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Seal Types

Further discussion in this section and in the remainder of this ehandbook is based on specific types of O-rings and special applications. Definitions of commonly used terms connected with O-ring seals are provided in the glossary. These terms are common to the sealing industry.

Comparison of Common Seal Types

A number of common seal types, T-Seals, U-Cups, V-Packing and other devices, have been, and are still used for both dynamic and static seals. When compared with an O-ring, these other seal types may show one or more design disadvantages which might be overcome by use of an O-ring. As an aid in assessing the relative merits of an O-ring, the table below lists several of the important factors that must be considered in the selection of any effective seal geometry.

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    Crush Installation

    Crush installation is when an O-ring is crushed into a space having a cross-section different from that of a standard gland.
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    Reciprocating Seals

    In a reciprocating seal, there is relative reciprocating motion between the inner and outer elements.
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    Dovetail

    It is sometimes necessary to add a retention feature to a face seal gland.  The result is a dovetail and half-dovetail. 
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    Face

    A face seal uses the axial cross section, or face of the O-ring to seal.
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    Radial Male & Female

    A radial seal uses the radial cross section of the O-ring to seal around a piston.
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    Tube Fitting Boss Seal

    O-rings used as Boss Seals can withstand much higher application pressures because the threaded hardware mates to eliminate a clearance gap.
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Parker Hannifin
O-Ring & Engineered Seals
2360 Palumbo Drive
Lexington, KY 40509
Ph: 859-269-2351
Fax: 859-335-5128
oesmailbox@parker.com 
www.parkerorings.com