Temperature extremes can lead to seal failure by changing an O-ring’s size and consistency. Extreme heat can cause the seal to expand and harden, permanently deforming it. Very low temperatures may cause the shrinking seal to lose flexibility and become brittle. Knowing what range of temperatures a seal must withstand is essential to the design process. In some cases, designing a larger gland for high-temperature seals or a smaller gland for low-temperature seals may help. Table 38 shows the typical temperature ranges for the most common sealing materials.

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