/ O-Rings
Weather-Resistant EPDM Seals for Offshore Topside Equipment
On an offshore rig, the environment is as hostile as the process fluids. Our Weather-Resistant EPDM Seals are designed specifically for Topside (Above Water) applications where exposure to UV radiation, ozone, salt spray, and arctic winds destroys standard Nitrile rubber. While NBR handles the crude oil below deck, our EPDM series protects the critical auxiliary equipment above deck—from electrical enclosures to HVAC systems—ensuring integrity against the harsh marine atmosphere.
Technical Specifications
- Pressure Rating: normal
- Temperature Range: -65°F to +350°F (+400°F Intermittent)
- Material: EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer)
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.
Weather-Resistant EPDM Seals for Offshore Topside Equipment
⚠️ NOTE: These seals are for environmental exclusion (Water/Dust/Air) and water/glycol service. DO NOT use in contact with crude oil or diesel fuel.
The Science of Weathering: Why NBR Fails Topside
Standard Nitrile (NBR) contains double bonds in its polymer chain that are easily attacked by UV light and Ozone (O3) generated by electrical motors. This causes “Ozonolysis”—the rapid cracking of the rubber surface, leading to water ingress and equipment failure.
The EPDM Solution: Our EPDM compound has a fully saturated backbone that is immune to UV and Ozone attack. It can sit exposed on a rig deck for 20 years without cracking, providing a permanent weather-tight seal.
Key Features & Benefits
Ultimate Ozone Resistance: Perfect for sealing electrical junction boxes, motor housings, and generators where ozone concentration is high.
Salt Spray Corrosion Defense: Resistant to degradation from constant saltwater mist and humidity.
Wide Temperature Range: Stays flexible in North Sea winds (-65°F) and survives tropical deck heat (+250°F).
Water & Steam Compatible: Excellent for potable water systems and fire suppression lines.
Topside Offshore Applications
Electrical & Instrumentation
Cable Connectors: Grommets and O-rings for explosion-proof junction boxes.
Lighting Systems: Gaskets for floodlights and helideck landing lights exposed to direct sun.
Control Panels: Door seals for pneumatic control cabinets.
Marine & Safety Systems
HVAC Units: Sealing ductwork and chillers on living quarters.
Lifeboats & Survival Capsules: Hatch seals and window gaskets requiring long-term reliability.
Fire Deluge Systems: Sealing seawater pumps and nozzles used for fire safety.
Technical Specifications
Property Specification Material EPDM (Weather Resistant Grade) Durometer 70 Shore A (Standard) Ozone Resistance Pass (70 hours @ 50 pphm) UV Resistance Excellent Standard ASTM D2000 M3BA