designed for extremely demanding conditions, capable of handling temperatures ranging from -20 to +180 °C and pressures up to a maximum of 16 bar. Available diameters range from 12 to 108 mm. This elastomer is particularly suitable for high-temperature solar applications but is not suitable for systems with steam.

 

FPM – red (also known as FKM – red, often used in the INDUSTRIAL sector)

This elastomer is optimised for special applications, characterised by considerable thermal resistance, with the ability to operate effectively in a temperature range of -20 to +180 °C, and pressures up to a maximum of 16 bar. The diameter range extends from 12 to 108 mm.

FPM is an ideal choice for industrial applications, including the conveyance of lubricating oils, cutting fluids, diesel and others, as well as compressed air systems (with oil). It is not recommended for use in steam environments.

 

For more detailed information on the compatibility of seals with various types of fluids, please refer to chapter 14 of the “Eurotubi Pressfitting Technical Manual“.

In any case, for industrial applications and special installations, the Eurotubi Technical Office must be consulted, providing information on temperature and pressure conditions and the chemical composition of the fluid.

Note. Under no circumstances is it accepted that non-Eurotubi o-ring found on the market are fitted in Eurotubi Pressfittings.

The characteristics and applications of the various O-rings are listed in Table 2 of the Eurotubi Pressfitting Technical Manual, shown below.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of oil seal used for. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Why is it important to have several o-rings available for pressfitting?

Because thanks to the different types of o-rings, we can convey different fluids, of different chemical compositions and at the operating temperatures that are most compatible with the type of system to be realised.

The choice of O-ring material depends on the specific conditions of the application, including temperature, pressure, fluid type and other factors. Each material has its own unique chemical and thermal resistance properties; therefore, it is important to select the most suitable one to ensure a reliable and durable seal in pressfittings.

Other very important factors to take into account relate to the durability of the system: different applicable o-ring materials can withstand certain conditions such as operating temperatures better or worse.

It should be remembered that the gasket becomes an integral part of the system and cannot be replaced unless the relevant part of the system is rebuilt from scratch.

We therefore understand how important it is to study the compounds of o-rings well and to produce them with the best materials and the most up-to-date technology: the o-ring must maintain its characteristics unaltered for the entire service life of the plumbing system: otherwise the adduction systems themselves will fail.

 

Eurotubi pressfitting O-rings: extreme precision in their manufacture and optimum material quality

The dimensional and quality requirements of o-rings for Eurotubi press fittings are determined by the specifications of the press fitting itself. In general, o-rings must have the following characteristics:

  • Accurate dimensions: o-rings must be the correct size to fit the press fitting.
  • Precise shape: o-rings must have a precise shape to ensure a hermetic seal.
  • High surface quality: the surface of the o-rings must be smooth and homogenous to prevent leakage.

The elastomers used in press fitting o-rings are synthetic materials with the following characteristics:

  • Elasticity: elastomers are capable of reversible deformation without being damaged. This characteristic is essential to guarantee the hermetic seal of the joint between pipe and fitting.
  • Chemical resistance: elastomers must be resistant to the fluids transported by the pipes, such as in the case of moderately and strongly aggressive chemicals.
  • Temperature resistance: elastomers must be able to withstand the high temperatures that can be reached in press fitting systems.

 

The superior characteristics of the Eurotubi Pressfitting leaking LBP O-ring

The LBP O-ring is a type of o-ring for pressfitting that features a unique polygonal shape, which allows non-pressed fittings to be easily identified during pressure testing with water, as the profile of the o-ring allows water to escape in the form of ‘dripping‘.

After pressing, on the other hand, the LBP O-ring guarantees a tight seal, like a traditional o-ring.

Compared to other types of LBP o-rings, the Eurotubi solution has the following advantages:

  • It is more similar in shape to a traditional o-ring in that it has a constant circular section.
  • Again, due to its special shape, there is no risk of leakage after pressing.
  • In summarising, the LBP O-ring is an innovative solution that offers greater safety and reliability than the leaking before press o-rings of other competitors.

 

With Eurotubi pressfitting and its o-rings you get safety and versatility:

We are committed to providing o-rings in different compounds to meet the specific needs of your installations. Our LBP o-ring + coloured sleeve solution reduces the risk of leakage, ensuring maximum safety. With Eurotubi Pressfitting, you get fast and reliable joints for the highest quality in your projects.


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