Consider a hydraulic fitting with a Buna-N O-ring that has been stored in a parts bin for who knows how long, probably years. As is often the case, it is no longer sealed in its original plastic bag. Now, what if that storage bin is in an outdoor tool shed in Florida, where the average humidity in July can reach 80%?
Under the proper conditions a Buna-N O-ring has a shelf life of 15 years, again, under proper conditions. One of those conditions is the humidity must be less than 75%. You can pretty much bet the fitting in question has been exposed to frequent humidity. Pull it out of the bin, put it into service, and you may be asking for trouble, leaks, damage to equipment, or worse.
Flowtech Fluidpower PLC (LON:FLO) is a leading specialist in fluid power products and solutions. Through hydraulics, pneumatics and associated industrial products, they focus on moving liquid, gas or air to generate power which keeps industry moving.
