Back to Products

/ O-Rings

High-Temp FKM (Viton®) O-Rings for Chemical Processing

Modern Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) and chemical injection processes utilize aggressive fluids that destroy standard rubber seals. Our Viton® GF High-Performance O-Rings are engineered using a Peroxide-Cured, High-Fluorine (~70%) chemistry. Unlike standard bisphenol-cured FKM, the GF series provides exceptional resistance to Methanol, Ethanol, Steam, and Sour Crude. It bridges the performance gap between standard FKM and expensive FFKM (Perfluoroelastomer), offering a cost-effective solution for critical fluid handling.

Technical Specifications

  • Pressure Rating: 5,000+ PSI (With Backup Rings)
  • Temperature Range: -10°F to +400°F (-23°C to +204°C)
  • Material: FKM (Viton®)

Applications

  • Downhole Tools, Used in MWD/LWD tools, packers, and bridge plugs where temperatures exceed 300°F and chemical resistance to drilling muds is required.
  • Chemical Injection, Seals for pumps and valves injecting corrosion inhibitors, methanol, or biocides (Requires Viton® GF).
  • Subsea Equipment, Christmas trees, manifolds, and risers requiring long service life and cold resistance (Requires Viton® GLT).
  • Gas Processing & Transmission, Compressors, dehydration units, and gas valves handling high-pressure gas, requiring RGD/AED resistance.
  • Refineries, Mechanical seals, flange gaskets, and heat exchanger gaskets handling hot crude oil, fuels, and hydrocarbon solvents.
  • Wellhead Control, Hydraulic control panels and actuator seals.

High-Temp FKM (Viton®) O-Rings for Chemical Processing

Executive Summary

In the downstream sector of the Oil & Gas industry, thermal stability and chemical inertness are paramount. Our High-Temp FKM (Fluoroelastomer) O-Rings are the industry standard for sealing applications where NBR and other general-purpose elastomers fail due to excessive heat or chemical attack. Based on a robust Type-A Dipolymer architecture (approximately 66% fluorine content), these seals provide a critical barrier against aggressive hydrocarbons, mineral acids, and elevated temperatures found in refineries and petrochemical plants. They offer the optimal balance of performance and cost-efficiency for non-amine environments.

Technical Deep Dive: The Type-A FKM Advantage

1. Thermal Endurance up to 400°F

While NBR hardens and cracks at 250°F, our FKM compound retains its elastomeric properties—flexibility and sealing force—at continuous operating temperatures of 400°F (204°C), with intermittent excursions to 500°F (260°C). This makes it indispensable for heat exchangers, burner nozzles, and hot crude transfer lines.

2. Chemical Resistance Profile

The strength of FKM lies in its Carbon-Fluorine bond. Our compound is engineered to resist:

  • Aromatic Hydrocarbons: Benzene, Toluene, Xylene (BTX).

  • Chlorinated Hydrocarbons: Trichloroethylene, Carbon Tetrachloride.

  • Fuels: Unleaded gasoline, Diesel, Kerosene, and Jet Fuels (JP-4, JP-5).

3. Low Compression Set

At high temperatures, many rubbers suffer from “compression set”—they flatten out and lose their ability to seal. Our High-Temp FKM formulation is cured to maximize cross-link density, ensuring the O-ring “bounces back” to maintain seal integrity even after thousands of hours of compression at 350°F+.

Detailed Specifications

Technical Property Specification Test Standard
Material Family Fluoroelastomer (FKM / Viton® Type A) ASTM D1418
Durometer 75 Shore A (Standard) or 90 Shore A ASTM D2240
Tensile Strength > 10 MPa (> 1,450 PSI) ASTM D412
Temperature Range -15°F to +400°F (-26°C to +204°C) Continuous
Fluorine Content ~66% –
Color Black (Standard), Brown, Green –
Shelf Life Unlimited (per ARP 5316) Optimal Storage

Key Applications: Downstream & Processing

Refining Operations

  • Mechanical Seals: Secondary sealing elements in pumps handling crude oil fractions.

  • Heat Exchangers: Gaskets for shell-and-tube heat exchangers involving hydrocarbon fluids.

  • Valves: Seat seals in butterfly and gate valves controlling fuel flow.

Petrochemical Plants

  • Mixing Systems: Seals for agitators processing solvents.

  • Storage Tanks: Manway gaskets and floating roof seals for fuel storage.

FAQ & Compatibility Guide

Q: Can I use this for Steam?

A: No. Standard Type-A FKM is susceptible to hydrolysis in steam applications. For steam or hot water, please upgrade to our Viton® GF or Aflas® series.

Q: Is this compatible with Methanol?

A: No. Methanol causes severe swelling in standard FKM. See our Viton® GF section for methanol service.

Q: How does it compare to PTFE (Teflon)?

A: PTFE has better chemical resistance but has no elasticity (memory). FKM offers the elasticity needed to maintain a seal under vibration and thermal expansion, which PTFE cannot do without spring energizers.