Storage and Shelf Life

The preferred storage temperature is between 15°C and 25°C . Close distance to any source of heat (radiator, boiler or any heater), and direct sunlight exposure should be avoided. If the storage temperature is below 15°C , care should be taken during handling in order to avoid any distortion or significant deformation, as they might have stiffened. In such case the seals should be slowly warmed up to 20°C or to ambient temperature.

Polymer materials should be protected from circulating air. Ozone deteriorates many elastomers, so storerooms should be ozone-free and avoid to keep any equipment that can  generating ozone (just like high voltage electric equipment, electric motor, or mercury vapor lamps).

Elastomer products should be checked before installation, in order to ensure their proper condition. Physical changes due to improper storage or excessive storage time can normally be detected by visual inspection, such as  dirt/dust deposits, , hardening or softening, stickiness or discoloration and cracking. (Following an inspection of these characteristics, the recommended maximum storage period might be extended).

The relative humidity in the storeroom should be below 65%. Extreme moist and too dry conditions should be avoided and condensation should not occur.

Seals should be stored in a relaxed condition. Compressive or  tensile strain or any other type of mechanical deformation should be avoided, as cracking might occur. Generally, delivered articles are packed in deformation/stress-free condition, so it is recommended to store them  in the original packaging.

Direct  contact between elastomer products or rubber and plastic products with plasticizers must be avoided,  because of possible transfer of plasticizer or any other ingredients. Exposure by chemicals: Lubricants (oils and greases) or different solvents might chemically attack and cause damage to polymer seals. Direct contact between seals and such chemicals must be avoided in storage.