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Posted by Conrad C. Nobili on
September 12, 2000 at 19:20:50:
In Reply to: And....Some More Thought posted by Curt on September
12, 2000 at 17:37:02:
Posted from Host: adsl-151-203-60-37.bellatlantic.net (151.203.60.37)
: Being a diver, I know from experience that most underwater flashlights and cameras flood not during the deepest part of a dive, but rather, during entries, exits, or safety stops (usually done at 15 feet below the surface). This is because at these times, the various seals are at their most relaxed state. Rubber seals work by deforming to fill voids between mating surfaces with a waterproof membrane. The rubber uniformly deforms and fills these voids better when it is under pressure, up to the failure point of the o-ring itself. For most scuba accessories, this void-filling ability is usually enhanced by applying a thin coating of silicone lubricant to the o-ring.
: Surface impact with water (such as swimming might produce) probably presents the greatest risk of seal failure to any so-called water resistant device that uses gaskets or o-rings, since that is when they are least effective. The instantaneous pressure peaks introduced during these impacts can more easily distort the already relaxed seals, allowing water to invade.
: Of course, as Dennis Miller often says, I could be wrong.
: Curt
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