What should I use to lubricate O-rings?

We often get asked what lubricant should be used on the O-rings found in common products such as pitless adapters and water filters. The information in this article covers these and all other Boshart products which have O-rings.

In industry there are numerous types of lubricants that can be used to lubricate O-rings. Among the more common choices are petroleum distillates, solvents, soap and water, polymers, and ester-based grease products. Unfortunately, many of these traditional choices have also caused health and safety concerns and damage to the rubber O-ring.

WARNING:

NEVER use petroleum-based products, like Vaseline. Petroleum can cause elastomeric rubber to swell or dry out. Solvents are not ideal lubricants and contain high volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that may be flammable or pose very real health risks. Soap and water solutions are safer than solvents and petroleum-based lubricants, but are nominal, inconsistent, and reactivated in wet or damp environments after assembly.

BEST OPTION:

Silicone-based lubricants are the best solution. Most O-rings and seals are made of synthetic elastomeric polymers. This is a rubber material such as nitrile (NBR), EPDM, or Neoprene. Silicone-based lubricants are the best lubricants derived for synthetic compounds.

Silicone-based lubricants, in comparison to other types of lubricants, perform better over a wide range of conditions. They offer an excellent reduction in friction, are waterproof, have low volatility, high-temperature stability, and low-temperature fluidity. Alternatively, ester-based lubricants are biodegradable. However, both are safe and neither pose health risks or contamination by contact when you use your hands or fingers for application. These lubricants can be used on natural rubber products as well.

BOSHART PART NUMBER “P-LUBE”:

P-LUBE is manufactured by Haynes® and is a silicone grease. It is a food-grade grease that can be used in a variety of applications like in food and pharmaceutical plants where incidental food contact may occur. Haynes® Silicone Grease is NSF rated H-1 and made from ingredients that are FDA approved. This sanitary grease complies with all regulatory agencies.

Haynes® Silicone Grease is specifically formulated with the highest quality silicone fluid and additives to meet the unique demands placed on all types of food processing equipment.

This grease will prevent valves and O-rings from sticking in both high temperature and low temperature (freezing) conditions. Haynes® Silicone Grease can be used in high vacuum or pressure systems to seal synthetic rubber and plastic parts that come in contact with metal. The grease is inert and will resist many chemicals. It can be effectively used on EPDM seals where grease compatibility is a concern.

Additional Resources:

https://support.boshart.com/how-do-i-measure-an-o-ring

https://support.boshart.com/do-you-have-dimensions-for-standard-as568-o-rings