O-Ring Sealing for Maximum Service Life in Aggressive HTS Turbine Oils

Tuesday, June 2, 2015 by Sealing & Shielding Team

jet engine with HTS oil resistant o-ring VM125 Mil-PRF-23699 HTS (High Thermal Stability) turbine oils are industry standards for commercial and military aircraft applications. These synthetic oils are favored for their superior thermal and oxidation stability over a wide range of operating conditions. The increased stability of these oils provide a reduction in carbon deposits that would be experienced with standard oils under high operating conditions. What you may not realize is that HTS oil can be detrimental if the seal material is not properly selected.

Limitations of traditional elastomers

Fluorosilicone and fluorocarbons are two seal materials, both having widespread use in jet engine applications. Fluorosilicone is favored for its flexibility at low temperatures, while AMS7276 type fluorocarbons offer increased high temperature stability. Known for its long term compression set resistance, fluorocarbon can extend the life of a seal well beyond a typical fluorosilicone maintenance cycle. While both materials see high success when used in jet fuel environments, they face problems as primary seals in HTS oil. Exposure to HTS oil causes fluorosilicone and AMS7276 type fluorocarbon to swell and soften.

New generation technology

commercial airliner with jet engines For over 20 years, customers have relied on Parker’s HTS oil resistant materials like VM128 and VM835. Our new generation technology, VM125, offers improved compression set resistance compared to legacy materials used in the industry. This material is specifically designed for maximum service life in aggressive HTS turbine oils, with no significant change in the physical properties. VM125 is fully compatible with all hydrocarbon-based hydraulic oils and jet fuels. In addition, VM125 is approved to AMS-R-83485 and listed on the Qualified Product Listing (QPL) for AMS7287, the document that supersedes AMS-R-83485.

Justin Byarski, Business Development Engineer and representative at the SAE CE meetings comments, “It is an exciting time to support industry leaders with our material development and design expertise. VM125 is a great example of how Parker uses that expertise to push material performance to the next level.”

Learn more

View all the advantages of VM125 by reviewing our bulletin or for more information, speak to one of our applications engineers at 859-335-5101 or visit the Parker O-Ring Division.

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