Frequently Asked Questions - Sonkit Sealing Solutions

How many metal seal types are there?

Generally, metal seals are currently available in 7 different types: Metal O Ring, Metal C Ring, Spring Energized C-Ring, Metal U-Ring, E Ring, V Ring, and Metal Comma Seal. Sonkit also provides customized products.
Please contact us for additional optional products via email johnny@sonkit.cn or 24hour Technical Support: +86 1391-719-2435. (WhatsApp).
Which type of metal seal is best for my application?
Until now, there have been so many various kinds of metal seals on the market to match different applications that new users are sometimes perplexed as to how to pick among them, and how to design a metal seal sealing solution becomes vital.
Sonkit provides the most complete set of metal seal solutions including a variety types of metal seals as below:
- Metal O Ring: the most economical choice for high load, high pressure applications, widely used for decades.
- Metal C Ring: one of our most popular designs, it has a low leakage rate and a high spring back.
- Spring Energized Metal C-Ring: An enhanced Metal C Ring, the inner spring can support significant load for rough surfaces and has a lower leakage rate.
- Metal E Ring: Provides the most spring back of any metal seal.
- Metal V Ring: a low-load, versatile seal that is widely used in valve applications.
- COI/COE: Metal Comma Ring (opening adjusted to internal/external pressure).
Before purchasing metal seals, we recommend that you evaluate your working environment by the following questions:
- • What is the operating temperature range?
- • What is the operating pressure range?
- • Is the metal seal going to be subjected to vacuum or corrosive chemicals?
- • What are the expected leakage rates?
How do I measure a metal ring seal for replacement?
Measuring a metal ring seal for replacement involves a few precise steps to ensure that the new seal fits perfectly and performs optimally. Here's a general guideline on how to measure a metal ring seal:
1. Determine the Type of Seal: Identify the type of metal ring seal you need to replace (e.g., O-Ring Seal, C-Ring Seal, V-Ring Seal, U-Ring Seal, E-Ring Seal, W-Ring Seal or comma-Ring Seal). Each type may have specific aspects that need measurement.
2. Remove the Seal: Carefully remove the old seal from its seating, ensuring that you do not damage the components or the housing as you remove it. If it's difficult to remove, consider using appropriate tools or solvents that can help in removal without causing damage.
3. Clean the Seal Area: Clean the area where the seal was located to ensure accurate measurement and to check for any damage or irregularities in the housing or mating surfaces.
4. Measure the Inner Diameter: Using a caliper, measure the inner diameter of the seal. Place the caliper's tips on the inner edge of the seal to get the measurement. Ensure that the caliper is perpendicular to the seal to get an accurate reading.
5. Measure the Outer Diameter: Similarly, measure the outer diameter by placing the caliper on the outer edges of the seal.
6. Thickness Measurement: Measure the cross-sectional diameter (thickness) of the seal. This is critical as the seal's effectiveness can depend heavily on the correct thickness.
7. Check the Seal Profile: Since metal seals can have complex profiles, ensure that the cross-section of the seal is measured correctly. Some seals might have different shapes or features in their cross-section, which should be matched precisely.
8. Document the Specifications: Record all these dimensions along with any other relevant details such as material type (if known), operating conditions (temperature, pressure, media), and any visible wear or failure modes of the old seal.
9. Consult Manufacturer Specifications: If possible, refer to the manufacturer's specifications for the seal. This can help confirm the required dimensions and suitable material type for the replacement seal.
10. Ordering the Seal: Provide these measurements and specifications to a seal manufacturer or supplier to obtain a suitable replacement. If in doubt, discuss your findings with a sealing expert to ensure compatibility and performance.
Are metal seals reusable?
Metal seals are generally not considered reusable due to their design and the nature of their materials. Most metal seals undergo plastic deformation during installation, which means they conform to the surfaces they seal against. This deformation can create permanent impressions, making it difficult for the seal to function effectively if reused.
1. Design and Deformation: Metal seals, such as those CSE with soft iron layer, are designed with a soft outer layer, or with plating that permanently conforms to the mating surfaces. When removed, the seal may not retain its original shape, leading to potential leaks if reused.
2. Types of Metal Seals: Some types, like E-rings, may exhibit some elastic recovery and could be more suitable for reuse than others, such as O-rings and C-rings, which typically undergo significant plastic deformation. However, even E-rings are not commonly recommended for reuse due to the risk of leaks.
3. Surface Conditions: The condition of the mating surfaces also affects the potential for reuse. If the surfaces are rough or uneven, the chances of a proper seal upon reinstallation decrease, leading to possible leak paths.
In summary, while certain metal seals might have some capacity for reuse under specific conditions, the consensus is that they are generally intended for single use to ensure reliable sealing performance.