How to Store Double-Lip Oil Seals Made from Different Materials?

A few months ago, I walked into a marine engine service bay. On one side, a shelf of neatly boxed double‑lip oil seals, each labelled with size, material, and date received. On the other, a dusty open bin of loose seals, some already showing cracks. Guess which side kept the ships running on schedule.

Why Storage Deserves Respect

Double‑lip oil seals (TC oil seals ) work in tough places — inside pumps, gearboxes, engines, hydraulic presses. Their job is to keep lubricants in and dirt, water, or chemicals out. The two sealing lips share the load: one for the medium, one for the environment. But the rubber compound and the metal frame are both vulnerable to poor storage.

Material‑Specific Risks

· NBR – Great for oil resistance, but heat and ozone will age it fast.

· FKM – Chemically tough, but moisture can creep in over months or years.

· ACM – Handles hot oils, but reacts badly to certain chemicals in the air.

· HNBR – Built for outdoor exposure, yet still needs shielding from direct UV.

Practical Storage Habits

· Keep them cool, but not cold enough to stiffen the rubber.

· Control humidity — a simple hygrometer can save thousands in scrap.

· Block out sunlight; even a skylight can cause slow damage.

· Store flat, in original packaging, and rotate stock so older seals go out first.

· Avoid storing near electric motors or welders, which can emit ozone.

Distributor Concerns

· Shelf life? Five years for NBR, eight for FKM, if you respect the conditions.

· Mixed storage? Not wise. Cross‑contamination is a real, if slow, problem.

· Transport? Plan for the climate. A winter shipment to Canada is different from a summer run to the Middle East.

NQKSF is Commitment

NQKSF doesn’t just sell seals; we protect them until they’re in your hands. Our standard parts with rapid delivery cover over ten thousand specs, ready for urgent needs. Our custom service starts with the right material choice and ends with a tested, ready‑to‑install product. And our technical empowerment means we can help you fine‑tune sealing systems for longer life and lower costs.

With our own manufacturing plant, status as a leader in the sealing industry, and a presence in over 80 countries, we’ve become a trusted name for global brands. Our recognition as a Provincial Technology Innovation Center, Specialised and Innovative Enterprise, High‑Tech Enterprise, and Leading Company in a Specialised Industrial Cluster reflects the standards we keep — in production, in service, and yes, in storage.

The truth is, good storage is invisible. When you do it right, nothing happens, no leaks, no downtime, no urgent calls. And in this business, that’s the best outcome you can hope for.