O-Ring Shelf Life


O-Ring Shelf Life and Rubber Elastomer Seal Storage Recommendations

When it comes to ensuring the longevity and reliability of O-rings and rubber seals, understanding shelf life and proper storage conditions is essential. Proper storage not only extends the usable life of elastomeric products but also guarantees optimal performance when needed. The following article summarizes key recommendations from SAE-ARP5316 and ISO 2230 for the shelf life and storage of O-rings and elastomeric seals.

Our warehouse for O-Rings is meticulously designed to ensure the highest level of care and quality preservation. We maintain a stable, controlled environment year-round, with the temperature carefully regulated at 72 degrees Fahrenheit, whether it's summer or winter. This consistent climate prevents fluctuations that could affect the material properties of our O-Rings, ensuring they remain in optimal condition.

To further protect our products, we avoid exposure to natural light, which can degrade rubber over time. Instead, our lighting is entirely artificial, reducing the risk of UV damage. Every O-Ring in our inventory is stored in a sealed container, which acts as a barrier against dust, dirt, and any airborne contaminants that could compromise their integrity.

We handle each O-Ring with the same care and attention you'd give to something precious. From the moment they arrive at our warehouse to the time they are shipped to customers, every step is taken with precision. Our employees understand that maintaining the quality of our O-Rings is crucial, and we take pride in knowing that each product reaches our customers in the exact condition it was meant to be.

This dedication to storage and handling ensures that when you receive your O-Rings, they perform exactly as expected—meeting the highest industry standards. We truly treat them like they're our own kids because we know how much they matter to your business operations.

Elastomer and O-Ring Shelf Life Recommendations

The shelf life of O-rings is largely dependent on the elastomer compound used. While there are generalized shelf life guidelines, actual longevity is more influenced by storage conditions than simply by time. Below is a summary of shelf life recommendations based on ASTM standards and SAE-ARP5316.

O-Ring CompoundASTMShelf Life
Aflas®FEPMUnlimited
Butyl Rubber, Isobutylene IsopreneIIR15 Years
Chloroprene (Neoprene®)CR15 Years
Ethylene Propylene (EPDM or EP)EPUnlimited
Fluorocarbon Viton® (FKM)FKMUnlimited
CV75 Extreme Chemical Resistant FluorocarbonETPUnlimited
FluorosiliconeFVMQUnlimited
Hydrogenated Nitrile (HNBR or HSN)HNBR15 Years
Buna-N (Nitrile or NBR)NBR15 Years
Perfluoroelastomer Simriz®FFKMUnlimited
Polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon®)PTFEN/A
Polyurethane (Polyester or Polyether Millable Gum)AU / EU5 Years
Urethane (Industrial Cast Polyurethane)EU5 + 5 Years*
SiliconeVMQUnlimited
Styrene Butadiene (Buna-S)SBR3 Years
Viton® (FKM)FKMUnlimited

*For Polyurethane, the life may be extended upon inspection.

Elastomer and O-Ring Expiration Date Calculation

Elastomer and O-ring shelf life is traditionally calculated based on old U.S. military specifications and modern SAE Aerospace recommendations. The cure date, often expressed in quarter-year units (e.g., 1Q20 for the first quarter of 2020), plays a key role in determining expiration dates. For example, a product manufactured in 4Q20 begins its shelf life on January 1, 2021 (1Q21). If it has a 3-year shelf life, it would expire at the start of 1Q24.

However, it’s important to note that shelf life is not an exact science. Like perishable goods, actual expiration can vary depending on storage conditions and handling practices. To accommodate customers' preferences, The O-Ring Store can label expiration dates based on customer request and their understanding of their storage environment.

Storage Recommendations for O-Rings and Rubber Seals

Proper storage is essential for ensuring the longevity of elastomers. Improper storage can lead to degradation, making seals brittle or unusable. The following are the industry’s best practices for storing O-rings:

  1. Avoid Stretching or Tension: Store O-rings without tension or hanging to prevent deformation.
  2. Prevent Compression: Store in a strain-free condition, avoiding any superimposed stresses.
  3. Dry Environment: Keep O-rings in a dry, contamination-free environment with less than 75% humidity.
  4. Controlled Temperature: Store at temperatures below 25°C (77°F) to avoid premature aging of the rubber.
  5. Protect from Light: O-rings should be shielded from direct sunlight and intense artificial light sources, especially those with UV content.
  6. Protect from Ozone: Keep storage areas free from ozone-generating devices like electrical equipment and avoid environments with high concentrations of combustion gases or organic vapors.
  7. Minimize Contact with Other Substances: Ensure O-rings do not come in contact with damaging liquids, semi-solids, or materials like metals that may degrade elastomers.

SAE-ARP5316 Shelf Life and Storage Recommendations

According to SAE-ARP5316, storage conditions significantly affect the shelf life of elastomeric seals. The following guidelines summarize these conditions:

  • Temperature: Storage temperature should not exceed 38°C (100°F), and O-rings should be kept away from direct heat sources.
  • Humidity: Condensation must be avoided. Relative humidity should remain below 75%, and for polyurethanes, below 65%.
  • Light: Elastomeric seals should be protected from light, particularly UV rays.
  • Radiation: Keep seals away from sources of ionizing radiation.
  • Ozone: Avoid storing seals in areas with ozone-generating equipment, such as electrical devices.
  • Deformation: O-rings should be stored without tensile or compressive stress, preferably in their original packaging.
  • Contact with Other Materials: Ensure O-rings are not exposed to liquids, metals, or dusting powders that may cause degradation.

ISO 2230: Rubber Products – Guidelines for Storage

ISO 2230 provides additional guidance on the storage of elastomer products:

  • Temperature: Should remain below 25°C, though temperatures below 15°C may cause stiffening, requiring careful handling.
  • Humidity: Relative humidity should be below 70%, with 65% recommended for polyurethanes.
  • Packaging: Use polyethylene-coated Kraft paper, aluminum foil, or other opaque materials to prevent distortion and moisture ingress.

These recommendations align closely with SAE-ARP5316 but provide additional considerations, especially for temperature extremes and packaging materials.

Final Thoughts

Following proper storage guidelines ensures the longevity and performance of O-rings and elastomeric seals. By adhering to industry standards like SAE-ARP5316 and ISO 2230, businesses can extend the useful life of their rubber seals, avoid premature degradation, and reduce maintenance costs.

At The O-Ring Store, we make it easy for our customers to maintain their O-rings in the best condition possible. With our deep industry knowledge and commitment to quality, we provide guidance on best practices for both storage and usage, ensuring you get the most out of your seals for years to come.

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1847 Wilma Dr, Clarkston WA 99403
Phone 208-413-6377 - Fax 208-413-6719