Groove Side
O-ring side is one of the components of the SAE Flange packaged together to form the complete set of the flange. The O-ring side is designed with a groove seat to hold a rubber o-ring. The O-ring side is combined with the flat side during connection to form the connection of the flange.
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More importantly, the o-ring side is better to improve tightness and reduce leakage risk during the operation of the system. An SAE Flange can either come in an o-ring side, flat side, or a combination of the two flanges. They are made following the SAE J518 and ISO 6162 standards.
1. What is an O-ring Side Flange?
Flanges serve as connecting devices for pipes, hoses, and other hydraulic devices. SAE Flange is one of the common types of flanges and it is applied in a variety of fields. They are made with unique materials and suitable for use in high-pressure systems. SAE Flanges are available in two types which are the o-ring side flange and the flat side flange. They are also referred to as the male and female flange. On purchase, SAE Flange can come in a flat side or o-ring side alone, or the combination of both. The most commonly used SAE Flange type is the O-ring side flange.
The O-ring side flange is designed with a groove seat to hold the o-ring in place during connection. An O-ring, also known as an elastomer o-ring used to connect two surfaces. It is made of a rubber material and is mostly used to seal two working surfaces. In the case of the SAE Flange, the o-ring side is placed on the o-ring groove seat and compressed during the bolt tightening. The tightening of bolts pulls the flat side and o-ring side together to form a seal.
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One of the major strengths of the o-ring side is the reduction of leakages it gives during connection. Most times, metal to metal flanges when connected have a high risk of leakage. However, with the o-ring placed in-between the flange, there is less friction and reduced leakage risk too.
2. Why is O-ring Side important?
The o-ring side in an SAE Flange is very important to the connection and perfect operation of the system. The o-ring side is important to the flange because of the reasons listed below:
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Perfectly seals the surface area of the flanges to avoid leakages and oil spillage during operation.
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Suitable for use in both high and low temperatures and pressures.
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The o-rings used for sealing are made from a variety of material which is mostly chemical resistant. Hence, it reduces the corrosion risk of flanges.
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It serves as the second surface area to be combined with the flat side for connection.
3. How can you protect the o-ring side?
One of the major causes of the o-ring side flange problem is the usage of the wrong o-ring. The o-ring is the most important part of the o-ring side, hence, it may alter the functionality of the hydraulic system. You have to use the right o-ring size, material and tighten the bolts with the right torque value. Then, choose the o-ring material after considering the temperature of the system it will be connected to. Wrong o-ring material may lead to premature o-ring or hydraulic system failures.