O Rings in Pressfit Piping Installations - Why Polygonal O Rings are Game Changers
O Rings are a staple item throughout the piping and plumbing industry. Commonly found at local hardware stores, they serve a simple purpose - to create a seal between two connected parts. For standard piping solutions, regular O Rings can handle many general applications. However, when installations require a more sophisticated solution, such as a pressfit-connected section of piping that’s leak-proof guaranteed, then the polygonal O Ring that provides enhanced sealing performance is the ideal choice.
Surepress’ leak-path pressfit O Ring is a polygonal shape. This unique patented shape includes a succession of tubular sections, arranged as a ring. This design creates a hermetic seal, meaning you don’t run the risk of leaks developing after pressing. This topic is explored in greater detail in the article O Rings - The Unsung Heroes in Pressfit Solutions.
Take, for example, a Surepress pressfit piping system set up, where two sections of pipe are joined using a press and crimp system without flames or solder. When such pressfit systems are used to create leak-proof joints that need to withstand high-pressure and high-temperature environments, specialised polygonal O Rings help ensure a more uniform compression and consistent seal. This helps minimise the risk of leaks, even under thermal expansion or mechanical stress. This is the only system that uses polygonal O Rings in combination with a leak-path feature to ensure seal integrity.
Other systems using traditional O Rings that are circular can deform during installation, potentially creating leak paths. Surepress’ polygonal design, on the other hand, eliminates these leak paths by maintaining a more consistent seal under compression. While some pressfit systems include O Rings that offer leak path functionality, Surepress is the only pressfit system using polygonal O Rings for hermetically sealed leak-proof results.
Why is this unique shape important to creating a successful, leak-proof seal within a pressfit joint? If a joint isn’t pressed correctly, it won’t seal, causing potential leaks during testing or use. Surepress fittings include a “Leak Before Press” (LBP) O Ring that releases water or air if unpressed, making faults easy to spot. A coloured press-check sleeve tears visibly when pressed, making unpressed joints easy to spot. This feature speeds up inspections and helps ensure long-term reliability.
Allmach Pneumatic & Fluid Systems Director of Sales, Roy Pugh, states that while this technology is sophisticated in its application and design, it is within reach of everyday installers and engineers who need guaranteed, leak-proof seals with every piping joint.
“The Surepress pressfit system, combined with these specially designed polygonal O Rings, provides users with a guaranteed sealed solution every time.”
Polygonal O Rings are used in pressfit systems to provide a leak-proof seal while distributing potable water, fuel, gas, chemicals, and compressed air. They are colour-coded to avoid any mishaps from using the wrong O Ring type.
Whenever a piping solution calls for hermetically sealed, guaranteed leak-proof installations, these special polygonal O Rings offer designers and installers of piping systems a stable and efficient way of guaranteeing piping joints are quality sealed. Polygonal O Rings, combined with a pressfit jointing method, offer advanced capabilities; something all users within the piping industry can benefit from greatly.
For engineers and installers seeking proven reliability in demanding environments, Allmach’s Surepress system with polygonal O Rings offers a sealing solution designed for consistency, safety, and long-term performance. The Surepress pressfit O Ring ensures a sealed solution when installed correctly. Contact our team for technical specifications or refer to Allmach’s comprehensive piping guide for details.