Hardware Recommendations - Dynamic O-Ring Gland Design
What is an O-Ring Gland?
The O-Ring gland (also known as O-Ring groove) is a very important design feature for manufacturing both efficient and cost-effective O-Rings.
The most important consideration for gland design is that it allows for proper and complete compression between the groove and the mating surface. While the shape of the O-Ring relies and depends on the application, shape is generally unimportant. The groove can be a variety of shapes; anything from triangular, rectangular, or dovetail.
Guidelines for Dynamic O-Ring Gland Design
Dynamic O-ring sealing applications are more complex and involved than static sealing applications due to the motion against the O-Ring seal interface. Resistance to fluids must be more scrutinized than in conventional static seal designs since volumetric increases in O-rings in excess of ~ 20% may lead to friction and wear difficulties, and a minimum shrinkage, at most 4%, can be tolerated.
The majority of the seal cross-section should be contained within the groove to ensure the seal does not extrude or roll out of the groove (75% or more is ideal). Additionally, the void/volume relationship should be taken into consideration. The maximum O-ring volume should not exceed 90% of the minimum gland void. The groove width may be increased to accommodate the void.
If you have a gland design question, or custom seal need, contact Gallagher Fluid Seals today.