O-Ring Basics | English

O-Ring Basics
Everything about O-ring seals

COG .de/en
For our customers’
­advantage
The world’s largest O‑ring warehouse

COG is your independent manufacturer and leading

supplier of precision O‑rings and elastomer seals. As
an owner-managed family business now in its fifth
generation, we draw on more than 150 years’ exper-
tise. Because only with in-depth knowledge of the
subject can we respond to our customers’ complex
requirements – and satisfy you with our solutions.

Our dialogue with you forms our central focus. Your

wishes and challenges provide our impetus. At the
same time, our experience in the development and
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able to offer you proven products in dependable
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More than 270 employees are committed to this

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facture of the smallest series also forms part of our
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your requirements.

There’s always lots involved. We will assist in your

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expertise.

Please visit our website

www.cog.de/en for more
Jan Metzger Ingo Metzger
information or contact our
Managing Director Managing Director sealing experts directly.
COG at a glance
Founded in 1867 in Pinneberg, near Hamburg Our own mixing and compound development
Owner managed family business employing facilities
over 270 staff Our own toolshop
Supplier and independent manufacturer of COG’s technology centre for material development
O-rings and precision seals Quality management to DIN EN ISO 9001
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items kept in stock for immediate delivery) Climate-neutral business operations according to
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Sustainability plays an important role
O‑ring dimensions
at COG:
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of raw materials
successfully on minimizing the environmental
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impact and were one of the first companies
­materials, including among others DVGW,
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business operation” certification in 2020.
FDA, USP, 3-A Sanitary Standard, BfR, NSF/ANSI
and many more

Content
O‑ring description / Manufacturing processes.......4 Trapezoidal groove / Triangular groove.................. 25
Elastomers / Sealing material.......................................5 O-ring installation types / Installation angels........ 26
Rubber nomenclature / Trade names.........................6 PTFE O-rings................................................................ 28
O-ring sealing effect......................................................8 FEP- and PFA-coated O-rings................................... 29
Hardness...........................................................................9 Surface roughness....................................................... 30
Pressure loading........................................................... 10 Surface treatment / ”LABS-free“ O‑rings............... 31
Operating temperatures............................................. 11 Back-up rings ............................................................... 32
Media resistance.......................................................... 12 Endless vulcanisation / Glue / Vulcanised joints.... 36
Groove geometry for installation spaces............... 13 O-ring storage.............................................................. 37
Definition of installation types................................. 14 Chemical resistance list.............................................. 38
Piston seal ..................................................................... 15 Certifications / Approvals.......................................... 50
Rod seal.......................................................................... 18 ISO 3601 / Permissible deviations........................... 52
Flange seal..................................................................... 22 Index of key words...................................................... 54
 General
Manufacturing processes
Generally there are two different manufacturing
processes for the production of elastomer O-rings
possible:
Compression moulding process
(Compression moulding = CM process)
Injection moulding process
(Injection moulding = IM process)

Compression process
Slug

An O-ring seal is a means of preventing unwanted

leakage or loss of fluid or gas (i. e. media generally).
Open mould Closed mould

The O-ring is the most popular form of seal as it is

In CM the slug is manually inserted in the tool
simple to install and needs little installation space.
(mould) before the two mould halves consisting of
Given correct grooving and material choice, the
an upper and a lower part are closed. As this pro-
seal can be used for a very long time within the
cess is very time-consuming, it is primarily suitable
rubber's temperature limits both as a fixed and as
for manufacturing smaller quantities and larger
a moving part.
dimensions.

Injection process

Heating system
Description
An O-ring is a closed circle usually made of flexible
rubber (elastomer). The dimensions are defined by
the inside diameter d1 and the cross-section d2. Worm

Open mould Injection process

O‑ring-sizing

In IM the slug is automatically injected into the

tool, which contains several O‑ring cavities. This
process is particularly suitable for large quantities
ø d1
d2 and small dimensions.

O-rings are gaplessly and seamlessly made of

various types of caoutchouc in heated injection
or press moulds by vulcanisation (cross-linking).

4 O-RING DESCRIPTION / MANUFACTURING PROCESSES

Elastomers / rubber Materials
Elastomers are polymers whose macro­molecules Technical rubber materials are structured on the
have been linked with one another to form a basis of a formula. In terms of chemical resistance,
network with cross-connections. As a result they the polymer is the weakest link of the different
show the typical rubbery and elastic properties. constituent components as compared with the
The raw, non-networked product is called rubber media to be sealed off.
(caoutchouc), and is either obtained from plants
that yield the substance or produced synthetically. The choice of the right sealing material is often
hence restricted to basic polymer(s). In practice,
other influences, such as the type of cross-linking,
the quantity of softener(s) used and the type of
filler employed may be of significance due to the
recipe used. Polymer tolerability alone is hence
no guarantee of a reliable seal but is a major
precondition.

Constituent components of a sample formula

Picture of rubber (caoutchouc) macromolecules
for NBR rubber

Vulcanisation results in the networking of the Ingredient

Quantity Contigent
in phr in %
macromolecules – that is to say, the formation of
Rubber
chemical cross-links between the polymer chains. (polymer)
100.0 39.0
This has the effect that following the termination Filler materails
90.0 35.1
of an enforced change of form, elastomers will (soot)

return to their original shape. Softener

50.0 19.4
(mineral oil)

Processing aids 3.0 1.2

Ageing prevention media 4.0 1.5

Cross-linking media
2.0 0.8
(sulphur)
Activator
1.7 0.7
(organic product)
Dispersant
2.0 0.8
(stearic acid)
Cross-linking activator
4.0 1.5
Picture of rubber macromolecules (cross-linked) (zinc oxide)
total 256.7 100.0

The components of a formula are

generally given in phr (parts per
hundred rubber). This is the number
of parts of filler material in relation
to 100 parts of rubber (polymer).

ELASTOMERS / SEALING MATERIAL 5

 Rubber nomenclature

The synthesis rubbers are classified per IS0 1629

or ASTM D 1418. Rubbers in solid form are
classified in the following groups according to
the chemical composition of their polymer chain.

Overview of the major rubber types

Group Chemical name DIN ISO 1629 ASTM D 1418 COG no.

M Polyacrylate rubber ACM ACM AC …

M Chlorpolyethylene rubber CM CM --

M Ethylene acrylate rubber AEM AEM --

M Chlorsulphurated-polyethylene rubber CSM CSM --

M Ethylene-propylene rubber EPM EPM EP …

M Ethylene-propylene-(dien) rubber EPDM EPDM AP ...

BF …
FKM FKM HF …
LT …
M Fluoride rubber Vi …

AF…
FEPM FEPM
Vi …
COG Resist®
M Perfluor rubber FFKM FFKM
Perlast ®

O Epichlorhydrine rubber CO CO --

O Epichlorhydrine-copolymer rubber ECO ECO --

R Butadine rubber BR BR --

R Chloroprene rubber CR CR NE …

R Isobutene-isopropene rubber IIR IIR BT ...

R Isopropene rubber IR IR --

R Acrylnitrile-butadine rubber NBR NBR P ...

R Hydrated acrylnitrile-butadiene rubber HNBR HNBR HNBR ...

R Natural-rubber NR NR K ...

R Styrol-butadine rubber SBR SBR --

Q Fluor-vinyl-methyl-silicone rubber FVMQ FVMQ Si … FL

Q Phenyl-vinyl-methyl-silicone rubber PVMQ PVMQ Si …

Q Vinyl-methyl rubber VMQ VMQ Si …

COG VarioPur®
U Polyesterurethane rubber AU AU
PU …

U Polyetherurethane rubber EU EU EU ...

6 RUBBER NOMENCLATURE
The most common rubbers
with trade names
The table below provides an overview of some
selected rubbers from which elastomer sealing A list of the resistances of different types
materials are made with their abbreviations and of rubber can be found on page 38.
a selection of trade names.

Basic rubber Abbrevation Trade name (selection)

Acrylnitrile-butadiene rubber NBR Perbunan®, Europrene N®, Krynac®

Styrol-butadiene rubber SBR Europrene®, Buna-S®

Hydrated acrylnitrile-butadiene rubber HNBR Therban®, Zetpol®

Chloroprene rubber CR Neoprene®

Acrylate rubber ACM Nipol AR®, HyTemp®

Ethylene acrylate rubber AEM Vamac®

FKM VitonTM, Dai-El®, Tecnoflon®

Fluoro rubber
FEPM VitonTM ExtremeTM, Aflas®

Perfluoro rubber FFKM COG Resist ®, Perlast ®, Kalrez®, Chemraz®

Silicone rubber VMQ Elastosil®, Silopren®

Fluor-silicone rubber FVMQ Silastic®

Polyethane rubber AU/EU COG VarioPur ®, Urepan®, Adiprene®

Ethylene-propylene-(dien) rubber EPM, EPDM Buna EP®, Dutral®, NordelTM

Epichlorhydrine rubber ECO Hydrin®

Polyisoprene rubber IR Natsyn®

Overview of some types of rubber (incomplete list)

COG Resist® is a registered trademark of C. Otto Gehrckens GmbH & Co. KG.
COG VarioPur® is a registered trademark of C. Otto Gehrckens GmbH & Co. KG.
Perbunan®, Baypren®, Krynac®, Therban® and Buna-S® are registered trademarks of Lanxess Deutschland GmbH.
Europrene® N, Europrene® SBR and Dutral® are registered trademarks of Polimeri Europa GmbH.
Nipol AR ®, Zetpol®, HyTemp® and Hydrin® are registered trademarks of Zeon Chemicals L.P.
NordelTM is a registered trademark of The Dow Chemical Company.
Elastosil® is a registered trademark of Wacker Chemie GmbH.
Silastic®is a registered trademark of Dow Corning GmbH Deutschland.
Viton™ and Viton™ Extreme™ are registered trademarks of The Chemours Company FC, LLC.
Vamac® and Kalrez® are registered trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.
Dai-El® is a registered trademark of Daikin Industries, Ltd.
Tecnoflon® is a registered trademark of Solvay Solexis S.p.A.
Aflas® is a registered trademark of Asahi Glass Co. Ltd.
Perlast® is a registered trademark of Precision Polymer Engineering Ltd.
Urepan® is a registered trademark of Rhein Chemie GmbH.
Adipren®is a registered trademark of Chemtura Corporation.
Natsyn® is a registered trademark of The Goodyear Tyre and Rubber Company.
Chemraz® is a registered trademark of Greene Tweed.

RUBBER TRADE NAMES 7

 How they work

Compressed O-ring in installation space Compressed O-ring in installation space

without pressure under pressure

Groove base Surface pressure Surface pressure

Pressure
direction

Seal area

Pressure distribution

The seal effect of the O-ring is created by the If the medium to be sealed is under pressure then
elastic deformation of its cross-section (d2) in an additional pressure is exerted on the O-ring,
appropriately designed installation space or slot. which is beneficial to the seal and increases its
This means that the circular cross-section is de- effectiveness (surface pressure increases).
formed to become elliptical, which closes the gaps
between the contact surfaces and at the ground The pressure pushes the O-ring against the groove
of the groove. This generates a surface compres- flank opposite the source of the pressure. The
sion which is essential if the insulating effect is to seal gap should be as small as possible to prevent
be achieved. the ring from being pressed into it. In radial seals
there should be a tolerance pairing of H8/f7, in
The scale of the deformation of the O-ring diame- axial seals H11/h11.
ter is essentially dependent on the groove depth t.
This deformation is generally stated in the form of If not, or if higher pressures are anticipated, then
a compression percentage, and is shown on the material(s) chosen should ensure maximum
diagrams. possible O-ring hardness. Otherwise the extrusion
may occur and the O-ring might be destroyed.
The compression factor is stated as the percent-
age by which the cross-section d2 is reduced
when compressed in its installed state. While the
compression percentage remains the same, the
deformation forces increase as the cross-section The cross-section d2 must
(d2) increases. To balance this out, as d2 increases always exceed the depth
the compression percentage is correspondingly of the installation space.
reduced.

8 O-RING SEALING EFFECT

Hardness

Hardness measurement in Shore A Hardness measurement in °IRHD

Pressure direction

Pressure direction

Penetrator /
test materials

Penetrator /
test materials

Hardness is the resistance of a body to penetra- The picture above left shows the penetrating body
tion by a harder body of a specific shape at a (a pyramid stump) for hardness measurement in
specific pressure over a specific time. Shore A (DIN ISO 48-4). This test method is only
suitable for measuring hardness on flat test materi-
It is measured in Shore or °IRHD (International als. The picture above right shows the penetrat-
Rubber Hardness Degree). Comparable values ing body (a sphere) for hardness measurement in
are determined using standard samples and given °IRHD (DIN ISO 48-2 CM method).
in Shore A units. For measurements on finished
products °IRHD is usual. Hardness values of fin- Hardness must be adjusted to e. g. pressure load.
ished products deviate from those of standard The softer the elastomer the easier it is deformed
samples as their thickness, curved surface or under pressure and pressed into the gap to be
values measured at the edges are not comparable sealed. On the other side softer elastomers seal at
and the metrology procedures differ. low pressures and between uneven surfaces due
to its greater flexibility.

With a cross-section of ≤ 1.6 mm,

measurements of the hardness of
the O-ring are no longer meaningful.

HARDNESS 9
 Pressure loading

O-ring behaviour under pressure Extruded O-ring

g Pressure Pressure
direction direction

The extrusion angle is largely determined by the Excessive gaps can cause elastomer destruction
gap size g between the parts of the machinery. by extrusion (gap extrusion). O-rings of 90 Shore A
The clearance depends on process, manufactur- hardness permit slightly larger gaps than standard-
ing method, tolerances influencing clearance, the O-rings of 70 Shore A. The table of guide values
breathing of the parts under pressure and so on. below of gap sizes for standard elastomers are
The gap should be as small as possible. maximum values if the components are centred.

Cross-section d2 up to 2 2.01 – 3 3.01 – 5 5.01 – 7 over 7.01

O‑ring hardness 70 Shore A

Pressure (bar) Gap g

≤ 35 0.08 0.09 0.10 0.13 0.15

≤ 70 0.05 0.07 0.08 0.09 0.10

≤ 100 0.03 0.04 0.05 0.07 0.08

O‑ring hardness 90 Shore A

Pressure (bar) Gap g

≤ 35 0.13 0.15 0.20 0.23 0.25

≤ 70 0.10 0.13 0.15 0.18 0.20

≤ 100 0.07 0.09 0.10 0.13 0.15

≤ 140 0.05 0.07 0.08 0.09 0.10

≤ 175 0.04 0.05 0.07 0.08 0.09

≤ 210 0.03 0.04 0.05 0.07 0.08

≤ 350 0.02 0.03 0.03 0.04 0.04

All details are based upon experience values and to be considered solely as guidelines. All measurements in mm.

At high pressure, we recommend the use of a back-up ring (see page 34).

10 PRESSURE LOADING
Thermal characteristics

The operating temperature depends

on the media to be sealed. 100 °C air
temperature resistance in an O-ring
is hence not the same as 100 °C oil
resistance.

Extreme thermal stress on an O-ring

Elastomers display optimal characteristics over a Elastomer operating

wide temperature range and have a long service
life. Depending on the type of rubber used, there
temperatures
are two temperature ranges in which this is not The permissible temperature range depends on
the case. the material(s) used. It is important to differentiate
between permanent temperature (constant or op-
Below a specific temperature – known as the erating temperature) and temporary temperature
glass transition temperature – elastomers lose (peak temperature).
their elasticity and mechanical stress resistance.
This process is reversible, i. e. after rewarming the
original characteristics return. The upper tempera‑
ture limit is determined by the influencing media.
Permanently exceeding this upper limit leads to
destruction of the elastomer and is irreversible.

Temperature ranges of various elastomer materials

(medium: air)

NBR Operating duration

of 1.000 hours
HNBR
Only achievable with
FKM
special working materials
EPDM under certain conditions

EPM

VMQ

AU/EU

CR

FFKM

Temperature in ˚C

OPERATING TEMPERATURES 11
 Elastomer media resistance

A list of the resistances

of different types of
rubber can be found
on page 38 et seq.

Physical processes Chemical aggression

An elastomer’s resistance to the various surround- Chemical attacks split the polymer chain, leading
ing media it comes into contact with is of central to destruction of the elastomer. This makes the
importance, as this contact can lead to severe material hard and brittle and it loses its elastic
changes in the elastomer material. properties.

These processes primarily lead to volume change Details of chemical resistance can be found either
(swelling or shrinking) of an elastomer in a medium. in the materials specifications, the relevant litera-
An elastomer can soak up a medium and swell ture or resistance lists (e. g. COG resistance list).
causing its technical properties to change (e. g. Chemical aggression must also be avoided at all
lowered tear resistance or hardness). This doesn't costs.
mean the seal ceases to function. However, exces-
sive swelling may lead to the installation space
(groove) being overfilled and the O-ring being
Chemical aggression and physical
mechanically destroyed. Details of swelling values
shrinkage of an O-ring must always
can be found in relevant literature, resistance list or
be avoided.
determined with practical experimentation, which
is a better option. Please contact us for information.

Elastomer shrinkage is due to mixture ingredients

(e. g. softener) being separated out of the medium
(e. g. mineral oil). This may lead to the seal pressure
becoming too low or non-existent and result in
leakage. This must be avoided at all costs.

Illustration of
chemical aggression on an O-ring

12 MEDIA RESISTANCE
Groove geometry for
O-ring installation spaces

Illustration of a typical rectangular groove Key:

t = groove depth
°
20

b= groove width
o
°t
15

h= height of the installation space

g
C
g= size of gap to be sealed
A P= media pressure
P
A= opposing surface
t
B h

B= groove flank surfaces and

groove base
C= surface of the insertion angle
r2

r1

r1 = radius in the base of the groove

b
r2 = radius on the upper edge of the groove

O-rings must be laid in purpose-made grooves if Determining groove width (b)

they are to seal properly. These installation spaces
are usually made with a rotary chisel in a shaft or Groove width (b) is determined by the O-ring
drill hole, or with a milling machine in a workpiece. cross-section (d2) and the elliptical shape after
Groove geometry is usually rectangular. compression plus a free space in which the
medium can enter to guarantee even pressure
The illustration above shows a typical rectangular on the seal.
groove with dimensions as recommended in the
relevant standards. The main objective when selecting a size for the
groove width is to avoid groove overfill. It is there-
fore usually assumed when designing the groove
Determining groove depth (t) that the O-ring should fill it by up to 85 % so that
there is space for expansion (swelling, thermal
The relationship of the O-ring cross-section (d2)
extension), if needed.
to the groove depth (t) determines the initial
compression. The choice of groove depth depends
on its intended use. In static use initial compression
should be between 15 and 30 %. In dynamic use a
greater groove depth and hence lower compression The groove depth has a decisive
should be chosen, usually between 6 and 20 %. effect on O-ring pressure.

The groove width needs to be

adapted to a possible volume
increase of the O-ring.

GROOVE GEOMETRY 13
 Definition of installation types
There are various O-ring installation options. Basically one differentiates according to the direction of
deformation of the O‑ring cross-section, according to radial and axial deformation.

A differentiation is also made between radial

deformation "external seal" (internal groove,
piston seal) and "internal seal" (external groove,
rod seal).

Most O-rings are statically stressed seals. If

the seal is between machinery parts that move
towards to each other then the seal is dynamic.
O-rings only present a technically optimal
solution for dynamic seals in exceptional cases.

O-ring installation types

Flange seal: Rod seal:
The groove is in the flange and is screwed down The groove is on the exterior which is
by a cover plate. called a rod seal.

Flange seals / axial sealing Rod seals / radial sealing

Piston seal:
The groove is on the interior, which is called Furthermore, special conditions sometimes
a piston seal. mean that special installation types can also
be necessary, such as trapezoidal or triangular
grooves.

For more information on trapezoidal

and triangular grooves, see page 25.

Piston seals / radial sealing

14 INSTALLATION TYPES
Radial, static or dynamic installation
external seal (piston seal)

Illustration of the installation space in 0° to 5°

a radial piston seal
r2

15° to 20°

r1
ø d4 ø d3 ø d9

t g

Edges broken free of

chatter marks
z
b

The diagram above shows a radial, static or

Designation Tolerance Explanation
dynamic installation of an O-ring in a piston seal.
This seal type is preferable in radial installation. Width of the O-ring installation
b + 0.25
space (groove width)

The table on the right provides more details d3 h11

Inside diameter of the installation
space (groove base diameter)
about the names and installation spaces as well
as the O-ring. d4 H8 Drill hole diameter

d9 f7 Piston diameter (shaft diameter)

g Gap size

± 0.1 ...
r1 Radius in the base of the groove
0.2

Further information about piston seals r2 ± 0.1

Radius on the upper edge
of the groove
can be found on page 16 and 17.
Radial depth of the installation
t
space (groove depth)

Length of installation angle

z
( > d2 / 2 ), please see table page 27

INSTALLATION TYPE PISTON SEAL 15

 PISTON SEAL (CONTINUED)

O-ring installation sizes in a radial piston seal

The following table shows a selection of installation dimensions dependant on cross-section d2.

t
d2 b r1 r2 zmin
static dynamic

1.00 1.58 0.70 0.75 0.30 0.1 0.62

1.50 2.19 1.05 1.15 0.30 0.1 0.92

1.78 2.53 1.30 1.40 0.30 0.1 1.10

2.00 2.78 1.50 1.60 0.30 0.1 1.15

2.50 3.37 1.90 2.00 0.30 0.1 1.43

2.62 3.51 2.00 2.10 0.30 0.1 1.50

3.00 3.98 2.30 2.40 0.60 0.2 1.53

3.53 4.67 2.70 2.80 0.60 0.2 1.80

4.00 5.23 3.10 3.30 0.60 0.2 2.03

4.50 5.90 3.50 3.80 0.60 0.2 2.28

5.00 6.48 3.90 4.30 0.60 0.2 2.53

5.33 6.86 4.20 4.60 0.60 0.2 2.70

5.50 7.05 4.40 4.80 1.00 0.2 2.83

6.00 7.59 4.80 5.20 1.00 0.2 3.09

6.50 8.17 5.30 5.60 1.00 0.2 3.35

6.99 8.68 5.80 6.00 1.00 0.2 3.60

7.50 9.29 6.30 6.50 1.00 0.2 3.86

8.00 9.88 6.80 7.00 1.00 0.2 4.12

9.00 11.14 7.70 7.90 1.00 0.2 4.64

10.00 12.38 8.60 8.80 1.00 0.2 5.15

Please note: The values given in the table are only indications and are intended as approximate guidelines. Users are strongly advised to check these
values for every specific situation (e. g. by repeated testing). In particular, the contact with the media to be sealed, the temperature at the time of use
and the installation conditions may lead to deviations from the values given above. All measurements in mm.

Strictly speaking the table values only apply to The values are calculated based on a possible
NBR O-rings with a hardness of 70 Shore A. swelling of up to 15 %. If there is less swelling then
However, experience shows that they can be used the groove width can be reduced accordingly.
for other materials and hardnesses although the
groove depth may need adjusting.

16 INSTALLATION TYPE PISTON SEAL

Determining the inside diameter d1
In static or dynamic radial external O-ring seals This means that the O-ring should be installed
the inside diameter d1 must be approximately slightly stretched.
1–6 % smaller than the groove base diameter d3.

Compression in radial seals (piston seal)

The diagrams below show the permissible ranges of O-ring compression depending
on cross-section d2.

Dynamic seal compression Static seal compression

VP VP

VP in %, d2 in mm VP in %, d2 in mm

d2 d2

Compression diagram for a hydraulic Compression diagram for a hydraulic

dynamic application static application

INSTALLATION TYPE PISTON SEAL 17

 Radial, static or dynamic installation,
internal seal (rod seal)

0° to 5°

r1

t
15° to 20°
This figure shows the schematic
cross-sectional view of the
installation space for the r2
application case of the radial ø d5 ø d10 ø d6
static resp. dynamic installation
g
of the O-ring in a rod seal.

Edges broken free b

of chatter marks

The following table provides more details about the names and installation spaces as well as the O-ring.

Designation Tolerance Explanation

d10 H8 Drill hole diameter

d5 f7 Rod diameter

d6 H11 External diameter of the installation space (groove base diameter)

b + 0.25 Width of the O-ring installation space (groove width)

g Gap size

t Radial depth of the installation space (groove depth)

r1 ± 0.1 ... 0.2 Radius in the base of the groove

r2 ± 0.1 Radius on the upper edge of the groove

z Length of installation angle ( > d2 / 2 ), please see table at page 27

Installation note: The

O-ring should be installed
slightly stretched.

18 INSTALLATION TYPE ROD SEAL

O-ring installation sizes in a static or dynamic radial rod seal
The following table shows a selection of installation dimensions dependant on cross-section d2.

t
d2 b r1 r2 zmin
static dynamic

1.00 1.58 0.70 0.75 0.30 0.1 0.62

1.50 2.19 1.05 1.15 0.30 0.1 0.92

1.78 2.53 1.30 1.40 0.30 0.1 1.10

2.00 2.78 1.50 1.60 0.30 0.1 1.15

2.50 3.37 1.90 2.00 0.30 0.1 1.43

2.62 3.51 2.00 2.10 0.30 0.1 1.50

3.00 3.98 2.30 2.40 0.60 0.2 1.53

3.53 4.67 2.70 2.80 0.60 0.2 1.80

4.00 5.23 3.10 3.30 0.60 0.2 2.03

4.50 5.90 3.50 3.80 0.60 0.2 2.28

5.00 6.48 3.90 4.30 0.60 0.2 2.53

5.33 6.86 4.20 4.60 0.60 0.2 2.70

5.50 7.05 4.40 4.80 1.00 0.2 2.83

6.00 7.59 4.80 5.20 1.00 0.2 3.09

6.50 8.17 5.30 5.60 1.00 0.2 3.35

6.99 8.68 5.80 6.00 1.00 0.2 3.60

7.50 9.29 6.30 6.50 1.00 0.2 3.86

8.00 9.88 6.80 7.00 1.00 0.2 4.12

9.00 11.14 7.70 7.90 1.00 0.2 4.64

10.00 12.38 8.60 8.80 1.00 0.2 5.15

Please note: The values given in the table are only indications and are intended as approximate guidelines. Users are strongly advised to check these
values for every specific situation (e. g. by repeated testing). In particular, the contact with the media to be sealed, the temperature at the time of use
and the installation conditions may lead to deviations from the values given above. All measurements in mm.

Strictly speaking the table values only apply to The values are calculated based on a possible
NBR O-rings with a hardness of 70 Shore A. swelling of up to 15 %. If there is less swelling then
However, experience shows that they can be used the groove width can be reduced accordingly.
for other materials and hardnesses although the
groove depth may need adjusting.

INSTALLATION TYPE ROD SEAL 19

 ROD SEAL (CONTINUED)

Compression in radial seals (rod seal)

The diagrams below show the permissible ranges of the O-ring compression depending on
cross-section d2.

Dynamic seal compression Static seal compression

VP VP
VP in %, d2 in mm VP in %, d2 in mm

d2 d2

Compression diagram for a hydraulic Compression diagram for a hydraulic

dynamic application static application

Determining the inside diameter d1

In the event of a dynamic radial internal seal, an If an O-ring is fitted stretched, the tension in-
O-ring must be chosen whose external diameter creases as a result of this effect, which in turn
(d1 + 2d2) is approximately 1–3 % greater than the increases friction. The result is that material wear
external diameter of the installation space d6. also increases.

The reason for this recommendation is the so- To counter this effect, O-rings in dynamic rod seals
called Gough-Joule effect. Elastomer materials should always be fitted slightly compressed with a
have a tendency to contract when under tension. maximum elongation of approx. 6 %.

20 INSTALLATION TYPE ROD SEAL

3D representation of a hydraulic cylinder
including rod seals and piston seals.

INSTALLATION TYPE ROD SEAL 21

 Axial, static installation
(flange seal)

Illustration of the installation space

of an axial seal
This adjoining figure shows the schematic

t
r2
r1 cross-sectional view of the installation
space for the application case of the axial
b4 flange seal.
ø d8
ø d7

The following table provides more details about

the names and installation spaces as well as the
O-ring.

Designation Tolerance Explanation

d7 H11 External axial diameter

d8 h11 Internal axial diameters

b4 + 0.20 With of the O-ring

installation space
(groove width)
t + 0.1 Radial depth of the
installation space
(groove depth)
r1 ± 0.1... 0.2 Radius in the base of the
groove
r2 ± 0.1 Radius on the upper edge of
the groove

Illustration of a flange seal application

In axial static installations the pres-

sure direction should be considered
when selecting the O-ring.

22 INSTALLATION TYPE FLANGE SEAL

O-ring installation dimensions in an axial flange seal
The following table shows a selection of installation dimensions dependant on cross-section d2.

d2 b4 t r1 r2

1.00 1.90 0.70 0.30 0.1

1.50 2.80 1.10 0.30 0.1

1.78 3.20 1.30 0.30 0.1

2.00 3.40 1.50 0.30 0.1

2.50 3.90 1.90 0.30 0.1

2.62 4.00 2.00 0.30 0.1

3.00 4.60 2.30 0.60 0.2

3.53 5.30 2.70 0.60 0.2

4.00 6.00 3.10 0.60 0.2

4.50 6.50 3.50 0.60 0.2

5.00 7.40 3.90 0.60 0.2

5.33 7.60 4.20 0.60 0.2

5.50 7.60 4.40 1.00 0.2

6.00 8.00 4.80 1.00 0.2

6.50 8.40 5.30 1.00 0.2

6.99 8.70 5.70 1.00 0.2

7.50 9.50 6.20 1.00 0.2

8.00 9.80 6.70 1.00 0.2

9.00 11.10 7.60 1.00 0.2

10.00 12.20 8.60 1.00 0.2

Please note: The values given in the table are only indications and are intended as approximate guidelines. Users are strongly advised to check these
values for every specific situation (e. g. by repeated testing). In particular, the contact with the media to be sealed, the temperature at the time of use
and the installation conditions may lead to deviations from the values given above. All measurements in mm.

Strictly speaking the table values only apply to The values are calculated based on a possible
NBR O-rings with a hardness of 70 Shore A. swelling of up to 15 %. If there is less swelling then
However, experience shows that they can be the groove width can be reduced accordingly.
used for other materials and hardnesses although
the groove depth may need adjusting.

INSTALLATION TYPE FLANGE SEAL 23

 FLANGE SEAL (CONTINUED)

Determining inside diameter given Determining inside diameter given

internal pressure external pressure
In installations with internal pressure the external In installations with external pressure the inside
diameter of the O-ring (d1 + 2d2) should be on diameter d1 of the O-ring should be on a par with
a par with the external groove diameter d7. This the internal groove diameter d8. This means that
means that the O-rings are installed slightly com- the O-rings are installed slightly stretched and
pressed and should hence have a similar external should hence have a similar internal diameter to
diameter to that of the installation space d7. that of the installation space d8.

Flange seal – internal pressure Flange seal – external pressure

ø d7
b4 ø d8
b4

t Internal t r2
pressure

r1

r2 r1 External
pressure

Observe pressure direction!

VP
Compression in axial, static seals
VP in %, d2 in mm
(flange seal)
The diagram opposite shows the compression
permissible range of O-ring compression dependant
on the cross-section d2.

d2

Verpressungsdiagramm einer hydraulischen axialen Anwendung

Compression diagram for a hydraulic
axial application

24 INSIDE DIAMETER FLANGE SEALS

Trapezoidal groove Triangular groove
A trapezoidal groove is used if the O-ring must This groove shape is used in flange and cover seals.
be held during installation or when starting and In this type of installation space the O-ring has
stopping tools and machinery, or if, as a result of contact on three sides. However, a defined O-ring
the flow, vacuums occur which press the seal out contact pressure is not guaranteed. The manufac-
of the groove. We recommend this method only turing can also present difficulties as the tolerances
when cross-section d2 ≥ 2.5 mm. To make installa- specified are difficult to meet and the seal function
tion into the trapezoidal groove easier, O-rings are can not always be ensured. The groove offers little
usually fitted slightly elongated. The circumference space for any swelling of the O-ring.
of the inner diameter should be 3 % to 6 % smaller
than the circumferential inside edge of the groove. If this groove shape is unavoidable then the
We also recommend using a dismantling groove. dimensions and tolerances in the following table
should be adhered to. The O-ring cross-section d2
should exceed 3 mm if at all possible.
Groove width (b) in trapezoidal grooves is
measured at the edges before deburring. The
b
radius r2 must be such that the O-ring is not
damaged during installation in the groove and
there is no gap extrusion at high pressure.

b
45°
ød
d = d1 + d2

t
r2

r1

48°
Triangular groove installation dimensions

Trapezoidal groove installation dimensions d2 b

1.78 2.40 + 0.10
d2 b ± 0.05 t ± 0.05 r2 r1 2.00 2.70 + 0.10
2.50 2.30 2.00 0.25 0.40 2.50 3.40 + 0.15
2.62 2.40 2.10 0.25 0.40 2.62 3.50 + 0.15
3.00 2.70 2.40 0.25 0.40 3.00 4.00 + 0.20
3.55 3.20 2.80 0.25 0.80 3.53 4.70 + 0.20
4.00 3.70 3.10 0.25 0.80 4.00 5.40 + 0.20
5.00 4.40 4.00 0.25 0.80 5.00 6.70 + 0.25
5.33 4.80 4.20 0.40 0.80 5.33 7.10 + 0.25
6.00 5.50 4.80 0.40 0.80 6.00 8.00 + 0.30
7.00 6.50 5.60 0.40 1.60 6.99 9.40 + 0.30
8.00 7.50 6.50 0.40 1.60 8.00 10.80 + 0.30
9.00 8.50 7.20 0.40 1.60 8.40 11.30 + 0.30
10.00 9.50 8.60 0.40 1.60 10.00 13.60 + 0.35
Note: These are orientation values, which must be verified in advance for the specific application (e.g. through trials). Above all, the contact with
media to be sealed, application temperature and installation conditions can lead to deviations. All measurements in mm.

TRAPEZOIDAL GROOVE / TRIANGULAR GROOVE 25

 O-ring installation types

The primary installation tips at a glance:

Never pull O-rings over sharp edges Short-term expansion of the O-ring's inside
diameter by as much as 20 % is permissible for
There must not be any dirt or residue in the
installation purposes. (Exceptions are those with
groove or on the O-ring
small cord sizes less than 1.5 mm and elastomers
Avoid any potential confusion with other whose hardness is greater than 80 °IRHD.)
O-rings (see colour coding if present)
Never use adhesive on an O-ring
(possible hardening)
Do not go over drill holes

Whenever possible use installation grease/oil.

But the material must be resistance against
the grease (e. g. do not use mineral oil/Vaseline
with EPDM!)
Detergents/cleansers must be checked for
O-ring compatibility
Do not use any hard or sharp-edged tools.

O -rings must never sit in threads or thread runs.

26 O-RING INSTALLATION
Installation angles
To avoid O-ring damage during installation
installation angles for drill holes and shafts
must be considered during the design stage.

Installation angle for piston seals Installation angle for rod seals
z

Installation 15° to 20°

direction

Installation z
direction

15° to 20°

The table below shows the minimum lengths of

the installation angle for piston and rod seals O-rings are very sensitive to sharp
dependant on cross-section d2. edges. All edges over which the
O-ring is to be pulled or against
Minimum installation angle lengths which it will press must therefore be
rounded or deburred. This is a major
d2 z at 15° z at 20° condition for safe installation.

to 1.80 2.5 2.0

1.81 – 2.62 3.0 2.5

2.63 – 3.53 3.5 3.0

3.54 – 5.33 4.0 3.5

5.34 – 7.00 5.0 4.0

over 7.01 6.0 4.5

All measurements in mm.

O-RING INSTALLATION / INSTALLATION ANGLES 27

 Installation space
for PTFE O-rings
O-rings made from thermoplastic PTFE material Illustration of an installation space for
are not form-compressed but manufactured under PTFE O-rings
tension and differ in this fact from elastomer The following diagram shows the installation
O-rings. They can hence be made in any size. space for static axial installation.

b
PTFE O-rings have little elasticity. The O-rings
used should hence have dimensions identical to
the nominal dimensions to be sealed. Installation
t
ought preferably to be in axially easily accessible
r1
grooves.

Installation dimensions Designations of the installation space

for PTFE O-rings and of the O-ring

d2 b + 0.1 t + 0.05 r1 Designation Explanation

1.00 1.20 0.85 0.2 b Width of the O-ring installation space

(groove width)
1.50 1.70 1.30 0.2
d2 Cross-section
1.80 2.00 1.60 0.4
r2 Radius at the base of the
installation space
2.00 2.20 1.80 0.5
t Radial depth of the installation space
2.50 2.80 2.25 0.5 (groove depth)

2.65 2.90 2.35 0.6

3.00 3.30 2.70 0.8

3.55 3.90 3.15 1.0

4.00 4.40 3.60 1.0

5.00 5.50 4.50 1.0

5.30 5.90 4.80 1.2

6.00 6.60 5.60 1.2

7.00 7.70 6.30 1.5

8.00 8.80 7.20 1.5

All measurements in mm.

The table above shows a selection of dimensions

for groove width (b) and depth (t) dependant on
cross-section d2.

28 PTFE-O-RINGS
Installation space for
FEP- and PFA-coated O-rings
FEP-coated O-rings PFA-coated O-rings
FEP-coated O-rings offer the best of both worlds. For the very highest temperatures: As well as
Very high resistance to the widest range of media FEP coatings, COG also offers PFA coating. PFA
and at the same time good elasticity. This is be- possesses virtually the same chemical resistance
cause of these O-rings’ two-component system. and the same properties as PTFE. However, PFA-
FEP-coated O-rings have an elastic core made from coated O-rings can be used at higher tempera-
FKM or silicone (VMQ). The respective elastic tures than FEP-coated O-rings, while their low
core is seamlessly coated all around with a thin temperature flexibility is the same.
covering of FEP. While the O-ring’s core provides
the necessary elasticity, the FEP coating is resist-
ant to chemical media.

Installation spaces for FEP- and PFA-coated

O-rings
The following table shows a selection of
dimensions for groove width (b) and depth (t)
on cross-section d2.

cross-section d2 groove depth t groove width b

1.78 1.30 2.30

2.62 2.00 3.40

3.53 2.75 4.50

5.33 4.30 6.90

7.00 5.85 9.10

All measurements in mm.

Installation notes: When it comes to fitting

FEP- and PFA-coated O-rings, virtually the
same recommendations apply as for standard
elastomer O-rings. However, when fitting them,
bear in mind that because of their coatings, the
O-rings should be subjected to only minimum
stretching and compression.

FEP-O-RINGS / PFA-O-RINGS 29
 Surface roughness
Surface specifications depend above all on the
product's intended purpose and so no generally Explanations
valid limiting values for roughness can be given.
The table below gives values for surface roughness In the field of sealing technology, surface
that cover most possible sealing uses. They are only roughness is generally specified using the
to be considered as recommendations. parameters Ra and Rz. The central roughness
value Ra is the arithmetic average of all profile
deviations from the centre or reference line.
Installation space design illustration
The average roughness depth Rz is the arith-
metic average of the individual roughnesses
°
20

(profile heights) of five adjacent individual

o
°t
15

measurement lengths. In roughness profiles,

C g
Rq defines the quadratic average.
A
P
h

Overview of different degrees of surface

roughness
B

The graphic below shows the various levels of

b roughness degrees, from coarse to fine.

Rz 100 Rz 25
Surface roughness values Rz 6,3 Rz 2

Surface Pressure Rz (µm) Ra (µm)

static/
Groove base (B) 6.3 1.6
Pr . p o l
dynamic
F i n o o ve v i s i b l

e .g
G r ge r

e c ish
lon
F i n o o ve

e f s no e

isi
Gr

static/
Un mac

S c o o ve b e f

ini
is h s v i

Groove flanks (B) 6.3 1.6 on ed

U n s ti n g

Gr can
ru s v el

dynamic
sh
ca

an
p ro h i n

e d si b l

ma
b b i si t

ed
d
ce e d

ch
ed ble

Seal area (A) static 6.3 1.6

sse

in e
e
d

Seal area (A) dynamic 1.6 0.4

Installation angle (C) -- 6.3 1.6

Example of a roughness measurement

Z

Rq
Ra

Roughness
profile

30 SURFACE ROUGHNESS
Surface treatment
O-rings can be subjected to special surface treat- ”LABS-free” O‑rings
ment e. g. to adjust adhesion, reduce friction or
simplify installation. The following benefits may be "LABS-free" O-rings are free of substances which
accrued depending on the individual case and the cause paint cross-linking malfunctions. Such
coating procedure used: O-rings are particularly suitable for use in com-
pressed air systems used in painting engineering
Better separation and above all in the automotive industry. Elasto-
A ssembly simplification mers may contain substances which cause paint
Anti-adhesion effect cross-linking to malfunction. The causatory sub-
Friction reduction / reduction of wear and tear stances can be released into the air or by contact
Silicone and paint cross-linking malfunction with elastomers and then land on the surface(s) to
prevention be painted and cause irregularities. The O-rings
Improvement in lubrication characteristics intended for this use are hence subjected to a
Stick-slip reduction special treatment to ensure they are free of such
Reduction of breakaway force substances.
Simplification of automated installation

Coating options and their typical uses

Name Type of treatment Purpose of treatment

Water-dilutable single-component anti-friction Separation and easy running of elastomers for initial
PTFE-MS
coating for elastomers installation and automatic processing

Water-dilutable, FDA-compliant single-component

anti-friction coating for elastomers. Complies with
PTFE-FDA Friction reduction
VDA 232-101
(‘Global Automotive Declarable Substances List’)

Water-dilutable two-component anti-friction Friction reduction,

PTFE transparent
coating for elastomers containing PTFE suitable for dynamic applications

Water-dilutable two-component anti-friction

Friction reduction,
PTFE black coating for elastomers containing PTFE.
suitable for dynamic applications
Complies with VDA 232-101

Water-dilutable two-component anti-friction

PTFE grey Friction reduction
coating for elastomers containing PTFE

Water-dilutable two-component anti-friction coating

PTFE colour for elastomers in various colours. Complies with Friction reduction and colour differentiation
VDA 232-101

Water-dilutable single-component anti-friction Elastomer friction reduction, very smooth surface,

Polysiloxane
coating for elastomers containing graphite suitable for light dynamic applications

Talc powdering Talcum powder Separation/Ease of installation

Molycoting MoS2 powder Separation/Ease of installation

Teflon PTFE powder Separation/Ease of installation

Graphitising Graphite powder Separation/Ease of installation

Polymerisation in a vacuum by condensation

Parylene coating Reduce elastomer friction
from the gas phase

Washing Washing in deionised water Cleaning of elastomer parts

Washing Washing in deionised water Cleaning of elastomer parts

Cleaning to meet extremely high cleanliness

requirements, including among other applications in
Plasma cleaning Cleaning in oxygen plasma
medical technology, semiconductor manufacturing
and high vacuum applications

SURFACE TREATMENT / "LABS-FREE" O-RINGS 31

 Back-up rings

Why back-up rings are used

O-rings count among a machine’s most sensitive To do so, the back-up rings are fitted behind the
components, and must be protected from pressure O-ring on the non-pressure side, or, if pressure
damage. Where constructions do not permit the direction changes, at both sides. When it is under
sealing gap to be designed so that it is sufficiently pressure, the back-up ring deforms and therefore
small in relation to the system pressure, back-up bridges the gap that must be sealed.
rings can be used in conjunction with elastomer
O-rings. When high pressure occurs or wider gaps Depending on the application, the following
have to be sealed, back-up rings prevent O-rings variants of ISO 3601-4-compliant back-up rings
from being destroyed as a result of the O-ring are used:
being forced into the sealing gap. Such material
damage leads to leaks (see page 10). Spiral back-up rings, type T1
Diagonal slit back-up rings, type T2
The back-up rings are predominantly made from Unslit back-up rings, type T3
PTFE, as this material has the best properties for Diagonal slit concave back-up rings, type T4
the most applications: an enormous temperature Unslit concave back-up rings, type T5
range spanning -200 °C to 260 °C, the appropriate
hardness and a virtually universal resistance to the Custom special types are also possible.
majority of media. PTFE’s flow properties protect
the softer rubber rings from mechanical damage.

32 BACK-UP RINGS
 Diagonal slit back-up rings, 30 ° ±
5°
Unslit back-up rings,
type T2 b5 type T3 b5
t

t
ø d 16
ø d 17
ø d 16
ø d 17

Diagonal slit back-up rings, Unslit back-up rings,

type T2 type T3
Thanks to its slit, this most commonly used type Their geometry is relatively basic. A disadvantage
of back-up ring is relatively easy to fit in piston of this design is that split installation spaces are
seals or rod seals. They are often used in machine generally required, as installation would otherwise
construction. be extremely difficult.

Type T2 diagonal slit back-up rings are used Type T3 unslit back-up rings are used at
at system pressures of 15 MPa (150 bar) to system pressures of > 25 MPa (250 bar) and/or
20 MPa (200 bar). temperatures > 135 °C.

Back-up ring dimensions based on O-ring

cord thicknesses d2 (types T2 and T3)

d2 1.78 2.62 3.53 5.33 6.99

b5 ±0.1 1.4 1.4 1.8 1.8 2.6

All measurements in mm.

BACK-UP RINGS 33
 BACK-UP RINGS (CONTINUED)

Diagonal slit concave back-up rings, Unslit concave back-up rings,

type T4 type T5

b7

0.2–0.3
0.2–0.3

30 ° b7
± 5°
b5 b5

R R

0–1
0–1

R R
0.2–0.3

0.2–0.3
Diagonal slit concave back-up rings, Unslit concave back-up rings,
type T4 type T5
The concave form of these O-rings has been spe- The function of this variant of back-up ring is
cially developed to provide O-rings with optimum essentially the same as that of type T4. Thanks
protection, especially where pulsating pressure is to the concave form of their contact finish, these
present. Thanks to the slit, they are relatively easy O-rings maintain their contours to approximately
to fit into a piston or rod seal. the same degree, and can therefore to some
extent provide a dependable seal at extreme
Concave full-type back-up rings are used at pressures.
system pressures of 15 MPa (150 bar) to
20 MPa (200 bar) and also where there is
pulsating pressure.
From a constructional point of view,
Back-up ring dimensions based on O-ring the type T1 spiral back-up rings and
cord thicknesses d2 special variants can be regarded as
critical. We recommend a technical
d2 b5 ±0.1 b7 ±0.1 R application consultation.
1.78 1.4 1.7 1.2

2.62 1.4 1.8 1.6

3.53 1.8 2.0 2.0

5.33 1.8 2.8 3.0

6.99 2.6 4.1 4.0

All measurements in mm.

34 BACK-UP RINGS
Positioning the back-up ring Positioning the back-up ring in a
rod application
Depending on the pressure supply, the back-up
ring must be installed on the non-pressure side. b1

If pressure changes, they must be fitted at both

sides. In order to prevent confusion about the
installation side, it is also possible to use two
back-up rings.

The required groove widths b2 and b3 are a

calculated from the previously determined con-
structional groove width without back-up ring, b2
plus back-up ring width b5 or double back-up ring
width 2 x b5 where 2 back-up rings are used.

Notes a
b1 = Groove width without back-up ring
b2 = Groove width with one back-up ring b3
b3 = Groove width with two back-up rings
a = Pressure comes from one direction
(moves in direction of the arrow)
b = Pressure can affect the O-ring from
both directions
b

BACK-UP RINGS 35
 Endless vulcanisation
O-rings can be manufactured by various processes, Endless vulcanisation enables uniform complete
and can have a length of up to 3,000 mm (and also vulcanisation of O-rings across their entire
larger if required), with different cord sizes and diameter.
material qualities.

The dimensional tolerance of the O-ring cords Other procedures:

and surfaces meets the ISO 3601 standard. The
O-rings manufactured in this way correspond to Glue
O-rings with smaller dimensions manufactured Glued O-rings are extruded cords whose ends
using conventional techniques. have been joined together using adhesive. The ad-
hesive must be chosen according to the elastomer
Compared to other processes, uniform vulcanisa- material used, as well as to operating conditions
tion ensures there are no weak points on the such as pressure, temperature and the medium
joints. This enables longer-lasting and considerably being used.
higher quality seals in various areas of application,
such as for example in the high vacuum range or Vulcanised joints
when used with gaseous media. O-rings with vulcanised joints are produced by
holding the cord ends together in a special device
in which the ends are then hot vulcanised with a
suitable adhesive mixture.
The endless vulcanisation process is
ideal where more rigorous demands The disadvantages of these two processes are the
apply, as lower tolerances and the inferior physical properties in the seam/glued area
resulting high degree of precision are and the greater tolerances compared to O-rings
possible when using this production produced using endless vulcanisation.
method.

36 ENDLESS VULCANISATION / GLUE / VULCANISED JOINTS

O-ring storage
Seals stored for long periods may change their surface degeneration. This is due to one or more
physical characteristics. Such changes may include influences such as deformation, oxygen, light,
hardening, softening, cracking and other forms of ozone, heat, damp, oil or solvent.

Basic instructions on storage, cleaning and Elastomer storage periods

preservation of elastomer seals are laid down
Maximum
in the DIN 7716 and ISO 2230 standards. Rubber base storage Extension
period

ISO 2230 contains advice on storing rubber BR, NR, IR,

5 years 2 years
SBR, AU, EU
items. The table below gives the maximum
NBR, XNBR, HNBR,
storage periods split into three groups. CO, ECO, CR, IIR, 7 years 3 years
BIIR, CIIR
ACM, CM, CSM,
EPM, EPDM, FEPM,
10 years 5 years
FKM, FFKM, VMQ,
PVMQ, FVMQ

Important influencing factors:

Certain conditions must be met when storing Oxygen and ozone
rubber products. If possible elastomers should be packaged or
put in airtight containers to protect them from
Heat circulating air.
Storage temperature for elastomers should
preferably be in the +5 °C to +25 °C range. Deformation
Avoid direct contact with heat sources such as Elastomers should be stored in an untensioned
radiators or sunlight. condition if possible. Large O-rings can be
stored coiled to save space. If the inside diameter
Moisture d1 > 300 mm, the O-ring may be looped over
Relative humidity should be below 70 % in the once (i. e. in a figure of 8). It should never be bent.
storage space. Extremely damp or dry conditions
should be avoided.

Light
Elastomer seals should be protected from light
when stored. Direct sunlight and strong artificial
light with a UV content in particular are to be
avoided. We recommend covering windows in
storage spaces with red or orange materials.

STORAGE 37
 Chemical resistance list
This list uses a rating system to show the chemical The specific data are to be
resistance of various elastomer materials to differ-
ent operating media. The following data is based
understood as follows:
on tests and information provided by our suppliers A = Elastomer exhibuts no or minimal swelling
and customers. B = Elastomer exhibits low to moderate swelling
C = Elastomer exhibits moderate to strong
Because of the different application conditions swelling
and composition of the media, this data must only D = Not recommended
be regarded as a guide. The data is nonbinding – = Unknown / Not checked
and must be checked on a case-by-case basis. All
information relates to room temperature unless
otherwise stated.

FVMQ
EPDM

HNBR

TFE/P

FFKM
VMQ
ACM

FKM
NBR

ETP
NR

AU
Medium CR

1-chlorine-1-nitro ethane D D D – D D D D D – D A C

Acetaldehyde B A D – C D D B D – D A C

Acetamide (acetic acid amide) D A A A B D D B A A B A A

Acetic acid, 30% B A B – A D D A B – B A A

Acetic acid, glacial acetic acid B A C B D D D B D – C A B

Acetic anhydride B B C D B D D C D B D A C

Acetone C A D D C D D C D D D A B

Acetophenone D A D D D D D D D – D A C

Acetyl chloride (acetic acid chloride) D D D D D D D C A – A A A

Acetylene (ethyne) B A A – B D D B – – A A A

Acrylonitrile D D D D D D D D D – C A C

Adipic acid (E 355) A A A A A – – – A – A A A

Aluminium acetate (aqueous solution) A A B – B D D D D – D A C

Aluminium chloride (aqueous solution) A A A A A C A B A – A A A

Aluminium fluoride (aqueous solution) B A A A A C – B A – A A A

Aluminium nitrate (aqueous solution) A A A A A C – B – – A A A

Aluminium phosphate (aqueous solution) A A A A A – – A – – A A A

Aluminium sulphate (aqueous solution) A A A A A D D A A – A A A

Ammonia (gaseous, cold) A A A A A C D A D A D A B

Ammonia (gaseous, hot) D B D D B D D A D – D A B

Ammonia, anhydrous D A B B A D D C D – D A B

Ammonium carbonate (aqueous solution) A – D D A D D – – A A A A

Ammonium chloride (aqueous solution) A A A A A A – – – – A A A

Ammonium hydroxide (concentrated) D A D – A D D A B – B A A

Ammonium nitrate (aqueous solution) C A A A A D B – – A A A A

Ammonium nitrite (aqueous solution) A A A A A – – B – – A A A

Ammonium persulphate (aqueous solution) A A D D A D D – – – A A A

Ammonium phosphate (aqueous solution) A A A – A – – A – – A A A

Ammonium sulphate (aqueous solution) A A A A A A D – – – B A A

Amyl acetate (acetic acid amyl ester) D C D D D D D D D – D A B

38 CHEMICAL RESISTANCE LIST

 A

FVMQ
EPDM

HNBR

TFE/P

FFKM
VMQ
ACM

FKM
NBR

ETP
NR

AU
CR
Medium

Amyl alcohol (pentanol) B A B B B D D D A – B A A

Amyl borate D D A A A – – – – – A A A

Amyl chlornaphtalene D D D D D D D D B – A A A

Amyl naphtalene D D D D D D B D A – A A A

Aniline (aminobenzene) D A D – D D D D C A C A A

Aniline dye B A D D B D D C B – B A A

Aniline hydrochloride B B B – D D D D B – B A A

Animal fat D B A A B A A B A – A A A

Aqua regia D C D D D D D D C – B A A

Arsenic acid B A A A A C C A A – A A A

Arsenic trichloride (aqueous solution) D C A A A – – – – – D A C

Asphalt D D B – B B B D B – A A A

FVMQ
EPDM

HNBR

TFE/P

FFKM
VMQ
ACM

FKM
NBR

ETP
NR

AU
CR
Medium

Banana oil (amyl acetate) D C D D D D D D D – D A B

Barium chloride (aqueous solution) A A A A A A A A A – A A A

Barium hydroxide (aqueous solution) A A A A A D D A A – A A A

Barium sulphate (aqueous solution) A A A A A A D A A – A A A

Barium sulphide (aqueous solution) A A A A A A D A A – A A A

Beer A A A A A B D A A – A A A

Beet sugar liquid A A A A B D D A A – A – –

Benzaldehyde (artificial bitter almond oil) D A D D D D D B C B D B C

Benzene D D D D D C D D C C A A A

Benzine (nitro benzine, ligroin) D D A – B B A D A – A A A

Benzoic acid (E 210) D C C – D D C C B – A A A

Benzol sulphonic acid D C D – B D D D B – A B A

Benzoyl chloride D D D – D – D – B – B A A

Benzyl alcohol D A D – B D D B B A A A A

Benzyl benzoate D B D – D – D – A – A A A

Benzyl chloride D D D – D D D D B A A A A

Biphenyl (diphenyl, phenylbenzene) D D D D D D D D B – A A A

Blast furnace gas (furnace gas) D D D D D D D A B – A A A

Bleach solution D A D B D D D B B A A A A

Borax solution (disodium tetraborat) B A B A A A B B B – A A A

Bordeaux mixture B A B – B D D B B – A A –

Boric acid A A A A A A D A A – A A A

Bromine trifluoride D D D D D D D D D – D B C

Bromine water D B D C D D D D B – A A A

Bromine, anhydrous D D D – D D D D B – A A A

Bromobenzene D D D D D D D D A – A A A

Bromochloromethane D B D D D D D D B – A A A

Bunker oil D D A A D B A B A – A A A

Butadiene D C D – D D D D B – A A A

Butane D D A A A A A D A – A A A

Butter (animal fat) D A A A B A A B A – A A A

Butyl acetate (acetic acid butylester) D C D – D D D D D D D A C

CHEMICAL RESISTANCE LIST 39

 B

FVMQ
EPDM

HNBR

TFE/P

FFKM
VMQ
ACM

FKM
NBR

ETP
NR

AU
CR
Medium

Butyl acetylricinoleate D A C B B D – – B – A A A

Butyl acrylate D D D D D – D – D – D A C

Butyl alcohol (butanol) A B A A A D D B B A A A A

Butyl benzoate C B D – D – D – A – A A A

Butyl ethyl diglycol (CARBITOL) D A D D C – D D D – C A A

Butyl glycol ether (CELLOSOLVE) D A C C C D D – D – D A B

Butyl stearate (stearic acid butyl ester) D C B B D – – – B A A A A

Butylamine D B C C D D D D D – D A C

Butylene (butene) D D B D C D D D B – A A A

Butyloleate D B D D D – – – B – A A A

Butyraldrehyde (butanal) D B D – C D D D D – D B C

FVMQ
EPDM

HNBR

TFE/P

FFKM
VMQ
ACM

FKM
NBR

ETP
NR

AU
CR
Medium

Calcium acetate (aqueous solution) A A B B B D D D D A D A C

Calcium chloride (aqueous solution) A A A A A A A A A A A A A

Calcium hydrogen sulphate (aqueous solution) D D D A A A D A A – A A A

Calcium hydroxide (aqueous solution) A A A A A A D A A A A A A

Calcium hypochlorite (aqueous solution) C A B B C D D B B A A A A

Calcium nitrate (aqueous solution) A A A A A A A B A A A A A

Calcium sulphide (aqueous solution) B A A A A A D B A A A A A

Cane sugar liquid A A A – A D D A A – A A A

Carbamate D B C – B D D – A – A A A

Carbitol (ethyl diglycol) B B B – B D D B B – B A B

Carbolic acid (phenol) D B D D C C D D A – A A A

Carbon dioxide B B A A B A – B A – A A A

Carbon disulphide D D C D D – C D A A A A A

Carbon monoxide B A A A B A A A B – A A A

Carbon tetrachloride D D C B D D D D C D A B B

Carbonic acid A A B A A A A A A – A A A

Castor oil A B A A A A A A A A A A A

Cellosolve (ethylene glycol ether) D B D – D D D D D – C A C

Cellosolve acetate (glycol acetate) D B D D D D D D D – D A C

Chalk sulphur solution D A D A A – D A A – A A A

Chalk whitener A A A A B – D B A – A A A

China wood oil (China tung oil) D C A A B C – D B – A A –

Chlorine dioxide D C D D D D D – B – A A A

Chlorine trifluoride D D D D D D D D C – D B C

Chlorine, dry D D D C C D D D A – A A A

Chlorine, wet D C D C C D D D B – B A A

Chloroacetic acid D A D D D D D – D – D A B

Chloroacetone D A D D C D D D D – D A B

Chlorobenzene D D D D D D D D B – A A A

Chlorododecane D D D D D D D D A – A A A

Chloroform (trichloromethane) D D D D D D D D D D A A A

Chloroprene (chlorobutadiene) D D D D D D D D B – A A A

Chlorosulphic acid D D D – D D D D D A D A B

40 CHEMICAL RESISTANCE LIST

 C

FVMQ
EPDM

HNBR

TFE/P

FFKM
VMQ
ACM

FKM
NBR

ETP
NR

AU
CR
Medium

Chlorotoluene D D D D D D D D B – A A A

Chlorox (sodium hypochlorite) D B B B A D D B B – A A A

Chrome plating solution D B D D D D D B B – A A –

Chromic acid D C D D C D D C C A A A A

Citric acid A A A A A A – A A A A A A

Coal tar (creosote) D D A – B C A D A – A – –

Cobalt dichloride (aqueous solution) A A A A A D D B A – A A A

Coconut oil D C A A B B A A A – A A A

Cod liver oil D A A A B A A B A – A A –

Coke oven gas D D D D D D D B B – A A A

Copper acetate (aqueous solution) A A B B B D D D D – D A C

Copper chloride (aqueous solution) A A A A B A A A A – A A A

Copper cyanide (aqueous solution) A A A A A A A A A – A A A

Copper sulphate (aqueous solution) B A A A A A A A A – A A A

Cotton seed oil D B A A B A A A A A A A –

Creosote coal tar D D A A B C A D A – A A A

Cresol (methyl phenol) D D D – C D D D B A A A A

Cresylic acid D D D A C D D D B A A A A

Cumene (isopropylbenzene) D D D D D D D D B – A A A

Cyclohexane (hexamethylene) D D A A C A A D B B A A A

Cyclohexanol (hexahydrophenol, anol) D C C A A – – D A – A A A

Cyclohexanone (pimelic ketone, anone) D B D D D D D D D B D A C

D
FVMQ
EPDM

HNBR

TFE/P

FFKM
VMQ
ACM

FKM
NBR

ETP
NR

AU
CR

Medium

Decaline (decahydronaphthalene) D D D – D – – D A – A A A

Decane D D A A D B A B A – A A A

Developer fluid (photography) A B A A A – – A A – A A –

Diacetone D A D – D D D D D – D A B

Diacetone alcohol D A D D B D D B D – D A B

Dibenzyl ether D B D D C B – – – – D A C

Dibenzyl sebacate D B D D D B D C C – B A A

Dibromethylbenzene D D D D D D D D B – B A A

Dibutyl ether D C D D C B C D C – C A B

Dibutyl sebacate (DBS) D B D D D D D B B – B A A

Dibutylamine D C D – D D D C D – D A C

Dibutylphthalate (DBP) D B D D D C D B C – C A A

Dichloro isopropyl ether D C D D D B C D C – C A B

Dicyclohexylamine D D C C D D D – D – D A B

Diesel fuel D D A A C C A D A C A A A

Diethyl benzene D D D – D D – D C – A A A

Diethyl sebacate D B B C D D D B B – B A A

Diethylamine B B B – B C D B D – D A B

Diethylene glycol A A A – A D B B A – A A A

Diisobutylene (isooctene) D D B A D D D D C – A A A

Diisopropyl ketone D A D – D D D D D – D A C

Diisopropylbenzene D D D – D – – – B – A A A

CHEMICAL RESISTANCE LIST 41

 D

FVMQ
EPDM

HNBR

TFE/P

FFKM
VMQ
ACM

FKM
NBR

ETP
NR

AU
CR
Medium

Diisopropyliden acetone (phoron) D C D – D D D D D – D A C

Dimethyl ether (methyl ether) D D A A C – D A A – D A C

Dimethyl formamide (DMF) D B B – C D D B D A D A B

Dimethyl phthalate (DMP) D B D D D – D – B – B A A

Dimethylaniline (xylidine, aminoxylole) C B C – C D D D D – D A B

Dinitrotoluene (DNT) D D D D D D D D D – D A C

Dioctyl sebacate (DOS) D B D D D B D C C A B A A

Dioctylphthalate (DOP) D B C – D D D C B B B A A

Dioxane D B D D D D D D C D D A C

Dioxolane (glycol methyl ether) D B D D D D D D D D D A C

Dipentene (paint thinner) D D B B D D D D C – A A –

Diphenyl (biphenyl, phenylbenzene) D D D D D D D D B B A A A

Diphenyl oxide D D D D D D D C B B A A A

Dowtherm oil D D D D D C D C B – A A –

FVMQ
EPDM

HNBR

TFE/P

FFKM
VMQ
ACM

FKM
NBR

ETP
NR

AU
Medium CR

Epichlorohydrin D B D D D D D D D – D B C

Ethane D D A – B C A D B – A A A

Ethanolamine (aminoethanol) (MEA) B B B – B C D B D A D A C

Ethyl (ethanethiol) D C D – C – – C – – B A A

Ethyl acetate (acetic acid ethyl ester) D B D – C D D B D D D A C

Ethyl acetoacetate C B D – C D D B D – D A C

Ethyl acrylate D B D – D D D B D – D A C

Ethyl alcohol A A A A A D D A A – A A A

Ethyl alcohol (ethanol) A A A A A D D A A A B A A

Ethyl benzene D D D – D D D D A B A A A

Ethyl benzoate A A D – D D D D A C A A A

Ethyl cellosolve (glycol diethyl ether) D D D – D D D D D – D A B

Ethyl cellulose B B B – B B D C D – D A C

Ethyl chloride (chlorethane) D C A – D B D D A – A A A

Ethyl chlorocarbonate D B D – D D D D B – A A A

Ethyl chloroformate D B D – D D D D D – D A –

Ethyl ether (diethyl ether) D C C – C C D D C – D A C

Ethyl formate (ethyl methanoate) D B D – B – – – A – A B A

Ethyl oxalate A A D – C A D D B – A A A

Ethyl pentachlorobenzene D D D – D D D D B – A A A

Ethyl silicate B A A – A – – – A – A A A

Ethylendiamene A A A A A D D A D – D B C

Ethylene (ethene) C B A – C – – – A – A A A

Ethylene chlorhydrine B B D – B D D C B A A A A

Ethylene chloride D C D – D D D D C – B A A

Ethylene glycol (glycol) A A A A A D C A A – A B A

Ethylene oxide (oxirane, epoxide) D C D – D D D D D – D A D

Ethylene trichloride D C D D D D D D C – A A A

Ethyline dichloride (1,2 dichlorethane) D C D – D D D D C B A A A

42 CHEMICAL RESISTANCE LIST

 F

FVMQ
EPDM

HNBR

TFE/P

FFKM
VMQ
ACM

FKM
NBR

ETP
NR

AU
CR
Medium

Fatty acids D C B B B – – C – – A A A

Fish oil (train oil) D D A – D – – A A – A A –

Fluorine (liquid) D D D – D D D D – – C B –

Fluorobenzene D D D – D D D D B – A A A

Fluoroboric acid A A A – A – – – – – – A –

Fluorolube B A A A B – – A B – B B –

Formaldehyde (RT) (methanal) B A C B B D D B D A D A C

Formic acid (methanoic acid) B A B – A C – B C B C B C

Fuel oil D D A A B B A D A – A A –

Fumaric acid C B A A B – D B A – A A –

Furan D C D D D – D – – – D A C

Furfural (furfurol) D B D D C C D D – B D B C

Fyrquel (cellulube) D A D D D D D A C – A – –

FVMQ
EPDM

HNBR

TFE/P

FFKM
VMQ
ACM

FKM
NBR

ETP
NR

AU
Medium CR

Gallic acid A B B B B D D – A – A A A

Gelatine A A A – A D D A A – A A A

Generator gas D D A – B A B B B – A A A

Glauber salt (aqueous solution) B B D D B – D – A – A A A

Glucose (dextrose, grape sugar) A A A A A D – A A – A A A

Glue (DIN 16920) B A A – A A – A A – A – A

Glycerine (glycerole, E422) A A A – A A C A A A A A A

Glycol (1,2-diol) A A A A A D D A A – A A A

Green sulphate broth B A B B B A B A B – A B –

H
FVMQ
EPDM

HNBR

TFE/P

FFKM
VMQ
ACM

FKM
NBR

ETP
NR

AU
CR

Medium

Halowax oil D D D D D – – D A – A B –

Hexafluorosilicic acid B B A A B – – D D – A A A

Hexane D D A A B B A D A – A A A

Hexanol B C A – B D D B B – A A A

Hydraulic oils (mineral oil-based) D D A A B A A C A – A A A

Hydrazine (diamide, diazane) A A B D B D – C D – D B C

Hydrobromic acid A A D D D D D D C – A A A

Hydrobromic acid (40%) A A D – B D D D C – A A A

Hydrochloric acid (cold) 37% B A C – B D D C B A A A A

Hydrochloric acid (hot) 37% D C D – D D D D C B B A –

Hydrocyanic acid B A B B B – D C B – A A A

Hydrofluoric acid, anhydrous D C D – D D D D D – D A C

Hydrofluoric acid, concentrated (cold) D C D – D C D D D A D A –

Hydrofluoric acid, concentrated (hot) D D D – D D D D D – D A C

Hydrogen gas B A A A A A B C C – A A A

Hydrogen peroxide (90%) D B D B D – D B B A B A A

Hydrogen sulphide (wet) cold D A D A B – D C C – D A C

Hydrogen sulphide (wet) hot D A D D C – D C C – D A C

Hydroquinone B B C D D – D – B – B B A

Hypochlorous acid B B D D D – D – – – A A –

CHEMICAL RESISTANCE LIST 43

 I

FVMQ
EPDM

HNBR

TFE/P

FFKM
VMQ
ACM

FKM
NBR

ETP
NR

AU
CR
Medium

Iodine pentafluoride D D D D D D D D D – D B C

Iodoform (triodomethane, antiseptic) D D – – D – – – – – C A B

i-propylacetate D B D – D D D D D – D A –

Iron (III) chloride (aqueous solution) A A A A A A A B A – A A A

Iron (III) nitrate (aqueous solution) A A A A A A A C A – A A A

Iron (III) sulphate (aqueous solution) A A A A A A A B A – A A A

Isobutyl alcohol (isobutanol) A A B B A D D A B – A A A

Isooctane D D A A B B A D A B A A A

Isophorone D C D D D C D D D B D A C

Isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol) A A B B B C D A B – A A A

Isopropyl chloride D D D D D D D D B – A A A

Isopropyl ether D D B B C B C D C D D A C

Isopropylacetate D B D D D D D D D – D A B

FVMQ
EPDM

HNBR

TFE/P

FFKM
VMQ
ACM

FKM
NBR

ETP
NR

AU
CR
Medium

Kerosene (lamp kerosene; DIN 51636) D D A A B A A D A A A A A

FVMQ
EPDM

HNBR

TFE/P

FFKM
VMQ
ACM

FKM
NBR

ETP
NR

AU
CR

Medium

Kerosene (lamp kerosene; DIN 51636) D D A A B A A D A A A A A

Kerosene (lamp kerosene; DIN 51636) D D A A B A A D A A A A A

Kerosene (lamp kerosene; DIN 51636) D D A A B A A D A A A A A

Kerosene (lamp kerosene; DIN 51636) D D A A B A A D A A A A A

Kerosene (lamp kerosene; DIN 51636) D D A A B A A D A A A A A

Kerosene (lamp kerosene; DIN 51636) D D A A B A A D A A A A A

Kerosene (lamp kerosene; DIN 51636) D D A A B A A D A A A A A

Kerosene (lamp kerosene; DIN 51636) D D A A B A A D A A A A A

Kerosene (lamp kerosene; DIN 51636) D D A A B A A D A A A A A

Kerosene (lamp kerosene; DIN 51636) D D A A B A A D A A A A A

Kerosene (lamp kerosene; DIN 51636) D D A A B A A D A A A A A

Kerosene (lamp kerosene; DIN 51636) D D A A B A A D A A A A A

Kerosene (lamp kerosene; DIN 51636) D D A A B A A D A A A A A

M
FVMQ
EPDM

HNBR

TFE/P

FFKM
VMQ
ACM

FKM
NBR

ETP
NR

AU
CR

Medium

Magnesium chloride (aqueous solution) A A A A A A A A A A A A A

Magnesium hydroxide (aqueous solution) B A B B A D D – – – A A A

Magnesium sulphate (aqueous solution) B A A – A – D A A – A A A

Maize oil D C A A C A A A A – A A A

Maleic acid (butenedioic acid) C B D D C – D – – – A A A

Maleic anhydride (MSA) C B D D C – D – – – D A B

Malic acid C B A A C – D B A – A A A

Mercury A A A A A A – – – – A A A

Mercury (III) chloride (aqueous solution) A A A A A – – – – – A A A

Mesityl oxide D B D D D D D D D D D A C

Methane D D A A B C A D B – A A A

44 CHEMICAL RESISTANCE LIST

Methyl acetate (acetic acid methyl ester) C A D D B D D D D – D A B

Methyl acrylate D B D – B D D D D – D A C

Methyl alcohol (methanol) A A A A A D D A A A D A A

Methyl bromide (bromomethane) D D B B D – – – A – A A A

Methyl butyl ketone (propyl acetone) D A D D D D D C D – D A B

Methyl cellosolve (methylene glycol ether) D B C C C D D D D A D A B

Methyl chloride (monochloromethane) D C D D D D D D B – B A A

Methyl ether (dimethyl ether) D D A A C – D A A – D A B

Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) D A D – C D D D D D D A B

Methyl formate (methyl methanoate) D B D D B – – – – – D A B

Methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) D B D D D D D D D D D A B

Methyl methacrylate (MMA) D C D D D – D D D – D A B

Methyl oleate D B D D D – – – B – B A A

Methyl pentane D D D D D D D D B – A A A

Methyl salicylate (salicyclin acid methyl ester) C B D – D – – – – C B A A

Methylene chloride (dichloromethane) D C D – D D D D B B B A B

Milk A A A A A D D A A A A A A

Mineral oil D C A A B A A B A A A A A

Monochlorobenzene D D D D D D D D B – A A A

Monoethanolamine B A D – D D D B D – D A B

Monomethyl aniline (MMA) D B D D D D D – – – B A A

Monomethyl ether D D A – C – D A A – D A A

Mustard gas A A – – A – – A – – A A –

Monomethyl aniline (MMA) D B D D D D D – – – B A A

Monomethyl ether D D A – C – D A A – D A A

Mustard gas A A – – A – – A – – A A –

N
FVMQ
EPDM

HNBR

TFE/P

FFKM
VMQ
ACM

FKM
NBR

ETP
NR

AU
CR

Medium

Naphtalene D D D D D B – D A A A A A

Naphtha D D B B C B B D B – A A A

Naphthenic acid D D B – D – – D A B A A A

Natural gas B D A A A B B A D – A A A

Neville Winthers acid D B D D D – D D B – A A A

n-hexaldehyde D A D – A B – B D – D A C

n-hexene-1 D D B B B B A D A – A A A

Nickel acetate (aqueous solution) A A B B B D D D D – D A B

Nickel chloride (aqueous solution) A A A A A C C A A – A A A

Nickel sulphate (aqueous solution) B A A A A C D A A – A A A

Nitirc acid, red fumes D D D D D D D D D B C B A

Nitric acid (concentrated) D D D D D D D D C B B A A

Nitric acid (diluted) D B D – B C D B B B A A A

Nitrobenzene D A D D D D D D D A B A A

Nitrobenzene (petroleum ether) D D A A B B A D A – A A –

Nitroethane B B D – C D D D D B D A C

Nitrogen A A A – A A A A A A A A A

Nitrogen tetroxicide D C D D D D D D D – D A C

Nitromethane B B D D B D D D D – D A C

n-octane D D B – B D D D B – A A A

n-propylacetate (acetic acid propyl ester) D B D – D D D D D – D A C

CHEMICAL RESISTANCE LIST 45

 O

FVMQ
EPDM

HNBR

TFE/P

FFKM
VMQ
ACM

FKM
NBR

ETP
NR

AU
CR
Medium

o-chlornaphtalene D D D – D D D D B – A A A

Octa chlorotoluene D D D – D D D D B – A A A

Octa decane D D A D B A B D A – A A A

Octyl alcohol (octanol) B C B B A D D B B – A A A

o-dichlorobenzene D D D – D D D D B – A A A

Oleic acid D D C A C B D D – A B A A

Olive oil D B A A B A A C A – A A A

Oxalic acid (ethane diacide, clover acid) B A B B B – – B A – A A A

Oxygen, (93–204°C) D C D D D D D B D – B A –

Oxygen, cold B A B D A A B A A – A A A

Ozone D A D D C A B A B A A A A

FVMQ
EPDM

HNBR

TFE/P

FFKM
VMQ
ACM

FKM
NBR

ETP
NR

AU
CR
Medium

Paint D D B B D C D D B – A A A

Paint (cellulose paint) D D D D D D D D D – D A B

Paint thinner D D D D D D D D D D D A B

Palmitic acid (n-hexadecanoic acid) B B A A B A – D A – A A A

Paraffin oil (white oil) D D A A B A A D A – A A A

p-cymene D D D – D D D D B – A A A

Peanut oil D C A – C B A A A – A A –

Perchloric acid D B D – B D D D A – A A A

Petroleum gas, liquid (LPG) D D A A B A C C C – A A A

Petroleum, < 121°C D D A – B B B B B – A A A

Petroleum, > 121°C D D D – B D D D D – B A –

Phenol (carbolic acid) D B D D D D D D A A A A A

Phenylbenzene D D D D D D D D B – A A A

Phenylethyl ether D D D D D D D D D – D A B

Phenylhydrazine A B D – D D D – – – B A B

Phoron (diisopropyliden acetone) D C D D D D D D D – D A C

Phosphorus trichloride D A D D D – – – A – A A A

Phosporic acid (20%) B A B – B A – B B – A A A

Phosporic acid (45%) C A D – B A – C B A A A A

Pickling solution D C D – D D D D D – B – A

Picric acid (2,4,6-trinitrophenol) B B B – A B – D B – A A A

Pinene D D B – C B D D B – A A A

Piperidine (hexahydropyridine) D D D – D D D D D – D A C

Plant oil D C A A C – A B A – A A A

Plating solution for chrome D A – D D – – D – – A A A

Plating solution for other metals D A A A D – – D – – A A A

Polyvinyl acetate emulsion B A – – B – – – – – – – –

Potassium acetate (aqueous solution) A A B – B D D D D A D A C

Potassium chloride (aqueous solution) A A A A A A A A A A A A A

Potassium chromate (aqueous solution) B A A A A B A A A – A A A

Potassium copper cyanide (aqueous solution) A A A A A A A A A – A A A

Potassium cyanide (aqueous solution) A A A A A A A A A – A A A

Potassium hydroxide (aqueous solution) B A B B B D D C C A D A A

46 CHEMICAL RESISTANCE LIST

 P

FVMQ
EPDM

HNBR

TFE/P

FFKM
VMQ
ACM

FKM
NBR

ETP
NR

AU
CR
Medium

Potassium nitrate (aqueous solution) A A A A A A A A A A A A A

Potassium sulphate (aqueous solution) B A A A A A D A A – A A A

Propane D D A A B C A D B – A A A

Propyl acetone (methyl butyl ketone) D A D D D D D C D – D A B

Propyl alcohol (propanol) A A A A A D D A A A A A A

Propyl nitrate D B D A D – D D D – D A B

Propyline (propene) D D D D D D D D B – A A A

Propyline oxide D B D D D D D D D – D A D

Pyridine D B D D D – D D D – D A C

Pyroligneous acid D B D D B D D – D – D – C

Pyrroline C C D – D – D B C – D A B

FVMQ
EPDM

HNBR

TFE/P

FFKM
VMQ
ACM

FKM
NBR

ETP
NR

AU
CR
Medium

Rapeseed oil D A B B B B B D A – A A A

FVMQ
EPDM

HNBR

TFE/P

FFKM
VMQ
ACM

FKM
NBR

ETP
NR

AU
CR

Medium

Sal ammoniac (ammonium chloride) A A A A A A A B A – A A A

Salicyclic acid (2-hydroxybenzoic acid) A A B B A – – – A – A A A

Salt water A A A A B B D A A – A A A

Silicate ester D D B B A A – D A – A A A

Silicone grease A A A A A A A C A – A A A

Silicone oil A A A A A A A C A – A A A

Silver nitrate A A B B A A A A A – A A A

Soap solution B A A A B C D A A – A A A

Soda, crystal water anhydrous A A A A A – – A A – A A A

Sodium acetate (aqueous solution) A A B B B D D D D – D A A

Sodium bicarbonate (aqueous solution) A A A A A – – A A – A A –

Sodium bisulphate (aqueous solution) A A A A A – D A A A A – –

Sodium borate (aqueous solution) A A A A A – – A A A A A A

Sodium chloride (aqueous solution) A A A A A A – A A A A A A

Sodium cyanide (aqueous solution) A A A A A – – A A – A A A

Sodium hydroxide (aqueous solution) A A B B A D C B B A B A A

Sodium hypochlorite (aqueous solution) D B B B A D D B B A A A A

Sodium metaphosphate (aqueous solution) A A A A B – – – A – A A A

Sodium nitrate (aqueous solution) B A B – B – – D – A A A A

Sodium perborate (aqueous solution) B A B B B – – B A – A A A

Sodium peroxide (aqueous solution) B A B B B D D D A – B A A

Sodium phosphate (aqueous solution) A A A A B A A D – A A A A

Sodium silicate (aqueous solution) A A A A A – – – – A A A A

Sodium sulphate (aqueous solution) B A A D A A D A A A A A A

Sodium thiosulphate (aqueous solution) B A B – A A D A A – A A A

Soya oil (soya bean oil) D C A A B B A A A – A A A

Stearic acid (octadecanoic acid) B B B B B A – B – A A A A

Styrene, monomer (phenylethylene) D D D D D C D D C B B A A

Sucrose solution (cane sugar) A A A B B D D A A – A A –

CHEMICAL RESISTANCE LIST 47

 S

FVMQ
EPDM

HNBR

TFE/P

FFKM
VMQ
ACM

FKM
NBR

ETP
NR

AU
CR
Medium

Sulphite lye B B B – B – D D B – A A A

Sulphur D A D D A – D C A – A A A

Sulphur chloride (aqueous solution) D D C D C – D C A – A A A

Sulphur dioxide (dry) B A D D D – D B B B B A A

Sulphur dioxide (liquid under pressure) D A D D D – D B B – B A –

Sulphur dioxide (wet) D A D D B – D B B – B A A

Sulphur hexafluoride D A B B A – D B B – A B B

Sulphur trioxide B B D D D – D B B – A A A

Sulphuric acid (20% oleum) D D D B D D D D D A A A A

Sulphuric acid (concentrated) D C D – D D D D D A A A A

Sulphuric acid (diluted) C B C – B C B D C A A A A

Sulphurous acid B B B B B C D D – – C A B

FVMQ
EPDM

HNBR

TFE/P

FFKM
VMQ
ACM

FKM
NBR

ETP
NR

AU
CR
Medium

Tannic acid (tannin) A A A A A A D B – – A A A

Tar, bituminous D C B B C – D B A – A A A

Tartaric acid C B A A B A – A A – A A A

Terpineol D C B B D B – – A – A A A

Tetra bromoethane D D D D D – D D B – A A A

Tetrabromomethane (carbon tetrabromide) D D D – D – – D B – A A A

Tetrachloroethylene (PER) D D D D D D D D B D A A A

Tetraethyl lead D D B B B – – – B – A A A

Tetrahydrofuran (THF) D C D D D C D D D D D A C

Tetralin (tetrahydronaphthalene) D D D D D – – D A – B A –

Thionyl chloride (sulphurous acid dichloride) D C D – D D D – – – B A A

Tin chloride (aqueous solution) A A A A A – – B A – A A A

Tin tetrachloride (aqueous solution) A A A A B – – B A – A A A

Titanium tetrachloride D D B B D D D D B – A A A

Toluene (methyl benzene) D D D D D D D D B D B A A

Toluene diisocyanate (TDI) D B D D D – D D D – D A C

Transformer oil D D A A B A B B A – A A A

Triacetin (glycerin triacetate) B A B B B D D – D – D A B

Tributoxyethyl phosphate B A D D D D D – B – A A A

Tributyl mercaptan D D D – D – D D C – A A A

Tributyl phosphate (TBP) B B D D D D D D D A D A C

Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) C B B B D D D – D – D A B

Trichloroethane D D D D D D D D B – A A A

Trichloroethylene (trichloroethen, tri) (TCE) D D D C D D D D B D A A A

Tricresyl phosphate (TCP) D D D D C D D C B A A A A

Triethanolamine (TEA) B A B C A D D – D A D B C

Triethylaluminium (aluminium triethyl) D C D – D D D – – – B A A

Triethylborane D C D – D D D – – – A A A

Trinitrotoluene (TNT) D D D D B – D – B – B A A

Trioctyl phosphate D A D – D D D C B – B A A

Tung oil (China wood oil) D C A A B C – D B – A A –

Turbine oil D D B A D A A D B – A A –

48 CHEMICAL RESISTANCE LIST

 T

FVMQ
EPDM

HNBR

TFE/P

FFKM
VMQ
ACM

FKM
NBR

ETP
NR

AU
CR
Medium

Turpentine D D A A D D B D B C A A A

FVMQ
EPDM

HNBR

TFE/P

FFKM
VMQ
ACM

FKM
NBR

ETP
NR

AU
CR
Medium

Unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine A A B B B – – D D – D B C

FVMQ
EPDM

HNBR

TFE/P

FFKM
VMQ
ACM

FKM
NBR

ETP
NR

AU
CR
Medium

Vinegar B A B B B D D A C – A A A

Vinyl chloride (chloroethylene, chloroethene) D D D – D D D – – B A A A

FVMQ
EPDM

HNBR

TFE/P

FFKM
VMQ
ACM

FKM
NBR

ETP
NR

AU
CR
Medium

Waste water (in accordance with DIN 4045) B B A A B D D B A – A A A

Water A A A A A C D A A A A A A

Water vapour (< 149°C) D A D D C D D C D A D A A

Water vapour (> 149°C) D C D D D D D D D A D A –

Whisky and wine A A A A A B D A A – A A A

FVMQ
EPDM

HNBR

TFE/P

FFKM
VMQ
ACM

FKM
NBR

ETP
NR

AU
CR

Medium

Xylene (xylene, dimethyl benzene) D D D D D D D D A C A A A

Xylidine (amino xylene, dimethylaniline) C B C C C D D D D – D A C

Z
FVMQ
EPDM

HNBR

TFE/P

FFKM
VMQ
ACM

FKM
NBR

ETP
NR

AU
CR

Medium

Zeolite A A A A A – – – A – A A A

Zinc acetate (aqueous solution) A A B B B D D D D – D A B

Zinc chloride (aqueous solution) A A A A A A D A A A A A A

Zinc sulphate (aqueous solution) B A A A A – D A A A A A A

CHEMICAL RESISTANCE LIST 49

 Certifications / Approvals
Special requirements to elastomer sealing materials.

Test certificate/ COG materials of the

Application/Country Criteria/Standards
Regulation following ASTM groups

ACS approval Plastic in contact with Testing of formulation based

French Standard drinking water on "Synoptic Documents" – EPDM
NF XP P41-250. Part 1-3 Country of origin: France storage test (microbe test)

Non-metallic materials in oil

AED test ISO 23936-2 FKM
and gas production

BAM test report

(Recommendation made by Seals for use in fittings and Regulation B 7 "oxygen" of
Germany´s Bundesanstalt für equipment for gaseous oxygen the professional association FKM
Materialforschung Country of origin: Germany for the chemical industry
und -prüfung)

XV recommendation for
BfR Recommendation
Plastics in contact with foods silicone materials
(Federal Institute for VMQ
Country of origin: Germany XXI recommendation for
Risk Assessment)
nature and synthetic rubbers

Biological assessment of Applications in the medical and

DIN EN ISO 10993 EPDM, FKM
medical products pharmaceutical sector

Sealing material made of

DVGW release for gas elastomers for gas appliances
(German Association for DIN EN 549 FKM, HNBR, NBR
and gas plants
Gas and Water)
Country of origin: Germany

Sealing material made of

DVGW release for gas elastomers for gas supply lines
(German Association for DIN EN 682 FKM, NBR
and gas pipelines
Gas and Water)
Country of origin: Germany

Materials and components for

DVGW release for water drinking water: Seal materials
(German Association for DVGW W 534 EPDM
for drinking water plants
Gas and Water)
Country of origin: Germany

DVGW Materials in Microbiologic testing;

W270 recommendation
drinking water applications proliferation of microorganisms EPDM, NBR
(German Association for
Gas and Water) Country of origin: Germany on materials

FDA 21. CFR

Materials for use in food and
FDA regulation Part 177.2600 EPDM, EPM, FEPM, FKM,
pharmaceutical industries
(Food and Drug Administration) (ingredients, FFKM, HNBR, NBR, VMQ
Country of origin: USA
compatibility tests)

50 CERTIFICATIONS / APPROVALS
 Test certificate/ COG materials of the
Application/Country Criteria/Standards
Regulation following ASTM groups

KTW-BWGL, Annex D*
(successor to the Elastomer Seals in drinking Assessment of the hygienic
Guideline)
water installation suitability of elastomers in EPDM, NBR
*During the transition period, a test
report in accordance with the
Country of origin: Germany contact with drinking water
Elastomer Guideline can be used

Elastomers in contact with

NACE acid gas test natural gases containing H2S Nace TM 0187 FKM
Country of origin: USA

Standard for material Material requirements

DIN EN 681-1 EPDM
requirements for use in water for pipeline seals

Non-metallic materials in NORSOK Standard M-710.

NORSOK test FKM, FFKM, HNBR
oil and gas production Annex A and Annex B

NSF release
Food and sanitary facilities
(National Sanitation NSF standards and criteria EPDM, NBR
Country of origin: USA
Foundation)

Varying testing requirements:

USP certification Use in medical and USP Class I to VI Chapter 87
(United States Pharmacopeia, pharmaceutical industries ‘Test for cytotoxicity’, EPDM, FKM, FFKM, VMQ
USA) Country of origin: USA Chapter 88 ‘Biological
reactivity test in vivo’

WRAS release Plastics in contact with

(Water Regulations drinking water British Standard BS 6920 EPDM, NBR
Advisory Scheme) Country of origin: Great Britain

Materials for use in hygienic

3-A Sanitary Standard 3-A Sanitary Standards EPDM, FKM, FFKM,
dairy and food industry plants
(3-A Sanitary Standard Inc.) and criteria, Class I to IV NBR, VMQ
Country of origin: USA

The table above only provides a sample of all our certifications and approvals. Extensive up-to-date information can be found at www.cog.de/en.

CERTIFICATIONS / APPROVALS 51
 The ISO 3601 standard
The ISO 3601 standard currently consists of 5 parts:
ISO 3601-1 ISO 3601-4
"Inside diameters, cross-sections, tolerances "Back-up rings“
and designation codes"
ISO 3601-5
ISO 3601-2 "Specification of elastomeric metarials for
"Housing dimensions for general applications" industrial applications“

ISO 3601-3
"Form and surface deviations"

Permissible deviations for the inside diameter of O-rings in accordance

with ISO 3601, Class B
The exact tolerance levels based on ISO 3601.
Class B for O-rings with reference to general
industrial applications can be calculated using
the following formula:

Formula: ∆d1 = ± [(d10.95 x 0.009) + 0.11]

Permissible deviations for O-ring cross-sections according

to ISO 3601, Class B
The following table gives an overview of dimensions and permissible tolerances.

For general industrial applications (Size code 001 – 475)

cross-section d2 (mm) 1.02 1.27 1.52 1.78 2.62 3.53 5.33 6.99

permissible deviations ± 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.09 0.10 0.13 0.15

All measurements in mm.

For general industrial applications (Not standardized O-rings)

cross-section d2 (mm) 0.80 < d2 ≤ 2.25 2.25 < d2 ≤ 3.15 3.15 < d2 ≤ 4.50 4.50 < d2 ≤ 6.30 6.30 < d2 ≤ 8.40

permissible deviations ± 0.08 0.09 0.10 0.13 0.15

All measurements in mm.

52 ISO 3601 / PERMISSIBLE DEVIATIONS

 Example
Calculation of tolerances
ø d1= 100
on the O-ring 100 mm x 5.33 mm d2=5.33

Deviation for the inside diameter Δd1 using the following formula:
∆d1 = ± [(d10.95 x 0.009) + 0.11] = ± [(100 0.95 x 0.009) + 0.11] = ± 0.825 mm

With an inner diameter of 100 mm, the tolerance according to the formula is = ± 0,825 mm

Deviation for the cross-section Δd2

Please compare table of permissible deviations on page 52.

Δd2 = 5,33 mm ± 0,13 mm

Result: O-ring 100 mm ± 0.825 mm x 5.33 mm ± 0.13 mm

Form and surface deviations for O-rings in accordance with

ISO 3601, Characteristic N

Type of Schematic representation Dimensions

>0.8 >2.25 >3.15 >4.50 >6.30
deviation (in cross-section) ≤2.25 ≤3.15 ≤4.50 ≤6.30 ≤8.40

e e e
Offset and form
e 0.08 0.10 0.13 0.15 0.15
deviation

x 0.10 0.12 0.14 0.16 0.18

x
y

Combined, burr y 0.10 0.12 0.14 0.16 0.18

a
a no more than 0.07 mm
g

g 0.18 0.27 0.36 0.53 0.70

Indentation

u u 0.08 0.08 0.10 0.10 0.13

Deburring ist allowed if the minimum

Deburring area n
diameter n is not greater than d2.
n
k

v 1.50 1.50 6.50 6.50 6.50

Row lines, radial
expansion,
not permissible
v
k 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.08
t

w 0.60 0.80 1.00 1.30 1.70

Recesses,
indentation points
w
t 0.08 0.08 0.10 0.10 0.13

All measurements in mm.

PERMISSIBLE DEVIATIONS 53
 Index of key words
A H
Application options for coated O-rings 29 Hardness 9
Approvals 50 Hardness measurement 9
ASTM D 1418 6 Housing dimensions for flange seals 22
Housing dimensions for piston seals 15
B Housing dimensions for rod seals 19

Back-up rings 32-35

I
C °IRHD 9
IM process 4
Central roughness value (Ra) 30
Injection moulding process 4
Certifications 50
Inside diamter d1 17, 20, 24
Chemical aggression 12
Installation angles 22-24
Chemical resistance list 38
Installation dimensions for flange seals 23
CM process 4
Installation dimensions for piston seals 16
Coating options 31
Installation dimensions for rod seals 19
Compression flange seal 24
Installation of FEP- and PFA-coated O-rings 29
Compression moulding process 4
Installation of O-rings 26
Compression piston seal 17
Installation types 14
Compression rod seal 20
Installation type flange seals 22
Installation type piston seals 15
D Installation type rod seals 18
Determining groove depth 13 Installation spaces 13
Determining groove width 13 Installation space for PTFE O-rings 28
Determining inside diameter 17, 20, 24 ISO 1629 6
Dynamic installation 15 ISO 2230 37
ISO 3601 standard 52
E
Elastomers 5 L
Elastomer storage 37 Labs-free O-rings 31
Extrusion / gap extrusion 8, 10
M
F Macromolecules of rubber 5
FEP-coated O-rings 29 Manufacturing processes 4
Flange seal 22-25 Media resistance 12
Form and surface deviations 30 Minimum installation angle lengths 27
Mixture ingredients 12
G Mode of action of the O-ring 8
Molycoting 31
Gap extrusion 10
Gap size 10
Groove depth 13
Groove geometry 13
Groove width 13

54 INDEX OF KEY WORDS

O T
Operating temperatures 11 Talcum powder 31
O-ring description 4 Temperature ranges 11
O-ring installation 26 Thermal characteristics 11
O-ring storage 37 Tolerances ISO 3601 52
Trapezoidal groove 25
P Triangular groove 25

Permissible deviations 52
PFA-coated O-rings 29
phr 5
Physical processes 12
Piston seal 15
Polysiloxane 31
Pressure characteristics of O-rings 10
PTFE coating 28
PTFE O‑rings 28

R
Ra (Central roughness value) 30
Radial installation 15
Rod seal 18
RZ (Roughness depth) 30
Rubber 5
Rubber nomenclature 6
Rubber trade names 7

S
Sample formula 5
Sealing materials 5
Sealing effect of the O-ring 8
Shrinking 12
Shore A 9
Siliconise 31
Static seal 20
Storage of O-rings 37
Surface deviation 53
Surface pressure 8
Surface roughness 30
Surface treatment 31
Swelling 12

INDEX OF KEY WORDS 55

C. Otto Gehrckens GmbH & Co. KG
Dichtungstechnik · Seal Technology

Gehrstücken 9 · 25421 Pinneberg · Germany

Fon +49 4101 5002-0 Fax +49 4101 5002-83
Mail [email protected]

www.COG.de/en

© 2022-06 C. Otto Gehrckens GmbH & Co. KG · Errors and amendments excepted.