Made of synthetic rubber, they play a crucial role in sealing and preventing leaks. They’re used across diverse industries where quality stainless steel and carbon steel fittings and tube press-fit piping systems are used to distribute potable water, fuel, gas, chemicals and compressed air.
How do they differ from regular O Rings?
One of the key differences is inherent in its design. Regular O Rings are circular; leak-path Pressfit O Rings are a polygonal shape. This unique shape includes a succession of tubular sections with a rectilinear axis and a constant section, arranged as a ring. This design creates a hermetic seal, meaning you don’t run the risk of leaks developing after pressing, as happens with other systems. Other systems using traditionally shaped O Rings deform slightly after pressing. This creates uneven points across the ring, allowing for potential flow paths to occur.
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. That’s why it’s important to select the correct one to ensure a reliable and durable seal in pressfittings.
Different O Rings used in Surepress Pressfit systems
O-Ring materials used in various Surepress Pressfit applications are colour-coded for ease of reference.
EPDM - black (commonly associated with WATER) The standard material, available in diameters from 15 to 168 mm, is suitable for temperatures between -20 and +120 °C and pressures up to a maximum of 40 bar. It has a host of applications, including use for drinking water, heating, cooling, steam, fire fighting, compressed air (oil-free) and inert gas systems.
HNBR - yellow - (commonly associated with GAS) This material is used in gas systems. It is available in diameters from 15mm to 168mm and is suitable for temperatures between -20 and +70 °C and pressures up to a maximum of 5 bar.
FPM – green - coinciding with FKM – green (commonly associated with hydrocarbon applications)
This material is suitable for use in challenging conditions, with temperatures between -20 and + 180 °C and for pressures up to a maximum of 40 bar. It is available in diameters from 15mm to 168mm and is particularly suitable for solar systems. It should be noted that it’s not recommended for systems where steam is present.
Pressfit solutions, where O Rings work in harmony to prevent leaky joints
Leaks occur due to the incorrect or failed pressing of joints. With regular O Rings, the leak is undetectable until the system is in use. It certainly isn’t noticeable at the installation stage.
The unique quality check feature built into the Surepress Pressfit “press-check sleeve” prevents this risk. A thin-coloured film tears away from the joint, providing a visual confirmation that the joint and O Ring have been properly sealed.
Installers can tell immediately, even from metres away, if any part of the coloured film remains attached. If so, the joint was not 100% sealed correctly and can be repaired on the spot.
The quality assurance and time-saving implications of this unique system are unique to Surepress, guaranteeing a hermetically sealed joint, every time.
Applications for Drinking Water
Surepress is used to distribute drinking water since stainless steel AISI 316L guarantees the utmost hygiene. It also offers significant resistance to corrosion. The O Ring seals, made of black EPDM, are resistant to ageing, heat and chemical additives, making them suitable for all types of treated water.
Applications for Gas
Used in gas distribution systems, with external above-ground pipes, running inside or outside buildings. It can be used for all types of combustible gas, both natural and liquid. The O-Ring seals are made of yellow HNBR and as such, are compatible with any of the gas varieties used and are resistant to ageing.
Fire Fighting and Sprinkler Application
Stainless steel Surepress Pressfitting System is also used for wet and dry fixed fire fighting systems, for diameters from 15mm to 168mm. The O-Ring seals made from black EPDM are resistant to aging, heat and chemical additives.
O Rings and Pressfit Seal - an impermeable perfect match
Unreliable joints create an unwelcome opportunity for increased risks to your installation. Without a way to guarantee the quality of your joints, this risk becomes amplified, especially on large installations with many joints.
With Surepress’ specialised O-Ring design and the pressfit quality “press-fit sleeve” feature, you can create the perfect fail-safe connection for your next water, gas and solar or fire safety project. Don’t leave your next installation to chance - speak with an Allmach expert on the best O-Ring for your Surepress Pressfit solution today.
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