Preserving Seal Integrity: Best Practices for Storing Mechanical Seals

Mechanical seals are precision components designed to prevent leakage, protect equipment, and maintain process efficiency. However, even the highest quality seals can lose effectiveness if stored improperly. Storage conditions, handling methods, and exposure to environmental factors can significantly impact a seal’s performance once it is put into service.

At Stanseals, we understand that proper storage is just as important as correct installation. To ensure that seals retain their integrity and perform reliably when needed, specific guidelines must be followed throughout the storage period.

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The Impact of Temperature and Humidity on Elastomers

Most mechanical seals contain elastomeric components such as O-rings, gaskets, or bellows. These parts are particularly sensitive to environmental exposure. When stored in areas with excessive heat or humidity, elastomers can harden, crack or become sticky. Cold temperatures can also affect flexibility and compressibility.

Stanseals recommends storing seals in a temperature-controlled environment, ideally between 10°C and 25°C, with relative humidity kept below 65%. Temperature fluctuations should be avoided, as they can create condensation inside sealed packages, leading to premature ageing or chemical changes in the materials.

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Avoiding UV and Ozone Exposure

Ultraviolet light and ozone are two of the most damaging elements for stored elastomers. Direct sunlight or even artificial lighting with UV content can lead to surface degradation, discolouration and reduced elasticity. Similarly, ozone generated by nearby electric motors, welding equipment or fluorescent lights can cause cracking in rubber-based materials.

To mitigate these risks, Stanseals advises storing seals in opaque, sealed containers made of UV-blocking materials. Storage rooms should be free from equipment that emits ozone, and seals should not be left out on open shelves or exposed workbenches for prolonged periods.

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Shelf Life of Mechanical Seals

The shelf life of a mechanical seal depends heavily on the material composition, particularly the elastomers. Common materials such as Nitrile (NBR), EPDM, Viton (FKM), and PTFE each have different lifespans when kept in optimal storage conditions.

For example:

• NBR and EPDM generally offer a shelf life of around 5 to 6 years.
• FKM and PTFE can last 10 years or more when sealed and stored correctly.

At Stanseals, we label and track seal batches to monitor shelf life. Customers are encouraged to rotate inventory using a first-in, first-out (FIFO) system to ensure older seals are used before expiry.

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Proper Packaging and Handling

The way seals are packaged plays a key role in protecting them during storage. Stanseals supplies mechanical seals in dust-proof, airtight packaging to prevent moisture ingress and protect against mechanical damage. When unpacking, seals should only be removed from packaging immediately before installation.

Seals should never be stacked loosely, hung from hooks or placed under heavy objects. Any deformation to the sealing face or elastomer shape can lead to poor sealing performance. Careful handling with clean, dry gloves is recommended to avoid introducing oils or particles that could later interfere with operation.

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Inventory Management and Labelling

Organised storage systems allow for quick retrieval and easy tracking of seal specifications and expiry dates. Stanseals encourages the use of clearly labelled bins or drawers with part numbers, material codes, and date of manufacture.

Digitally tracking this information can support maintenance schedules and provide insight into usage patterns. For critical operations, Stanseals also provides custom sealing kits with labelled compartments, ensuring that all components remain secure, complete, and contamination-free until needed.

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On-Site Storage for Maintenance Teams

For facilities that maintain an inventory of spare mechanical seals on-site, it's vital to dedicate space specifically for seal storage. This area should be clean, enclosed and climate-controlled. Storing seals in utility rooms, near steam lines or in warehouses without temperature regulation can lead to rapid material degradation.

Stanseals offers consultation services for companies looking to optimise their seal storage practices, especially in high-turnover or multi-site operations. Setting up proper storage procedures can significantly reduce emergency replacements, failed start-ups and unexpected leaks.

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Protecting Seal Faces from Damage

In addition to elastomers, the sealing faces—whether carbon, ceramic, silicon carbide or tungsten carbide—must be protected from scratches, chips or contamination. Contact with hard surfaces or abrasive materials during storage can compromise flatness and surface finish, resulting in leakage or vibration once installed.

Stanseals packages seals with face protectors or separation pads to prevent damage. If seals must be stored outside of their original packaging, they should be kept in clean, padded compartments with no metal-to-face or face-to-face contact.

Correct storage is the first step to seal performance. For advice on storage best practices, shelf life management or replacement strategies, contact the team at Stanseals today. Our experts are here to support your operations with reliable sealing solutions, from the warehouse to the pump.