What to lubricate orings?

O-rings are rubber sealing rings used both in static and dynamic connections. To facilitate their installation, reduce friction and decrease the risk of seal damage, appropriately selected lubricants are used. What to lubricate O-rings with? The choice of product depends primarily on the material from which the O-ring is made, the operating temperature, the type of medium and the conditions in which it works. Not every lubricant is suitable for every elastomer.

O-ring installation – What to pay attention to?

Improper installation of seals can be the cause of many problems in the future. Use only seals of the correct size – too small ones are prone to tearing or cracking, while too large ones are unable to ensure proper sealing. During installation avoid excessive stretching, twisting and rolling of the O-ring. A properly selected lubricant facilitates inserting the seal into the correct place and reduces the risk of it being cut or damaged.

Why do O-rings need lubrication?

Lubricating before installing O-ring seals facilitates their proper seating and reduces friction during installation. A thin, even layer of lubricant reduces the risk of damaging the seal while sliding it into place. For seals working dynamically, an appropriate lubricant can additionally reduce friction during operation.

Benefits of lubricating O-rings

• lubricating O-rings makes it easier to slide them into place, ensuring a tight fit
• prevents tearing, cutting, compression and abrasion of rubber seals
• prevents contaminants from penetrating equipment surfaces
• reduces the force required to install O-rings
• reduces friction

How to correctly apply lubricant to O-ring seals?

There are many ways to apply lubricants to O-rings. The simplest method is to apply it using fingers, the hand or a brush. Another method is to immerse the O-ring in a container with grease. Regardless of the chosen application method, it is worth remembering to apply a thin and even layer of the product to the entire surface of the O-ring. Before applying lubricant, remember to perform a chemical compatibility test. Some ingredients contained in the lubricant can cause rubber swelling (e.g. petroleum-based products). An inappropriate product can cause swelling, shrinking or deterioration of elastomer properties.

What to pay attention to when choosing a lubricant for seals?

When choosing a lubricant for an O-ring, you should take into account primarily the seal material, the range of operating temperatures, the type of working medium and the nature of the operation – static or dynamic. Also important is the lubricant's resistance to water, the action of chemicals and its effect on the properties of the elastomer.

The lubricant should be compatible with the O-ring material. Using an inappropriate product for a given elastomer can lead to its swelling, shrinking, loss of elasticity or premature wear. Before applying a lubricant, check its compatibility with the specific sealing material and operating conditions.

What to lubricate O-rings with?

There are many types of greases available on the market that you can use to speed up the installation of rubber rings. A good lubricant minimizes the coefficient of friction, does not cause swelling or conditional fatigue of rubber seals. The selection of a lubricant for O-rings should always take into account the seal material and operating conditions. In practice, silicone greases and specialist greases intended for seals are used, among others. In some applications technical petroleum jelly is also used, however its suitability should be assessed with respect to a specific elastomer and working environment. Do not choose a lubricant solely based on its temperature resistance. Equally important is chemical compatibility with the sealing material and the medium in which it operates.

Silicone grease

Silicone grease is often used for lubricating and installing O-rings. It is a waterproof, non-toxic lubricant that protects against moisture and also speeds up seal installation. A thin, evenly distributed layer of lubricant on the seal reduces the coefficient of friction, extending the life of the device in which it is installed. Silicone grease does not stain and does not attract dust. It is resistant to oxidation and evaporation. It can operate in environments with a wide range of working temperatures (from -60° C to +230° C). It also provides good corrosion protection. Additionally, it can be used in the food industry, in machines that come into contact with food. Silicone lubricant is also used in sanitary devices (valves, seals, taps) and in industry (textile, paper, automotive).

Technical petroleum jelly

Technical petroleum jelly can be used as an auxiliary agent during assembly and protection of certain seals. It provides short-term corrosion protection. It is a lubricant that is resistant to changing weather conditions and temperature fluctuations. It is used primarily in unburdened systems for protection against friction. It should not be treated as a universal agent for every type of elastomer.

Other types of technical greases

Not all technical greases are suitable for lubricating O-rings. Their application depends on the construction of the elements, the seal material and the operating conditions. Below are examples of greases used primarily in other technical applications.

Universal grease (lithium)

The product exhibits hydrophobic properties and is resistant to oxidation and temperatures up to 125° C. It is used in industrial, agricultural vehicle systems and means of transport. It provides excellent lubrication during intensive operation, protecting O-rings from wear and extending the life of bearings.

Copper grease

Copper greases show high resistance to high temperatures (they are non-melting) and atmospheric conditions (rain, snow). Use of the product reduces wear and friction, and also protects metal-to-metal connections against corrosion. Above 320° C, this type of lubricant becomes a dry grease,  

Graphite grease

This is an anti-seize agent with high resistance to water. It shows high resistance to loads, operation over a wide temperature range (from -30° C to +600° C) and provides good corrosion protection. Graphite greases are used in components exposed to adverse weather conditions, construction and agricultural machinery, and open gears.  

Bentonite grease

A non-melting, hydrophobic, anti-corrosion, oxidation-resistant lubricant, most often used in applications operating in the temperature range from -40° C to +150° C, under low load conditions, also inside housings that remain under electrical voltage.  

Molybdenum grease

This is an easy-to-pump lubricant characterized by high temperature stability. It is resistant to moisture, so it is used in industrial equipment operating in such environments (cranes, hoists), as well as in forklifts or for lubricating turnouts and joints. Molybdenum greases also help eliminate vibrations.

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