Technical Insights

U-shaped seals are lip seals commonly used in many industrial applications, such as in food production or the pharmaceutical industry. As its name implies, a Silicone U Seal resembles an O-ring but comes with a distinct U-shaped profile. These seals have a static outside lip and dynamic inside lip that provide a sealing function by applying pressure to the rod or piston.

As a top supplier for pipework systems, JACOB makes unique Rubber Seals in the UK, guaranteed to provide maximum safety for your operations. With our easy and flexible modular system, you can efficiently fit your pipe components with U-shaped seals to configure your pipe systems accordingly. Read more below to learn about these seals and their main benefits.

Features of JACOB’s U-Seals

JACOB’s U-shaped seals are designed to be used with pull-rings and standard modular parts with a 6mm lip. To install them, all you need to do is fit the component with lipped ends with a U-shaped seal, then join them with a pull-ring. Some key benefits of our seals include the following:

• Resistance to tears, aggressive chemicals, and several substances
• Ideal profile for maximum tightness
• Compliant with food regulations (Food grade line)
• Metal-detectable (Detectable design line)

We offer a range of different U-shaped Rubber Seals in the UK with specifications to suit your needs. Here are our five main options:

• Nitrile rubber (NBR) in grey white
• Silicone beige (Food grade)
• Silicone blue (Food grade, metal-detectable)
• EPDM black (electrostatically conductive)
• Viton FKM reddish brown

Aside from the variations in materials, colours, and specifications, the U-shaped seals also come in diameters ranging from 60 to 630mm. Our team can assist you if you need help picking the proper seal for your application. We have several U-shaped seals suitable for 1 to 3mm pipework systems, so you should have no problem finding the right fit.

Combining the Food Grade and Detectable Design Line

One of the unique aspects of JACOB’s U-shaped seals is that they come from our food grade and detectable design line. On their own, these product ranges offer many benefits to your operations. However, combining the two guarantees the highest level of security in your production flow. Get to know more about them below:

• Food Grade Line

JACOB’s food-grade products are engineered to comply with American FDA regulations and international safety standards like the European EC 1935/2004 requirements. As part of this line, our U-shaped seals are made with stainless steel and suitable for contact with food and other hygiene-sensitive products. They are also vulcanised and adhesive-free, allowing higher temperature and chemical resistance.

• Detectable Design Line

When dealing with many working components in your system, the smallest parts can easily get dislodged and mixed into your product. So to remedy this concern, the JACOB Silicone U Seal contains microscopic metal particles inside the rubber. This way, if a part of the whole seal breaks down from heat or regular wear and tear, you can catch it with a metal detector and effectively remove it from your production flow.

How to Install Pull-Ring Connections with JACOB’s U-Shaped Seals

JACOB’s U-shaped seals primarily connect pipe or pressed components with a 6mm lip. Aside from the seal, you will also need a pull-ring and 6mm hexagon screwdriver to mount it. We have our QUICK CONNECT pull-ring or two-part pull-ring that you can use depending on your needs. Here are the steps for installation:

• Attach the seal

First, fit your U-shaped seal to one of the lipped ends in your pipe component, with the profiled side facing the piece. Then, stretch the seal a bit so it attaches correctly.

• Slide one pull-ring half

Second, position your pipe and slide -half of the pull-ring over the lipped end. If you are using a two-part pull-ring, separate the two halves before attaching them for easier installation. As for the QUICK CONNECT pull-ring, attach the half without the toggle clip.

Take note that if you fit horizontal pipes in areas that may condensate, you should position the U-shaped seal on top and have the connecting points of your pull-ring halves horizontal.

• Press the second pull-ring half

Finally, you can press the second half of the pull-ring. To ensure a secure and tight connection, use a 10Nm torque for the QUICK CONNECT pull-ring and 25Nm torque for the two-part pull-ring. Once you close the pull-ring, double-check to see if there are no loops in the seal for a smooth connection.

U-shaped seals are essential to creating leak-proof connections in your pipework system. To ensure maximum safety and efficiency in your production flow, our Silicone U Seal is food-grade, metal-detectable, and resistant to chemicals and high temperatures. It also fits well with any pipe component and can easily be installed with our pull-rings.