Seals for valves

Valve seals - a key element of installation tightness

Valve seals are small but extremely important elements of every hydraulic installation. In our daily practice, we see how often they are underestimated. Meanwhile, the tightness and reliability of the entire system depend on them. Selecting the right seals requires specialist knowledge and experience.

Onninen offers a wide selection of valve seals of various types and sizes. We have products from renowned brands, including our own brands: Onnline, Fxa and Opal. Each of them guarantees the highest quality and durability.

Types of valve seals - how to choose the right type?

Choosing the right valve seal depends on many factors. The key factors are:

• Type of medium flowing through the installation
• Operating temperature
• System pressure
• The material from which the valve is made
• Valve opening and closing frequency

Our experience shows that the most commonly used seals are rubber and Teflon. The former are suitable for water and gas installations. Teflon seals, on the other hand, cope perfectly with high temperatures and chemically aggressive media.

In the case of ball valves, O-ring seals are often used. They provide excellent tightness while maintaining ease of ball rotation. For globe valves, we recommend flat seals made of elastomers or synthetic fibers.

Valve seals - dimensions and technical parameters

Our offer includes gaskets of various diameters. The most frequently chosen are Fi-80mm gaskets and Fi-100mm gaskets. However, we have a much wider range, adapted to the needs of various installations.

When selecting valve seals, not only dimensions are crucial, but also technical parameters. Here are the most important ones:

• Hardness - measured on the Shore scale
• Temperature resistance
• Chemical resistance
• Compressive strength
• Flexibility

Recently, in a project for a large industrial plant, we faced the challenge of selecting seals for valves operating in extreme conditions. The temperature of the medium reached 200°C and the pressure 40 bar. In such a situation, standard solutions are not enough.

We decided to use special PTFE seals with added graphite. This material is characterized by exceptional resistance to high temperatures and aggressive chemicals. At the same time, it maintains flexibility, which is crucial for the proper functioning of the valve.

Valve Seals - Practical Installation Tips

Correct installation of valve seals is crucial to their effectiveness. Here are some tips we share with our customers:

1. Before assembly, thoroughly clean the sealing surfaces. Even minor contamination can affect the tightness of the connection.

2. The seal should be installed dry, without the use of additional lubricants. The exception are special assembly pastes designed for this purpose.

3. Do not over-tighten connections. Too much pressure can damage the seal and impair its properties.

4. In the case of O-ring seals, make sure they are positioned correctly in the groove. Twisting or creasing the O-ring will result in leaks.

5. Always use new elements when replacing seals. Reusing an old seal does not guarantee tightness.

In our daily practice, we often come across questions about the frequency of seal replacement. The answer depends on many factors, such as operating conditions, type of medium or frequency of valve use. Generally, we recommend preventive replacement of seals every 2-3 years.

It is worth remembering that the cost of a gasket is small compared to the potential losses resulting from failure. Therefore, regular inspection and replacement of these elements is an investment in the safety and reliability of the installation.

In the case of office reorganization, we most often encounter the need to modify existing installations. Replacing seals in valves is one of the key elements of such work. It allows the system to be adapted to new needs without having to replace the entire fittings.

Onninen recommends using seals from renowned manufacturers. They guarantee not only high quality, but also full technical documentation. This is particularly important in the case of industrial installations, where certificates and approvals are required.

Our technical team can help you choose the right valve seals for your specific application. Thanks to our many years of experience, we can advise you on the best solutions, taking into account the specifics of your installation.

We invite you to contact our specialists. We will help you select valve seals that will ensure long-term and trouble-free operation of your installation.