How Should Double-Lip Oil Seals Be Stored When Made from Different Materials?

Number of hits：52025-09-14 11:39:02　

Over the years, I have seen many cases where a batch of double-lip oil seals (TC oil seals) stayed too long in storage and, when finally installed, they had already lost elasticity or showed surface cracks. Often, the issue is not about manufacturing quality but about improper storage. And with oil seals made from different materials, storage conditions matter even more.

Material differences

The most common compounds used in double-lip oil seals are NBR, FKM, ACM, and EPDM. Each reacts differently to its environment:

· NBR (Nitrile Rubber): resistant to oils but sensitive to ozone and heat. Keep away from direct sunlight and high temperatures.

· FKM (Fluoroelastomer): stable against heat and chemicals, but prolonged exposure to moisture or heat can still reduce elasticity.

· ACM (Acrylic Rubber): vulnerable to oxidation and UV light, storage should avoid excessive air circulation and light.

· EPDM: weather-resistant but can be affected by prolonged contact with mineral oils.

Distributors sometimes store all seals together without distinguishing material types. In reality, proper management by compound type can prevent many later problems.

Key storage factors

From a practical perspective, there are several factors to consider:

· Temperature: around 10℃–25℃ is ideal. Avoid extreme heat or cold that leads to hardening.

· Humidity: relative humidity between 40% and 70% reduces the risk of rusting on the metal case.

· Light: avoid direct sunlight or UV, as it accelerates rubber aging.

· Pressure: do not stack oil seals heavily, as lips can deform.

· Packaging: keep the original packaging until use, to prevent contamination.

I recall a case with an automotive distributor who mixed NBR and EPDM seals in one storage area without proper temperature control. After only three months, many pieces had lost performance. The lesson was clear: improper storage shortens the shelf life dramatically.

Questions from distributors

When discussing with wholesalers, I often hear questions like:

· How long can seals be stored without losing performance?

· Do we need dehumidifiers in the warehouse?

· Why do some seals from the same batch remain fine while others become hard within months?

The answer lies in matching storage methods to the specific material. There is no single rule for all compounds.

For wholesalers, correct storage practices mean reduced scrap, lower costs, and higher confidence when delivering to customers. Having stock that can be installed immediately is an advantage in itself. Clients return not only for prices but for reliability and professionalism.

NQKSF supports partners with standard parts in stock for fast delivery—covering tens of thousands of sizes of O-rings and oil seals—and also provides customized services, from material selection and design to testing. With over 30 years of experience, we also help optimize sealing systems, which lowers maintenance costs and improves equipment reliability.

Storing double-lip oil seals correctly is not complicated, but ignoring the details can directly affect performance later. Industries like pumps, motors, gearboxes, engines, construction machinery, wind power, metallurgy, chemical plants, automotive and heavy trucks rely on seals that not only perform well but are also well-kept before installation.

In my view, selling an oil seal is not just about a product—it is about offering a dependable solution. With its manufacturing base, wide portfolio, and global presence, NQKSF continues to support distributors and wholesalers worldwide, ensuring that seals are not only made well but also ready for service when needed. That is the true mark of a trusted partner in the sealing industry.