Technology is always moving forward, but some things stand the test of time.
One of those things is the O-Ring, which was first patented in 1896. What is an O-Ring? It’s a doughnut-shaped loop designed to prevent the passage of liquids or gases. It’s one of the simplest precision mechanical pieces ever produced, and continue to be one of the most widely-utilized sealing products.
O-Rings can be made from plastic or metal, but for the purposes of our blog, we’ll focus solely on rubber – or elastomeric -- O-Ring design.
An O-Ring, also known as a “torus,” works in tandem with the glands in which they are installed. The gland is normally cut from the metallic hardware, and works with the O-Ring to seal. The gland and the O-Ring must be designed together to insure top performance.
In the world of sealing, it seems as though there are as many varieties of pump applications as there are sealing solutions.
Many breakthroughs in technology have aided the evolution from braided packing to advanced mechanical seals, leading to remarkable gains in pump performance, efficiency and safety. Although mechanical seals are certainly a fitting solution for an array of pump and rotary applications, advances in polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) rotary lip seals can also solve these challenging radial sealing solutions.
Radial lip seals can retain lubricants and excluded unwanted contaminants for a fraction of the cost of a mechanical seal, while providing many of the same benefits in terms of performance and seal life.
Gallagher Fluid Seals has announced its acquisition of Johnson Packings and Industrial Products, one of New England’s largest distribution and manufacturing companies.
“We are incredibly pleased to welcome Johnson Packings and their 28 employees into the Gallagher organization,” Gallagher President and CEO Joe Gallagher said. “We look forward to working with the strong customer base, vendors and employees of a company that has been as successful and in business as long as Johnson Packings. We feel that all of these factors, in addition to the new gasket fabrication capabilities, greatly enhances the position of Gallagher Fluid Seals in the marketplace.”
Based in East Longmeadow, MA, Johnson has been supplying gaskets, seals, packings and accessories for nearly eight decades, building a sterling reputation for providing quality products and reliable customer service.
By acquiring Johnson, Gallagher will have a broader range in finding solutions