ISMAT: Elevating Industrial Standards with Premium Fluorocarbon Seals
What is a fluorocarbon seal?
Fluorocarbon seals, a highly reliable synthetic rubber, offer exceptional elasticity against corrosive compounds, including both organic and inorganic acids. Known also as FKM seals, these advanced materials feature a fluorine-rich composition reinforced by carbon, enabling superior resistance to a wide range of aggressive chemical agents.
ISMAT manufactures fluorocarbon sealing solutions, with seals designed to perform in temperatures ranging from -60°C to +230°C.
One of the most notable characteristics of FKM seals is their exceptional resistance to high temperatures, chemical degradation, ozone, and oil. Compared to other elastomers, these fluorocarbon seals are meticulously engineered with outstanding sustainable properties, ensuring both reliability and a high level of functionality that assures their quality.
Fluorocarbon seals exhibit excellent chemical resistance to a wide range of corrosive substances, including hot organic and inorganic acids, as well as hot amines, at temperatures exceeding 70°C. In addition to these compounds, FKM seals are also effective against aldehydes, esters, alcohols, fuels, solvents, sour gases, hot water, steam, and ethylene propylene oxide.
Overall, these seals are well known for their durability and sustainability, and they play a significant role in various industrial landscapes. The high resistance of Fluorocarbon seals in any kind of chemical reaction is crucial in sustainably protecting the industrial environment, underscoring the importance of their use.
Types of Fluorocarbon Elastomers:
Fluorocarbon seals can be divided into wide varieties based on their properties, resistance, and durability. Based on categories, such as sensitivity to chemical reactions, they have been labelled as Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3. Check out the table below to learn more.
Type 1
Type 1 seals are mainly composed of 66% fluorine. Type 1 compounds are composed of Hexafluoropropylene (HFP) and Vinylidene fluoride (VDF) to maintain thermal, oil, and chemical stability.
Type 2
In Type 2, the chemical compound Tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) is combined with Hexafluoropropylene (HFP) and Vinylidene Fluoride (VDF) to enhance stability in chemical reactions. Collectively, these three compounds form a terpolymer that boasts a higher fluorine content compared to Type 1 seals. This composition ensures excellent chemical resistance while maintaining lower temperature resistance.
Type 3
A distinct chemical blend, Perfluoromethylvinylether (PMVE), has been combined with Vinylidene Fluoride (VDF) and Trifluoro ethylene (TFE). These three substances exhibit low-temperature resistance and contain a fluorine content of 62-68%.
Fluorocarbon Sealing Solutions
ISMAT manufactures a diverse range of fluorocarbon seals developed with a focus on sustainability and sensitivity to chemical compounds. Below are some notable variations of fluorocarbon seals.
1. O-Rings
Fluorocarbon O-rings are circular and very flexible, allowing them to fit tightly against surfaces during installation and use. This flexibility creates a dependable seal that prevents leaks in different types of equipment. Their unique properties make them suitable for sealing a wide variety of liquids and gases.
2. Backup Rings
Backup rings support high-temperature seals and prevent O-rings from stretching or deforming under pressure. They come in several types: the Scarf Cut Backup Ring, which is best for moving parts or dynamic applications; the Solid Backup Ring, which strongly resists high pressure; the Spiral Backup Ring, which adds flexibility for better sealing; and the Contoured Rubber Backup Ring, which balances strength with flexibility. These rings are essential for maintaining reliable seals in demanding conditions.
3. U Cup Seals & Lip Seals
U-cup seals have a “U” shaped cross-section, which allows them to provide adequate sealing in both dynamic and rotating applications.
Lip seals, on the other hand, have two sealing edges: a flexible outer lip and a dynamic inner lip. This design ensures reliable performance across many applications. However, lip seals are not recommended for use in abrasive environments, as rough conditions may affect their durability and sealing efficiency.
4. X-Rings
Commonly referred to as Quad-Rings, these seals feature a four-sided design that effectively mitigates movement across diverse applications.
5. Square Rings
A Square Ring is a sealing solution that appears round from the top view but has a square-shaped cross-section when viewed from the side. Also called Washer Rings or Lathe-Cut Rings, Square Rings provide highly effective sealing and are more cost-efficient than many other sealing devices.
Customized Fluorocarbon Seals
ISMAT offers custom-made FKM seals tailored to meet specific customer needs. With the team of experts, we are involved in high-level research to observe and understand different industry requirements, which ensures durability and sustainability.
Industrial Applications of Fluorocarbon Seals:
FKM Seals are commonly applied in various industrial sectors, enhancing resource efficiency. The seals play a vital role in predominant sectors such as automotive, chemical processing, aerospace, oil and gas exploration, energy production, and pharmaceuticals.
These domains wholly depend on FKM Seals or Viton seals, which are highly resistant to harsh chemicals, tough operating conditions, and extreme temperatures.
1. Automotive Industry:
The automotive industry is an important aspect that prioritizes safety and reliability. FKM Seals are used in various applications, such as turbocharger systems, fuel injection systems, and other engine components, to withstand in extreme environments.
2. Chemical Processing:
Viton Seals or FKM Seals are crucial for providing insulation in highly demanding environments. They are designed to sustain against harsh elements like acids, bases, and solvents. These high-chemical-resistance seals promise prominent performance and top-notch durability.
3. Aerospace:
Fluorocarbon seals are essential in the aerospace industry, which have fore-front implications under extreme temperatures and exposure to aggressive fluids. This seal plays a significant role in safeguarding the powerful performance, engine reliability, fuel lines, and hydraulic systems.
4. Oil & Gas Exploration:
FKM Seals are highly sustainable and can withstand extreme pressure and temperature. Drilling equipment and pipelines are the major usage in the oil and gas industry, which makes them vulnerable to corrosive chemical components like hydrogen sulfide and methane.
5. Pharmaceutical and Food Processing:
To maintain contamination-free food products, the pharmaceutical and food processing industries related to Fluorocarbon Seals. Establishing purity and safety in a step-by-step process holds back to extreme temperatures and aggressive cleaning agents.
Properties of Fluorocarbon Seals:
| Material (FKM) | Physical Properties | Certifications | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness (Shore-A) | Tensile Strength (Mpa) | Elongation (%) | 100% Modulus (Mpa) | TR10 (°C) | Compression set @200°C (%) | Colour | Temperature range | NORSOK M-710 / ISO 23936-2 | NACE TM0187 | NACE TM0192 | API 6A | NSF 51 | UL 778 | US FDA 21 CFR 177.2600 | ||
| VERTEX FC 01 | 75 | 13 | 268 | 5 | -15 | 15 | 7 | Black | -18°C to +204°C | |||||||
| VERTEX FC 02 | 80 | 13 | 268 | 5 | -15 | 15 | 7 | Black | -18°C to +204°C | |||||||
| VERTEX FC 03 | 70 | 10 | 201 | 6 | -15 | 21 | 11 | Black | -18°C to +204°C | |||||||
| VERTEX FC 04 | 90 | 14 | 153 | 10 | -15 | 26 | 18 | Black | -18°C to +204°C | |||||||
| VERTEX FC 07 | 75 | 12 | 233 | 6 | -18 | 26 | 19 | Black | -18°C to +204°C | |||||||
| VERTEX FC 09 | 75 | 19 | 215 | 6 | -30 | 20 | 12 | Black | -30°C to +204°C | |||||||
| VERTEX FC 10 | 90 | 21 | 155 | 13 | -30 | 11 | 10 | Black | -30°C to +204°C | Passed | Passed | Passed | Passed | |||
| VERTEX FC 11 | 90 | 19 | 115 | 17 | -18 | 21 | 15 | Black | -18°C to +204°C | Passed | Passed | Passed | Passed | |||
| VERTEX FC 13 | 90 | 21 | 123 | 16 | -3 | 22 | 13 | Black | -5°C to +204°C | |||||||
| VERTEX FC 14 | 75 | 18 | 284 | 4 | -3 | 13 | 10 | Black | -5°C to +204°C | |||||||
| VERTEX FC 15 | 90 | 16 | 113 | 14 | -42 | 16 | 11 | Black | -46°C to +204°C | Passed | Passed | Passed | Passed | |||
| VERTEX FC 16 | 75 | 14 | 198 | 7 | -18 | 21 | 8 | Black | -18°C to +204°C | |||||||
| VERTEX FC 18 | 90 | 14 | 180 | 8 | -18 | 38 | 23 | Black | -18°C to +204°C | Passed | Passed | Passed | Passed | |||
| VERTEX FC 19 | 70 | 15 | 215 | 6 | -18 | 18 | 10 | Black | -18°C to +204°C | |||||||
| VERTEX FC 22 BN | 70 | 8 | 227 | 4 | -18 | 17 | 10 | Brown | -18°C to +204°C | Passed | Passed | Passed | ||||
| VERTEX FC 24 ULT | 90 | 13 | 110 | 12 | -45 | 17 | 10 | Black | -60°C to +204°C | |||||||
| VERTEX FC 25 BN | 90 | 16 | 135 | 13 | -18 | 25 | 18 | Brown | -18°C to +204°C | |||||||
| VERTEX FC 28 | 95 | 14 | 108 | 13 | -18 | 24 | 16 | Black | -18°C to +204°C | |||||||
| VERTEX FC 33 | 90 | 18 | 116 | 16 | -29 | 20 | 5 | Black | -30°C to +204°C | |||||||
| VERTEX FC 35 | 56 | 7 | 212 | 2 | -42 | 16 | 8 | Black | -46°C to +204°C | |||||||
| Material Code | ELASTOMER | Key Features | Limitations | Relevant Industries / Applications |
| VERTEX FC 01 | FKM | • 75±5 Sh-A Durometer.
• Temp. Range: -20°C to +204°C. • Resistant to Hydrocarbons, Aromatic hydrocarbons. |
Not recommended for ammonia gas, amines, alkalis, superheated steam, glycol based brake fluids, polar solvents such as acetones, MEK, ethyl acetate, diethyl ether, di oxane). | Oil & Gas/ Chemical/ Automobile/Aerospace/Energy |
| VERTEX FC 02 | FKM | • 80±5 Sh-A Durometer.
• Temp. Range: -20°C to +204°C. • Resistant to Hydrocarbons, Aromatic hydrocarbons. |
Not recommended for ammonia gas, amines, alkalis, superheated steam, glycol based brake fluids, polar solvents such as acetones, MEK, ethyl acetate, diethyl ether, di oxane). | Oil & Gas/ Chemical/ Automobile/Aerospace/Energy |
| VERTEX FC 03 | FKM | • 70±5 Sh-A Durometer.
• Temp. Range: -20°C to +204°C. • Resistant to Hydrocarbons, Aromatic hydrocarbons. |
Not recommended for ammonia gas, amines, alkalis, superheated steam, glycol based brake fluids, polar solvents such as acetones, MEK, ethyl acetate, diethyl ether, di oxane). | Oil & Gas/ Chemical/ Automobile/Aerospace/Energy |
| VERTEX FC 04 | FKM | • 90±5 Sh-A Durometer.
• Temp. Range: -20°C to +204°C. • Resistant to Hydrocarbons, Aromatic hydrocarbons. |
Not recommended for ammonia gas, amines, alkalis, superheated steam, glycol based brake fluids, polar solvents such as acetones, MEK, ethyl acetate, diethyl ether, di oxane). | Oil & Gas/ Chemical/ Automobile/Aerospace/Energy |
| VERTEX FC 06 | FKM | • 60±5 Sh-A Durometer.
• Temp. Range: -20°C to +204°C. • Resistant to Hydrocarbons, Aromatic hydrocarbons. |
Not recommended for ammonia gas, amines, alkalis, superheated steam, glycol based brake fluids, polar solvents such as acetones, MEK, ethyl acetate, diethyl ether, di oxane). | Oil & Gas/ Chemical/ Automobile/Aerospace/Energy |
| VERTEX FC 07 | FKM | • 75±5 Sh-A Durometer.
• Temp. Range: -20°C to +204°C. • Resistant to Hydrocarbons, Aromatic hydrocarbons. |
Not recommended for ammonia gas, amines, alkalis, superheated steam, glycol based brake fluids, polar solvents such as acetones, MEK, ethyl acetate, diethyl ether, di oxane). | Oil & Gas/ Chemical/ Automobile/Aerospace/Energy |
| VERTEX FC 09 | FKM | • 75±5 Sh-A Durometer.
• Temp. Range: -30°C to +204°C. • Resistant to Hydrocarbons, Aromatic hydrocarbons. • Excellent Low Temperature Resistant. |
Not recommended for ammonia gas, amines, alkalis, superheated steam, glycol based brake fluids, polar solvents such as acetones, MEK, ethyl acetate, diethyl ether, di oxane). | Oil & Gas/ Chemical/ Automobile/Aerospace/Energy |
| VERTEX FC 10 | FKM | • 90±5 Sh-A Durometer.
• Temp. Range: -30°C to +204°C. • Low Temperature RGD Resistant. • Certified to NOROSK M-710, API 6A, NACE TM0187, NACE TM0192. |
Not recommended for ammonia gas, amines, alkalis, superheated steam, glycol based brake fluids, polar solvents such as acetones, MEK, ethyl acetate, diethyl ether, di oxane). | Oil & Gas/ Chemical/ Automobile/Aerospace/Energy |
| VERTEX FC 11 | FKM | • 90±5 Sh-A Durometer.
• Temp. Range: -20°C to +204°C. • Certified to NORSOK M-710 RGD, API 6A, NACE TM0187, TM0192. |
Not recommended for ammonia gas, amines, alkalis, superheated steam, glycol based brake fluids, polar solvents such as acetones, MEK, ethyl acetate, diethyl ether, di oxane). | Oil & Gas/ Chemical/ Automobile/Aerospace/Energy |
| VERTEX FC 13 | FKM | • 90±5 Sh-A Durometer.
• Temp. Range: -20°C to +204°C. • Chemically resistant better than VITON B. • Suitable for RGD applications. |
Not recommended for ammonia gas, amines, alkalis, superheated steam, glycol based brake fluids, polar solvents such as acetones, MEK, ethyl acetate, diethyl ether, di oxane). | Oil & Gas/ Chemical/ Automobile/Aerospace/Energy |
| VERTEX FC 14 | FKM | • 75±5 Sh-A Durometer.
• Temp. Range: -5°C to +230°C. • Chemically resistant better than VITON B. |
Not recommended for ammonia gas, amines, alkalis, superheated steam, glycol based brake fluids, polar solvents such as acetones, MEK, ethyl acetate, diethyl ether, di oxane). | Oil & Gas/ Chemical/ Automobile/Aerospace/Energy |
| VERTEX FC 15 | FKM | • 90±5 Sh-A Durometer.
• Temp. Range: -46°C to +204°C. • Extreme Low Temperature RGD Resistant. • Certified to NORSOK M-710, API 6A, NACE TM0187, NACE TM0192. |
Not recommended for ammonia gas, amines, alkalis, superheated steam, glycol based brake fluids, polar solvents such as acetones, MEK, ethyl acetate, diethyl ether, di oxane). | Oil & Gas/ Chemical/ Automobile/Aerospace/Energy |
| VERTEX FC 15A | FKM | • 75±5 Sh-A Durometer.
• Temp. Range: -46°C to +204°C. • Resistant to Hydrocarbons, Aromatic hydrocarbons. • Extreme Low Temperature Resistant. |
Not recommended for ammonia gas, amines, alkalis, superheated steam, glycol based brake fluids, polar solvents such as acetones, MEK, ethyl acetate, diethyl ether, di oxane). | Oil & Gas/ Chemical/ Automobile/Aerospace/Energy |
| VERTEX FC 16 | FKM | • 75±5 Sh-A Durometer.
• Temp. Range: -20°C to +204°C. • Resistant to Hydrocarbons, Aromatic hydrocarbons. • Resistant to Gamma Radiation of 5 Mrad. |
Not recommended for ammonia gas, amines, alkalis, superheated steam, glycol based brake fluids, polar solvents such as acetones, MEK, ethyl acetate, diethyl ether, di oxane). | Oil & Gas/ Chemical/ Automobile/Aerospace/Energy |
| VERTEX FC 16A | FKM | • 70±5 Sh-A Durometer. Colour: Green.
• Temp. Range: -20°C to +204°C. • Resistant to Hydrocarbons, Aromatic hydrocarbons. |
Not recommended for ammonia gas, amines, alkalis, superheated steam, glycol based brake fluids, polar solvents such as acetones, MEK, ethyl acetate, diethyl ether, di oxane). | Oil & Gas/ Chemical/ Automobile/Aerospace/Energy |
| VERTEX FC 22BN | FKM | • 70±5 Sh-A Durometer. Color: Brown.
• Temp. Range: -20°C to +204°C. • FDA Compliant. Tested as per US FDA 21 CFR 177.2600. • Certified to UL 778 (Safety for Motor Operated Water Pumps). |
Not recommended for ammonia gas, amines, alkalis, superheated steam, glycol based brake fluids, polar solvents such as acetones, MEK, ethyl acetate, diethyl ether, di oxane). | Oil & Gas/ Chemical/ Automobile/Aerospace/Energy |
| VERTEX FC 24 ULT | FKM | • 90±5 Sh-A Durometer.
• Temp. Range: -60°C to +204°C. • Resistant to Hydrocarbons, Aromatic hydrocarbons. • Suitable for RGD applications. |
Not recommended for ammonia gas, amines, alkalis, superheated steam, glycol based brake fluids, polar solvents such as acetones, MEK, ethyl acetate, diethyl ether, di oxane). | Oil & Gas/ Chemical/ Automobile/Aerospace/Energy |
| VERTEX FC 28 | FKM | • 95±5 Sh-A Durometer.
• Temp. Range: -20°C to +204°C. • Resistant to Hydrocarbons, Aromatic hydrocarbons.. • Suitable for RGD applications. |
Not recommended for ammonia gas, amines, alkalis, superheated steam, glycol based brake fluids, polar solvents such as acetones, MEK, ethyl acetate, diethyl ether, di oxane). | Oil & Gas/ Chemical/ Automobile/Aerospace/Energy |
| VERTEX FC 30 | FKM | • 70±5 Sh-A Durometer.
• Temp. Range: -30°C to +204°C. • Resistant to Hydrocarbons, Aromatic hydrocarbons. |
Not recommended for ammonia gas, amines, alkalis, superheated steam, glycol based brake fluids, polar solvents such as acetones, MEK, ethyl acetate, diethyl ether, di oxane). | Oil & Gas/ Chemical/ Automobile/Aerospace/Energy |
| VERTEX FC 31 | FKM | • 70±5 Sh-A Durometer.
• Temp. Range: -20°C to +204°C. • Resistant to Hydrocarbons, Aromatic hydrocarbons. • Suitable for RGD applications at Low pressures. |
Not recommended for ammonia gas, amines, alkalis, superheated steam, glycol based brake fluids, polar solvents such as acetones, MEK, ethyl acetate, diethyl ether, di oxane). | Oil & Gas/ Chemical/ Automobile/Aerospace/Energy |
| VERTEX FC 33 | FKM | • 90±5 Sh-A Durometer.
• Temp. Range: -25°C to +204°C. • Suitable for RGD applications. • Balanced Low Temperature and Chemical Resistant. |
Not recommended for ammonia gas, amines, alkalis, superheated steam, glycol based brake fluids, polar solvents such as acetones, MEK, ethyl acetate, diethyl ether, di oxane). | Oil & Gas/ Chemical/ Automobile/Aerospace/Energy |
Conclusion
In a nutshell, high-performance fluorocarbon sealing delivers robust solutions tailored for demanding industrial sectors. ISMAT offers comprehensive fluorocarbon seal solutions meticulously crafted to meet specific industry needs and client expectations. Our dedicated team of experts rigorously researches, designs, and collaborates closely with our production team, ensuring that each FKM seal meets the highest standards of durability and functionality. To find the ideal seal for your critical applications, connect with our team of specialists today.
