What is the Storage Life of Skeleton Oil Seals and What Should Be Noted During Storage?

Number of hits：712025-12-27 15:46:09　

The shelf life of a skeleton oil seal is typically between three and five years, but this is not a fixed value. The actual duration depends on the seal’s material, storage environment, and storage conditions. If stored improperly, the performance of the oil seal may deteriorate, leading to reduced sealing effectiveness. Therefore, understanding proper storage requirements and following correct handling methods is essential.

Why does a skeleton oil seal have a limited shelf life?

The shelf life of a skeleton oil seal is closely related to the aging process of its rubber material. During storage, rubber is affected by oxygen, moisture, and light exposure. Over time, its elasticity and sealing capability may decline. This aging process accelerates under high temperatures, high humidity, or exposure to chemical environments, causing the sealing lip to harden or crack and eventually lose its ability to seal effectively.

According to ISO 9001 quality management standards and publications from the International Sealing Distribution Association (ISDA), noticeable performance degradation in oil seal materials typically appears within three to five years, especially when stored in suboptimal conditions.

Key storage conditions to consider

To extend the service life of skeleton oil seals, proper storage practices are essential. The following factors should be carefully managed:

Temperature control:

Oil seals should be stored in an environment with moderate temperatures. Avoid exposure to excessive heat (above 40°C) or very low temperatures. A storage range of 15°C to 25°C is ideal.

Humidity control:

High humidity can accelerate aging and cause mold growth. The storage environment should remain dry, preventing moisture from coming into direct contact with the oil seals.

Avoid direct sunlight:

Ultraviolet light accelerates rubber aging, causing hardening or cracking. Oil seals should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Avoid contact with chemicals:

Oil seals must be kept away from solvents, acids, alkalis, and other chemicals that may react with rubber and degrade its properties.

Keep packaging intact:

Oil seals should remain in their original packaging to prevent exposure to airborne contaminants and moisture, reducing the risk of premature aging.

Recommendations from Shanfeng Seal (Brands under its umbrella include NQKSF)

To ensure optimal performance when the oil seal is put into use, companies should strictly follow the storage guidelines provided by suppliers when receiving and storing oil seals. Regular inspections are recommended, especially when seals approach the end of their shelf life. Check for signs such as surface cracks, hardening, or loss of elasticity.

If storage conditions cannot guarantee product quality, consider consulting the supplier or technical support for better storage solutions or replacement options.

By adopting proper storage and management practices, the service life of skeleton oil seals can be significantly extended, ensuring that their sealing performance remains reliable during operation.