Best lube for subsea O rings

This topic has 12 replies, 9 voices, and was last updated 12 years, 5 months ago by Paul Bond.

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February 9, 2012 at 3:23 pm #4852

Paul Robley
Participant

Just wondering what people use to lubricate subsea electronic pods O rings and seals, such as the TSS end cap O rings?

We have been using Dow Cornings Vac grease but have been advised that it isn’t up to the job. Aqualube was a suggestion but can’t seem to find it on UK sites?

Any advice for UK purchases or alternatives.
❓
Many thanks

Paul

February 9, 2012 at 3:33 pm #32169

Sit Rep
Participant

Dow Corning 4 or equivalent.

Aqualube (sea snot) is for metal to metal contact i.e. 316 bolts into Al frames.

Very scary question? Are you involved in tonsorial pursuits?
😉

February 9, 2012 at 3:45 pm #32170

Andy Shiers
Participant

Why not use the tried and tested Molykote 111……………….. That’s what most companies use !

February 9, 2012 at 3:52 pm #32171

Sit Rep
Participant

As I said … or equivalent.

Have used Dow 4 in excess of 2500msw and yet to be flooded….

February 9, 2012 at 5:49 pm #32172

Glevum
Participant

Aqualube/Aquashield states on the tube that it can be used for O-Rings.

Aqualube was renamed Aquashield

February 9, 2012 at 9:26 pm #32173

Rons_ROV_Links
Participant

Most used grease for subsea seals is Molykote 111 (Dow Corning).

The Aqualube/Aquashield lube is normally used as an anti-seize grease for stainless steel threaded joints or as a lube for moving joints like on the MacArtney ROTVs.
As far as I remember it’s also used on the seals in RESON SeaBat sonar heads.

February 10, 2012 at 9:46 am #32174

Andy Shiers
Participant

Plus too sticky 😕

February 10, 2012 at 10:38 am #32175

Savante
Participant

Molykote 55; never had any problems with it… … it’s quite a thin grease and doesn’t gum up the latex gloves too much.

February 10, 2012 at 4:49 pm #32176

Paul Robley
Participant

Thanks all, useful replies.

And ‘NO’ to the tonsorial persuits question!! 😉

February 10, 2012 at 7:01 pm #32177

T-Boy
Participant

Moly 111 or Vasalene as a last resort ❗

Sillycoon spray IMHO is best…can’t be overdone by over zelous fat fingered clankies 😉

February 10, 2012 at 7:11 pm #32178

Andy Shiers
Participant

Or Slim Poof Faggert Sparkies 😀

March 21, 2012 at 8:40 pm #32179

Chris
Participant

X22 Silicone Grease, thinly applied. It’s just there to get the O ring to slip into it’s proper place and do it’s job without being nipped or trapped.

At a pinch some fish oil might work. 😉

March 22, 2012 at 9:25 am #32180

Paul Bond
Participant

"At a pinch…" – perhaps not the best choice of words……!
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