Nitrile versus other material for gaskets 1

[drax]

All:

As a manufacturer, we currently use Nitrile as a gasket material for a submersible piece of equipment. One of the pieces of gear shows some cracking (<2 years in service), however, still holds the seal.

A couple of questions:

1). Is Nitrile a good choice....the equipment is not immersed in any liquid and is underground, not exposed to UV in the application.

2). Would this be cause of concern?

 

[GrahamBennett]

What are you sealing against?

forumtowers.com

 

[btrueblood]

"submersible equipment" sounds like a submarine, but then you say it's not exposed to any liquid. What fluid/gas is the seal exposed to?

If it's expected to see sea/fresh water I'd suggest epdm...but there is no reason for nitrile not to work for those either. From the picture, the seal appears to be extruding, as if it is under compression from the outer ring, but has no restraint on the i.d. That is a classic failure mode for a bushing; you might look at providing a lip on the ring i.d. to help keep the seal from trying to bulge inwards, it might help. Otherwise, unless it's leaking, the crack is likely just a cosmetic issue?

 

[drax]

Thanks you for your answers, the gasket is under compression.. I believe it is just a cosmetic issue but our customer is concerned. thank you for your idea of a lip, this may help.

Regards