O-Ring Care and Replacement

Overview

O-Rings are critical components of Xeos beacons which have been designed to protect the internal system from water ingress. As such, O-Rings of these devices should be regularly inspected and replaced when appropriate to prevent potential damage to Xeos products.

O-Ring Inspection

New or already existing O-rings should be visually inspected to ensure:

• they are evenly seated in their grooves
• there are no signs of visual damage to the O-ring (splits or cuts)
• the O-ring is clean (no dirt or hair)
• the O-ring is lubricated sufficiently and evenly

O-rings should be replaced regardless of visual inspection, if they have been in a device that has been deployed at a depth for longer than two months.

O-Ring Surface Inspection:

Visually inspect the surface that will be next to the O-ring for scratches or debris when the device is fully assembled. Do not reassemble the unit if you believe there is damage to the O-ring surface. 

If there is any damage to the O-rings surrounding surface, contact Xeos directly.

O-Ring Replacement: 

Cleaning

• Remove the old O-ring with a tool that will not scratch the O-ring groove.  A wooden or soft plastic toothpick is ideal.
• Clean the O-ring groove in preparation for the new O-ring. Use a lint-free cloth, cleaning alcohol, and a soft brush to prevent scratching this surface.
• Clean the mating surface of the device the O-ring will meet using the above materials.

Installation

• Apply a thin, even layer of seal lubricant (Molykote 111 from Dow Corning) to the new O-ring. This lubricant should cover the entire O-ring.
• Slide the new O-ring into the O-ring groove and press down gently to confirm it is evenly seated.
• Reassemble the device to protect the O-ring as soon as possible to prevent the collection of particles.