Rubber seals often operate in harsh environments, where they are exposed to extreme temperatures, aggressive chemicals, high pressures, and abrasive substances. Evaluating their performance in such conditions is crucial to ensure the reliability and safety of the systems they are part of. This article examines the challenges faced in evaluating rubber seal performance in harsh environments and the solutions available.
Extreme Temperatures
At high temperatures, rubber seals can experience a range of problems. The rubber may lose its elasticity, leading to a decrease in its sealing effectiveness. High temperatures can also accelerate the degradation of the rubber material, causing it to harden, crack, or lose its mechanical strength. At low temperatures, rubber seals may become brittle, losing their ability to deform and maintain a tight seal. Evaluating the performance of rubber seals across a wide temperature range requires specialized testing equipment and procedures.
Chemical Exposure
When exposed to aggressive chemicals, rubber seals can be subject to swelling, dissolution, or chemical reactions that alter their properties. Different chemicals can have varying effects on rubber materials. For example, some solvents may cause the rubber to swell, while strong acids or bases may degrade the rubber polymer chains. Evaluating the chemical resistance of rubber seals requires simulating the actual chemical environment they will encounter, which can be complex due to the variety of chemicals and their possible interactions.
