Any seal design project must give due attention to the space in which the O-ring will reside, and here’s where an important distinction should be made. Though sometimes used interchangeably when speaking of seal design, the terms “groove” and “gland” are not synonymous (see Figure 83). “Groove” refers specifically to the machined recess within a gland into which an O-ring is fitted. “Gland” is a more general term for the machined cavity which includes both the groove and the mating surface to be sealed. That said, choices as to the metal, surface finish, and shape of the gland and its groove must be made. It is also important to maintain cleanliness within the gland and not to damage the O-ring during installation or assembly.

METAL
SURFACE FINISH
SHAPE
CLEANLINESS
O-RING INSTALLATION & GLAND ASSEMBLY