Submerged Gaskets

Stockwell Elastomerics manufactures gaskets for submerged enclosures, usually to meet IP67 and NEMA 6 specifications. The reference depth is up to 1 meter deep which translates to roughly 16psi of omni-directional pressure. Submersion gaskets need to be well seated and require good wetting out of the gasket against the mating surfaces to fill in any tolerance stack and/or surface imperfections. Any small gap or under-compressed section of the gasket will allow a continuous flow of water into the enclosure.

Important Points to Consider for Submerged Gasket Materials

• Hardness – Solid gasket materials will push back with significant force. Soft or low durometer materials reduce the rebound force, which helps mitigate bowing and flexing of the housing. Solid silicone gasket material is readily available in durometer hardness as low as 10 duro (Shore A).
• Salt water – Marine environments require the gasket material to be able to withstand salt water and salt fog.
• Shape Factor – Molded gaskets allow sealing beads to be designed into the gasket. Sealing beads help lower the sealing pressure required.
• Gasket compression – Well spaced fasteners allow for good gasket compression and limit bowing and flexing of the housing and lid.
• Seating – Having a groove or adhesive backing helps hold the gasket in place under shear loads.
• Housing material – Submerged applications often benefit from the housing’s rigidity. A rigid housing prevents flexing between fasteners which reduces the chances of leaking.

Stockwell Elastomerics offers a wide range of gasket materials and processing capabilities to address the finer details of sealing in underwater applications. Silicone is the preferred material for several reasons:

• Wide durometer range (10 – 70 Shore A)
• Holds up well in salt water
• UV and ozone resistant
• Resists taking a compression set (rebounds well)

Gaskets for enclosures required to pass IP67 or NEMA 6 can be die cut, water jet cut from sheet/roll stock or molded into a gasket with a three dimensional cross section.