Understanding the role of Bodok seals in gas and fluid sealing systems

In the world of sealing technology, precision and reliability are critical. Bodok seals – also known as Bodok washers play a vital role in maintaining safe, gas-tight connections in medical, laboratory, and industrial gas systems. At Ashton Seals, we supply Bodok seals engineered for consistent performance, ensuring secure connections where safety and reliability are paramount.

What is a Bodok seal?

A Bodok seal is a type of sealing washer typically used in gas cylinder connections, especially in medical and laboratory equipment. It consists of a rubber (usually nitrile or neoprene) sealing ring bonded to a metal washer, commonly brass or aluminium. The design allows for both mechanical strength and elastic compression, creating a highly reliable gas-tight seal.

Key features:

• Metal washer provides structural stability.
• Rubber insert ensures airtight sealing even under variable pressure.
• Designed for repeated use in gas regulators and cylinder valves.

This dual-material design offers the durability of metal and the flexibility of elastomer, ensuring a long service life in high-pressure environments.

Common applications of Bodok seals

Bodok seals are essential in systems that rely on clean, controlled gas delivery. Common applications include:

• Medical equipment – oxygen regulators, anaesthetic systems, and portable gas cylinders.
• Laboratories – analytical and testing equipment where gas purity is critical.
• Industrial gas systems – for oxygen, nitrogen, and other compressed gases.
• Scuba diving and breathing apparatus – ensuring leak-free air supply.

Their reliability in both static and dynamic sealing environments makes them a preferred choice wherever gas integrity is vital.

How Bodok seals work

When a Bodok seal is compressed between a cylinder valve and a regulator, the rubber layer deforms slightly to fill microscopic surface imperfections. This ensures a complete seal without the need for excessive tightening. The metal washer distributes compression evenly, preventing over-tightening and extending the life of both the seal and the connection.

Performance benefits:

• Maintains seal integrity under variable pressure.
• Resistant to gas permeation and leakage.
• Simple to install and replace.
• Reduces wear on mating surfaces.

These properties make Bodok seals especially valuable in medical oxygen systems, where leak prevention directly supports patient safety.

Material choices and compatibility

Choosing the correct material is vital for both performance and safety. Ashton Seals offers Bodok seals in a selection of high-quality elastomers designed to suit different gas and environmental conditions.

Our standard Bodok seal range includes:

• Nitrile (NBR) – 85 Shore, Black
   Excellent general-purpose material with strong resistance to gas permeation. Ideal for oxygen and non-corrosive gas systems where dependable, gas-tight performance is required.
• Neoprene (CR) – 80 Shore, Black
   Offers balanced flexibility and durability. Suitable for applications exposed to oil vapours or reactive gases, commonly used in industrial and mixed gas systems.
• Viton (FKM) – 75 Shore, Black or Brown
   High-performance fluoroelastomer with superior chemical, heat, and gas resistance. Ideal for demanding environments requiring long-term sealing stability.
• HNBR (Hydrogenated Nitrile) – 80 Shore, Light Brown or Green
   Combines the strength of nitrile with enhanced temperature and chemical resistance, making it suitable for more aggressive or high-pressure gas applications.

By matching the correct elastomer to the working environment, Ashton Seals ensures that each Bodok seal delivers reliable, leak-free performance and long service life under varying pressure and temperature conditions.

Why choose Ashton Seals?

With decades of experience in sealing technology, Ashton Seals is a trusted supplier of high-performance sealing solutions. Our Bodok seals are manufactured to precise standards, ensuring consistent quality and compatibility with a wide range of gas systems.

Our advantages:

• High-quality materials and controlled production processes.
• Extensive technical knowledge in sealing systems.
• Reliable supply and responsive customer service.

Expert guidance on application-specific sealing requirements.

Whether you operate in the medical, laboratory, or industrial sectors, we can help you identify the most suitable Bodok seal for your system.
For more details or to order, visit our Bodok Seals product page to view specifications, sizes, and compatibility guidance. 
If you’re looking for other sealing products checkout our range.

Final thoughts

Bodok seals may be small components, but their importance in maintaining gas system integrity cannot be overstated. From medical devices to industrial applications, they ensure safety, reliability, and efficiency at every connection point.

By choosing Ashton Seals, you’re partnering with a brand that combines technical expertise, quality manufacturing, and a commitment to precision sealing – giving you peace of mind where it matters most.