In previous blog articles we have discussed related topics on how to solve a watertightness problem; what are O-rings and how are they manufactured?; The advantages of a particular sealing solution compared to another, etc.
However, sometimes we have doubts about how to assemble and disassemble sealing rings (either a seal, a collar or an O-ring, among other components of sealing systems). In addition, we often find that the descriptions of how to assemble seals do not detail how to use the various tools for this purpose.
For all these reasons, as experts in sealing solutions, at Epidor SRT today we are going to explain how to assemble and disassemble sealing gaskets of different materials and how to use the various tools and tools for this purpose.
Index
8 tools and equipment for assembly and disassembly of sealing elements
In order to explain how to assemble and disassemble a sealing gasket, it is important to know first the tools and components available as sealing elements. Let's see a brief description of each of them and the function they perform:
Joint pullers
Sets of 4 tools and 8 tools respectively, with ergonomic handles and different high-strength metal appendages for accessibility of the housings.
Shear for cutting guide rings
Tool for cutting guides made of phenolic resin with vegetable fiber reinforcement and bronze-loaded PTFE, among other materials. Maximum cutting thickness is 4 mm. Cuts can be made at 45°, 60° and 90° angles. This guide ring cutting tool is designed for both right-handed and left-handed users.
Calibration tape
After installing a low-friction seal on a piston, it is highly recommended to tighten it evenly to correct any deformations that the friction ring may have undergone during installation. In other words, it must be “calibrated”. For this purpose, a tape is used which, with the aid of a wedge and a wrench, allows tightening around the entire perimeter of the seal. 
Retainer tool
Tool for the extraction and assembly of seals. The use of this tool ensures that neither the shaft seal nor the shaft surface is damaged when it is removed from its housing or during the assembly process. To assemble the seal, the end of the bar is supported at a point on the seal and, depending on the orientation of the tool, the weight moves along the bar until it hits the stop that transmits the impact to the seal, thus displacing it. By repeating the process in several points of application, the retainer is gradually moved to its housing.
The procedure for removing the retainer is very similar. For this purpose, the end of the rod is clamped in the detent and the weight is moved in the opposite direction. The impact of the weight with the stop is transformed into an outward thrust force. By repeating the process at several application points, the retainer is gradually moved until it can be easily removed by hand.
Dilatation cone for PTFE rings
The cone allows to stretch those PTFE rings previously heated with measures between 35 mm and 250 mm of inner diameter and a maximum height of 7.5 mm. The friction ring is placed on the cone and the lever is actuated to open the cone and stretch the part.
Calibration tool
Tool designed for the assembly of low friction piston seals, consisting of a PTFE ring and an O-ring, with diameters between 50 mm and 360 mm. This tool should be used in conjunction with the Expansion Cone, which will help expand the PTFE ring and facilitate assembly.
O-ring installer
Tool suitable for the assembly of O-rings when the housings are located deep inside the equipment and are difficult to access. The O-ring is inserted inside the installer, so that it is protected until it reaches the housing and once there, the installer mechanism releases the O-ring into its groove.
Tool for hydraulic seals
Depending on the size of a shank seal or a wiper, its assembly involves an elastic deformation of the part that allows the part to be inserted into its housing. Once in place, the part recovers its original shape when the tool is removed. This is known as elastic assembly or deformation of the kidney-shaped part.
Now you know more about the instructions for gasket replacement, as well as the tools for assembling and disassembling sealing elements. But if you still have doubts, contact Epidor SRT's technical team. As experts in sealing solutions, we will be pleased to assist you.