The Many Impressive Uses of O-Rings
When it comes to a seal that is seemingly simple in its design, yet incredibly impressive it its ability to keep gas and liquid from escaping, it is hard to beat the o-ring. As it turns out, this seal is so good at its job, it is now used in a number of products across a multitude of industries. Here are five impressive uses for o-rings.
Medical: Metered Dose Inhaler
Inhaled respiratory medications must often be taken with the help of a metered-dose inhaler. As Family Doctor notes, it is commonly used to treat breathing difficulties due to conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other respiratory issues. The inhaler works by creating a cloud of medication which the person will then inhale. The o-ring in the metered dose inhaler will prevent the medication inside the dosing chamber from going back down the small tube.
Sports: Scuba Gear
Here’s a major understatement: when you are scuba diving, you really don’t want your oxygen tank to go kaput. When it comes to your scuba-related safety, you have o-rings to thank. The breathing gear that you wear before going underwater contains o-rings, which should be carefully checked before you make a dive. This way, the o-ring will provide a solid seal and air will get to the regulators, not water.
Recreation: Underwater Camera
If you want to take some stunning shots of vibrant fish while you are scuba diving, or some cute pics of your kiddo learning to swim, you will need a waterproof camera like the Nikon COOLPIX W300. What will help to keep H2O out of this impressive camera is o-rings; without them, water would get into the camera and ruin it. Because o-rings can stand up to a great deal of pressure, the waterproof camera can be taken to some pretty low depths in the water without letting water inside.
Food and Beverage: Soda Fountains
O-rings are also a key component of soda fountains, helping with both the carbonation and transportation of the delicious beverage from the tank into your glass. As Apple Rubber notes, silicone o-rings are commonly used in the food industry; they can withstand a wide range of temperatures and can stand up to the cold and sugary drinks.
Automotive: Fuel Pump
When you are out driving, it goes without saying that you want the fuel pump to work properly. More specifically, the pump takes fuel from the gas tank, sends it to a cylinder where it mixes with air and a spark to form combustion. To keep fuel from leaking out of the tank and wreaking havoc inside your vehicle’s engine, o-rings are used to keep everything where it is supposed to be. As you might suspect, the o-rings used in the automotive industry have to really stand up to harsh conditions. Fluorocarbon o-rings, which are commercially known as Viton, Fluorel or Technoflon, are all commonly used in the fuel system.
One Product, Many Uses
O-rings are all basically shaped like a donut, but their uses vary drastically. From helping people with asthma to get their correct amount of medicine, and keeping scuba divers safe, to preventing underwater cameras from being ruined, helping soda get from fountain to glass and keeping our cars on the road, o-rings are an impressive and vital piece of equipment.
