AN6230-38 – Aerospace Packing O-Ring T.139 ID 6.5
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Overview
The AN6230-38 is a classic, military-standard preformed packing O-ring, engineered for reliable sealing in large-scale aerospace hydraulic systems. Manufactured in strict accordance with the AN6230 specification, this O-ring is fabricated from a high-quality Nitrile (Buna-N) rubber compound. It is specifically designed to provide a positive, leak-proof seal in applications utilizing petroleum-based hydraulic fluids like MIL-H-5606. With its large 6.5-inch internal diameter, the AN6230-38 is a critical sealing component for major hydraulic actuators, landing gear struts, and other large assemblies.
Key Features
- Hydraulic Fluid Resistance: Fabricated from a specialized Nitrile (Buna-N) compound, providing excellent resistance to swelling, softening, and degradation when exposed to common petroleum-based hydraulic fluids, oils, and greases.
- Durable & Resilient: The 75-durometer Nitrile material offers an excellent balance of properties, including high tensile strength and resistance to abrasion and tearing, making it ideal for both static and dynamic sealing applications under pressure.
- Large Diameter Sealing: Specifically designed for large-diameter glands, providing a reliable seal for major system components where smaller O-rings are insufficient.
- AN Certified Standard: As a certified Air Force/Navy (AN) standard part, it guarantees the material compound, dimensional tolerances, and physical properties required for use in certified aircraft systems.
- Positive Compression Seal: Designed to be slightly compressed within a machined groove (gland), creating a positive initial seal that is then energized by system pressure for a highly effective, leak-proof barrier.
Technical Specifications
- Standard: AN6230 (Packing, Preformed, Hydraulic, Petroleum Base)
- Full Part Number: AN6230-38
- Material: Nitrile Rubber Compound (Buna-N, NBR)
- Durometer (Hardness): 75 Shore A
- Color: Black
- Dimensions:
- Inside Diameter (I.D.): 6.500 inches
- Cross Section (C.S.): 0.139 inches
- Primary Fluid Compatibility: Petroleum-Based Hydraulic Fluid (e.g., MIL-H-5606)
- Operating Temperature Range: Approximately -65°F to 275°F (-54°C to 135°C)
Aircraft Compatibility
The AN6230-38 is a standard seal used in the hydraulic systems of a wide range of military, transport, and general aviation aircraft, particularly in legacy platforms.
- Common Applications:
- Landing Gear Systems: Used as a primary seal in the main cylinder or piston of large oleo-pneumatic shock struts.
- Hydraulic Actuators: Serves as the main piston seal in large hydraulic actuators for flight controls, flaps, or cargo doors.
- System Accumulators: Provides the primary seal for the piston or diaphragm in large hydraulic accumulators.
Applications
The AN6230-38 is the engineered sealing solution for large-scale hydraulic needs:
- Static & Dynamic Sealing: Suitable for creating a reliable, high-pressure seal for both stationary components and large, slow-moving pistons.
- Component Overhaul: A mandatory replacement item during the overhaul of any hydraulic component to restore sealing integrity.
Why Choose AN6230-38?
A leak in a major hydraulic component like a landing gear strut can lead to system failure and a ground-based or in-flight emergency. The integrity of the system's seals is paramount. Using a genuine AN6230-38 O-ring guarantees that the seal is made from the correct Nitrile compound, specifically formulated and tested for compatibility with aviation hydraulic fluids. Substituting with a non-certified, commercial-grade O-ring can lead to seal failure from material incompatibility or improper sizing, resulting in leaks and potential system failure.
Order Your AN6230-38 O-Rings Now
Ensure the leak-free performance and reliability of your aircraft's hydraulic systems with certified AN-standard seals. Visit Airparts.aero to order your AN6230-38 O-rings today.
The AN6230-38 O-ring functions by creating a predictable and powerful seal through the application of pressure. When installed in a groove (gland), the O-ring's cross-section is compressed by approximately 15-30%, creating an initial sealing force. When hydraulic pressure is applied to one side of the seal, that pressure acts uniformly on the O-ring's surface. This forces the O-ring to deform and press even more tightly against the opposing surfaces of the gland, creating a seal that is energized by the system's own pressure. The 75-durometer Nitrile compound of the AN6230-38 is chosen to be hard enough to resist extrusion into the clearance gap under pressure, yet soft enough to conform to any microscopic imperfections in the sealing surfaces.
Note: This is a flight-critical sealing component. Always verify the correct O-ring part number from the applicable component maintenance manual (CMM) or aircraft Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC). Ensure the O-ring is within its specified shelf life before installation. Lubricate with clean system hydraulic fluid (MIL-H-5606) to prevent damage during assembly. Never use tools that could nick or scratch the O-ring or sealing surfaces.
