Understanding O-Ring Lubricants

[scottj]

Rule #15 on this page of engineer's edge states

DO NOT use a lubricant composed of the same material as the o-ring. For example, a silicone lubricant should NOT be used with a silicone o-ring.

However, on the parker website they say

Parker O-Lube is a petroleum-based grease recommended for use with polyacrylate, Vamac, neoprene, fluorosilicone, nitrile, HNBR, polyurethane, fluorocarbon, Aflas, Hifluor, and Parofluor o-ring materials. Parker Super-O-Lube is a silicone fluid recommended for use with all rubber materials. Only a thin film of Super-O-Lube should be used with silicone rubber to prevent seal damage.

Does anyone know how to reconcile these statements?

Thanks

[Kelly_Bramble]

I don't see that reconciliation is needed - you go with Parker or the manufacturer’s recommendation....


"Same Material" I would take to mean "Identical".

Engineers Edge rules, recommendation and so on are meant to be general and should not be construed as absolute or overriding the manufactures’ recommendation – ever.

[scottj]

Thanks Kelly!

Why as a general rule should silicone lubricants not be used with silocone o-rings? I'd love to understand the reasons for this general rule.