Do's and Don’ts for the better maintenance of O-rings

O-rings are spherical rings made of rubber used in various commercial as well as industrial environments to seal valves, extensions of pipes etc. The main purpose of o-rings is to obstruct and separate the combining of fluids or gaseous substances or like compounds while placed in a container.

Rubber o-rings are made from Nitrile Silicone, Viton, Ethylene Propylene and Neoprene to suit a specific industry. O-rings are popular as they are cheap, durable and can be reused.Compared to the other seals o-rings are ideal while handling fluids as they are usually fixed in grooves which traps liquids and gases and prevents any leakage.

O-rings are beneficial in various applications in commercial as well as industrial environments but to ensure they keep performing and delivering constant obstruction and protection mostly when handling fluids and gases o-rings require a regular maintenance.

• O-rings are convenient so we tend to reuse them as we get acquainted to their consistent performance. But reusing o-rings should be avoided as they can contaminate the clean container environment, however without be traced as they are inserted within joints. And in emergencies if reusing always ensure o-rings are cleaned well. 
• O-rings must be at all times handled using lint free gloves when installing them as they may contain traces of skin oil when touched by fingers and plastic gloves should be avoided as they may leave traces of plasticizers. 
• Avoid the use of solvents when cleaning o-rings as they absorb solvents and tend to infuse. So they should ideally be cleaned by wiping down with lint free tissues. 
• Avoid the use of grease within o-rings unless there is a scratch which needs coating. Ideally o-ring scratches should be covered by using cleaning scrubbers like scotchbrite or with a stone.