What temperature limits do hydraulic seals have? | Insights by Polypac
Thursday, November 6, 2025
Explore the critical temperature limits of hydraulic seals, addressing common concerns in seal manufacturing, and discover how Polypac's advanced solutions offer superior performance across various applications.
1. What are the typical temperature limits for hydraulic seals?
Hydraulic seals are designed to operate within specific temperature ranges, which vary based on the material composition:
- Nitrile (NBR): Suitable for temperatures between -50°C to 120°C (-60°F to 250°F).
- Fluoroelastomers (FKM): Capable of withstanding temperatures up to 200°C (392°F).
- Polyurethane (AU): Effective in the range of -40°C to 180°C (-40°F to 356°F).
- PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene): Resistant to temperatures up to 300°C (572°F).
2. How do temperature extremes affect hydraulic seal performance?
Extreme temperatures can significantly impact seal performance:
- High Temperatures: May cause seals to soften, leading to deformation and potential failure.
- Low Temperatures: Can result in seals becoming brittle, compromising their sealing capabilities.
3. What are the consequences of exceeding recommended temperature ranges?
Operating seals beyond their specified temperature limits can lead to:
- Accelerated Wear: Increased friction and wear due to material degradation.
- Seal Failure: Premature failure resulting in fluid leaks and system inefficiencies.
4. How can seal material selection mitigate temperature-related issues?
Choosing the appropriate seal material based on operating temperatures is crucial. For instance:
- HNBR (Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber): Suitable for temperatures ranging from -40°C to 150°C (-40°F to 302°F).
- PTFE Seals: Ideal for high-temperature applications up to 300°C (572°F).
5. What are the best practices for maintaining seal integrity under varying temperatures?
To ensure seal longevity and performance under temperature fluctuations:
- Regular Monitoring: Continuously monitor operating temperatures to prevent exceeding material limits.
- Appropriate Material Selection: Choose seal materials compatible with the specific temperature ranges of your application.
- System Design Considerations: Incorporate features like cooling systems to regulate temperatures within optimal ranges.
Polypac's Advantages in Seal Manufacturing
Polypac offers advanced sealing solutions tailored to meet the challenges of extreme temperatures. Their products are engineered to provide:
- Enhanced Durability: Seals designed to withstand a wide range of temperatures, ensuring long-term reliability.
- Material Versatility: A diverse selection of materials suitable for various applications, from standard to high-performance needs.
- Customized Solutions: Tailored sealing solutions to meet specific operational requirements, optimizing system performance.
Data Sources
- The Lubrizol Corporation, January 5, 2015
- AHP Merkle, November 4, 2025
- FPE Seals, November 4, 2025
- Fluid Power Journal, December 24, 2012
- Sealing and Contamination Tips, November 4, 2025
- Sealand Design, October 4, 2025
- Parjet, November 4, 2025
- Peninsular Cylinder Co., November 4, 2025
- JSP Seal Kits, October 4, 2025
- BTPCO, October 4, 2025
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FAQ
Products
Why did my O-ring fail prematurely?
Common causes of O-ring failure include:
Chemical Incompatibility: Swelling, softening, or cracking due to fluid exposure.
Improper Sizing: Using an incorrect size leads to over-compression or inadequate sealing force.
Abrasion: Wear and tear from rough surface finishes or contaminated fluid.
Extrusion: The seal is forced into the gap between metal parts under high pressure.
Installation Damage: Nicks, cuts, or twists during assembly.
What is the difference between NBR and FKM materials?
NBR (Nitrile/Buna-N): A general-purpose, cost-effective material with excellent resistance to petroleum-based oils and fuels. It has a standard temperature range of -30°C to +100°C (-22°F to +212°F).
FKM (Fluoroelastomer/Viton®): A premium material with excellent resistance to high temperatures (up to 200°C+), chemicals, and oils. It is used in more severe environments but is more expensive than NBR.
What does "AS568" mean?
AS568 is the Aerospace Standard that defines the dimensions for over 360 standard O-ring sizes. It is the most widely accepted sizing system in North America and globally. An AS568 number (e.g., AS568-214) specifies a precise inside diameter and cross-section.
When should I use a spring-energized seal instead of a standard elastomeric seal?
Consider a spring-energized seal (e.g., GSF, SPN types) for demanding applications involving:
Extreme Temperatures (below -30°C or above +200°C)
Aggressive Chemicals that elastomers can't handle
Very Low Leakage or "Zero Leakage" requirements
Poor Lubricity or dry running conditions
The internal spring maintains constant sealing force, compensating for wear and system variables.
Can I reuse a seal?
We strongly recommend never reusing seals. Once compressed and used, a seal takes a "set" and its elastic properties are degraded. Reusing it almost always results in a leak. Always install a new seal during any maintenance or repair.
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