A leak rate of one drip per minute equals about a liter (quart) of water in three days. For an O-ring on a submersible pump, that is a major problem. O-rings are often used for static seals on submersible pumps. Understanding what makes a good static seal and what causes one to leak is important for pump maintenance and repair technicians.

The effectiveness of an O-ring static seal depends on the dimensions of the mating parts, the surface finish of the mating parts and the characteristics of the elastomeric O-ring. The focus of this article is the dimensions and condition of the mating parts.

Topics covered in the article include:

• Dimensions
• Identification of critical surfaces
• A case study

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