O-ring
The O-ring seal shown on the left depicts a section of an inspection door on an amixon® mixer. The groove is positioned so that the seal is virtually free of dead space. The groove in which the O-ring sits is slightly cambered. This prevents the O-ring seal from falling out. This design is part of the OptiKleen® concept.
An O-ring is a ring-shaped sealing element with a circular cross-section. It is used to seal the gap between two components. It is positioned in a groove and elastically deformed by compression, so that it reliably seals the gap between the sealing surfaces.
O-rings are used in process engineering in static and dynamic applications, for example on covers, inspection doors, flanges or shafts. Their sealing effect is based on the material’s elastic restoring force and the applied operating pressure. Material selection, surface quality, groove geometry and installation conditions are crucial for function and service life.
In powder and bulk material processes, O-rings must additionally meet requirements regarding abrasion resistance, chemical resistance, temperature stability and, where applicable, hygiene suitability. Professional installation contributes significantly to the seal’s effectiveness.