Applications
Operating Conditions • Environmental Impact • Guidelines
Application of Plastic Components
Manifold and yet Limited
The list of possible technical applications for products made of polymers or elastomers and thermoplastic elastomers is long. It ranges from power units and filling systems, pumps and fittings to gearboxes or medical technology products and could be continued almost infinitely. However, it is the operating conditions that ultimately determine whether and how well a product made of elastomers or thermoplastics is suitable for an application.
Media, temperatures and environmental influences, along with mechanical stress, are decisive and limiting factors when selecting polymer products and materials.
In addition, different guidelines and regulations also play a role, of course, depending on the industry and area of application.
We support you with your everyday questions and challenges concerning the fascinating material rubber. Especially in the development stage of products, it is important to know the materials used and their behaviour in the application in detail. We test and qualify products and materials for your application and in accordance with your requirements or external specifications.
In the end, you can be sure that you have selected the right material.
Media and Environmental Impact
Liquids, gases and environmental influences are sometimes the most important factors for the application of plastic parts. Technical polymer products always come into contact with the surrounding media during use. Elastomers and thermoplastic elastomers in particular react to media contact or any kind of energy input. Additional temperature load can further intensify chemical or physical reactions.
Therefore, in the following, technical applications for elastomer and thermoplastic components are grouped according to media and environmental influences.
Applications with Media and Environmental Impact
Brake Fluids
Brake Fluids
Brake fluid is a polyglycol-based hydraulic fluid with an increased boiling point compared to water. Generally, other components, such as corrosion inhibitors and defoamers, are added in low concentrations. Typically, brake fluid is hygroscopic, which means it absorbs water from the environment. For electric vehicles, brake fluids are also modified with regard to their electrical properties.
The Challenge for Elastomers
The challenge for elastomers in brake fluid applications is the combination of medium and high temperature. The boiling points and wet boiling points of typical brake fluids such as DOT 3, DOT 4 (LV) or DOT 5 range from 140 °C to over 260 °C.
In special cases, for vintage cars or army vehicles, silicone fluids and mineral oils are also applied as brake fluids.
Our Services for your Application with Brake Fluids
At the Elastomer Institut Richter, we test and qualify materials in the brake fluids you use or prescribe.
In order to ensure the functional performance of elastomers, e.g. for seals, in brake fluids, storage tests are carried out under defined temperature loads. These provide information on the compatibility of the materials with the tested media and their chemical and thermal resistance. In addition, with our Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) test methods or the TR10 value, in some cases we can reveal decisive differences between EPDM formulations in their dynamic recovery behaviour and low-temperature behaviour. Both are particularly important properties when it comes to sealing against brake fluids.
Chemicals
Chemicals
In technical applications, elastomer components usually come into contact with various media. Especially in chemical and process industries and in the automotive industry, a wide variety of fluids, some of them aggressive, are involved. Seals and hoses are often directly exposed to the media. In addition to temperature stress, this places high demands on the materials used.
The Challenge for Elastomers
Contact with often aggressive chemicals places high demands on the elastomer parts in use. Rubber materials react differently to the substances. At worst, the network structures of the elastomer are chemically altered and the materials are permanently damaged. Irreversible damage often leads to the loss of function and failure of a component.
Our Services for your Application wit Chemicals
We test elastomers for demanding applications and provide you with comprehensive advice on possible solutions. We use immersion tests to examine the chemical compatibility of the materials for the relevant chemicals. Of course, we also have the appropriate protective equipment for many aggressive chemicals. With the compatibility tests, we determine which materials are suitable for your application or why an elastomer component has failed. In addition to synthetically produced substances, we also consider naturally present substances as chemicals.
Downloads
Chemical attack and swelling – degradation of the network structure by a contact medium (German)
In the technical report, Bernhard Richter and Ulrich Blobner explain the causes and effects of chemical attacks and swelling, show the typical damage patterns and give tips on how to avoid media-related damage.
Steam or Superheated Steam
Steam or Superheated Steam
Various elastomer products, for example seals or hoses, are also used in applications that work with steam, meaning gaseous water. Steam is often used as a process medium or for the sterilisation of materials, medical instruments, devices, vessels and packaging. Depending on the operating conditions, steam is present as wet steam, superheated steam or saturated steam and can also be enriched with atmospheric oxygen.
The Challenge for Elastomers
Elastomer products, such as seals, are often not exclusively exposed to a single medium, but keep different media separated at an interface. In the case of a steam application, the second medium is usually air with the oxygen it contains. In combination with the high application temperatures, the elastomers are therefore often faced with oxidative attack in addition to the water vapour.
Our Services for your Application with Steam
We carry out testing in steam up to more than 200°C. We use more than one hundred autoclaves for this purpose. We would be happy to advise you on the application of elastomer materials in steam and on useful tests for your products.
Downloads
You can find detailed information on hot water and steam applications with O-ring seals in our technical report.
O-rings in hot water and steam – a problem for many users (German)
Hardly any other operating medium causes more problems for O-rings than water and steam. Especially at higher temperatures, users are often faced with premature seal failure. Learn more about typical damage patterns, influencing factors and suitable materials for warm and hot water applications in the report:
Ausfall durch Hydrolyse
Wasser und Dampf werden von Dichtungsanwendern oftmals unterschätzt. Der ausführliche Bericht gibt wichtiges, fachliches Hintergrundwissen zum Schadensverlauf, den chemischen Grundlagen und Auslösern der Hydrolyse. Darüber hinaus beleuchtet er verschiedene Elastomertypen hinsichtlich ihrer Anfälligkeit auf Hydrolyse und gibt hilfreiche Praxistipps.
Gas
Gas
There are special requirements for materials, seals and diaphragms used in gas supply lines, gas installations, gas welding equipment or similar processes in contact with gases.
They must be chemically and thermally resistant and sufficiently tight against the gases used. Depending on the area of application, the products and materials must also comply with corresponding regulations.
For example, DIN EN ISO 9539 defines criteria for the evaluation of materials in gas welding equipment, flame cutters or in related processes. DIN EN 682 describes material requirements for seals in used in pipes and fittings carrying gas and hydrocarbon fluids. DIN EN 549 specifies criteria for elastomer materials for seals and diaphragms in gas appliances and gas systems.
Our Services for your Application with Gas
Since 2009, we have been a DVGW-approved testing laboratory for conformity tests as per the standards DIN EN 549, DIN EN 681-1 and DIN EN 682. For this purpose, we offer qualification and monitoring tests for elastomer materials.
In addition, we also provide support in testing the chemical resistance of materials. Do not hesitate to contact us, we will advise you comprehensively on elastomers.
Refrigerants
Refrigerants
DIN EN 378-1 defines a refrigerant as a fluid for heat transfer in a refrigeration system that absorbs heat at low temperature and low pressure and releases it again at higher temperature and higher pressure. In the process, the fluid usually changes its aggregate states.
A wide variety of refrigerants are used in refrigeration and air conditioning technology. Due to environmental protection regulations and new findings, the specifications for refrigerants change regularly
The Challenge for Elastomers
Refrigeration oils are added to the refrigerants to lubricate the machine parts of the compressor. These are special oils that function perfectly over a wide temperature range and separate again from the refrigerant in the gas phase. Elastomers in refrigerant applications therefore face high chemical and thermal demands, sometimes over a very long time.
Our Services for your Application with Refrigerants
We are a Daimler and VW certified test centre for seals and hoses in refrigerants and are happy to support you in qualifying and testing your elastomer products for them for the use in the refrigerants defined by you.
For this purpose, we have set up a special filling and extraction system for refrigerants at the Elastomer Institut Richter. This enables us to evacuate the autoclaves before filling them with a refrigerant.
Resistance tests in HFO-1234yf or R1234yf or R134a are part of our range of services, along with other common refrigerants from the automotive and industrial refrigeration sectors.
We are also well equipped for the increasing trend towards CO2 refrigerants (R744). Several special CO2 high-pressure autoclaves with pressure and temperature sensors also enable us to carry out tests in carbon dioxide under high temperature or pressure. In addition to the already established CO2 storage at room temperature and pressures below 50 bar, these high-pressure autoclaves expand our testing possibilities. Tests in CO2-oil mixtures in accordance with customer specifications are also possible. The test specimens are stored as specified by the customer or following internal test instructions.
Read more about our CO2 testing options (German):
Pressemeldung – Erweiterte Prüfmöglichkeiten für CO2-Einlagerung bei erhöhten Temperaturen
Fuels
Fuels
Elastomer products which are used in fuel systems can be exposed to a wide range of substances. Besides petrol fuels with different proportions of ethanol and methanol and diesel fuels with different proportions of biodiesel, environmentally friendly synthetic diesel fuels (gas-to-liquids) are also in application these days.
The so-called blow-by gases must also not be ignored. These affect seals used in the engine oil in particular. Blow-by gas is generally defined as gases that leak into the crankshaft housing and thus into the oil circuit when overflowing the pistons in the combustion engine..
The Challenge for Elastomers
Especially in engines that are regularly used for short intervals only, an aggressive mixture of blow-by gases with the engine oil can result, creating a harmful mix of exhaust gases, oil, unburned fuels and water.
Such aggressive blow-by gas mixtures can severely attack seals or hoses and lead to damage or failure of the components. To rule this out, OEMs have different test standards to verify the resistance of the elastomers used to blow-by gases.
Our Services for your Application with Fuels
Especially for the automotive industry and its suppliers, the Elastomer Institut Richter offers conformity tests in accordance with OEM specifications (Daimler, PSA, VW, Porsche…) or non-company standards (ECE, DIN, ISO…). Find here some examples of OEM test specifications we follow: Table of automotive specifications
We test materials in typical automotive fluids, including various fuels, and in accordance with OEM requirements for to determine the resistance to blow-by gases. In addition, we will of course provide you with comprehensive advice on the use of elastomer products in fuel applications.
Coolants, Cooling Water or Cooling Liquids
Coolants, Cooling Water or Cooling Liquids
Coolants or cooling liquids are, in the broadest sense, fluids that remove heat from a system. They cool either directly when in contact with the goods to be cooled or indirectly through heat exchangers.
One of the most important coolants is certainly water. In closed circuits, especially in cars, antifreeze agents are often added to the cooling water to prevent it from freezing in winter. In addition, cooling water additives are necessary to protect the engines or metal parts against corrosion. In other cooling circuits besides automotive engineering, certain additives often prevent the growth of microorganisms, so-called fouling. Another large field of application for cooling fluids or heat transfer fluids are the heat absorption solar systems installed on house roofs.
This results in a wide range of cooling fluids, some of which have to be sealed at temperatures up to and above 200°C.
The Challenge for Elastomers
The elastomers used there must have good hot water resistance and also be resistant to glycols and a wide variety of additives. They are also exposed to high temperatures, in some cases over 200°C.
Both these factors challenge the chemical resistance of the elastomers. However, these conditions are also extremely demanding for the testing technology. In order to meet the real conditions, we have to carry out the tests with cooling liquids at high temperatures and the high pressure that occurs during the process.
Our Services for your Application with Coolants and Cooling Liquids
We test the resistance of elastomers to coolants or cooling liquids at temperatures up to 200°C and above. We have over one hundred autoclaves available in our laboratory for the tests. Therefore, we can also carry out wide-ranging test programmes with different coolants and materials in a fairly short time.
We will be happy to advise you on the selection of sensible test parameters for the necessary storage tests. Furthermore, you can also rely on all the services in our portfolio for your application. Ranging from general material and product qualification in accordance with various standards and customer-specific test specifications to the application under special operating conditions.
And if a seal ever stops working, we can also help you with failure analysis with our experience and expertise.
Downloads
Familiarise yourself with the topics on chemical and physical changes of elastomers in contact with media (German):
Chemical attack and swelling – degradation of the network structure by a contact medium
In the technical report, Bernhard Richter and Ulrich Blobner explain the causes and effects of chemical attacks and swelling, show the typical damage patterns and give tips on how to avoid media-related damage.
Food and Beverages
Food and Beverages
The requirements for materials for food contact are particularly high. In addition to the food and beverages that are produced, processed and filled, hygiene standards, cleaning agents and sterilisation processes also play a major role for elastomer components, in addition to hygienic design.
During use, the materials must neither release ingredients in harmful quantities to the food nor be attacked by the sometimes aggressive cleaning media during cleaning processes.
The Challenge of Food
The impact of food and beverages on elastomer materials in direct contact should not be disregarded. If the products and supplements contained in the food, for example flavourings or enzymes, attack the material, this can not only damage the elastomer material, but also lead to increased migration of material ingredients into the food.
Compatibility tests in foodstuffs therefore make sense before the use of elastomer seals or other rubber components.
The Challenge of Cleaning and Sterilisation
In order to comply with hygienic standards, the equipment in the food and beverage industry is cleaned and sterilised during CIP and SIP processes (Cleaning In Place/Sterilisation In Place). System components that come into contact with the necessary cleaning media must also be resistant to these substances, some of which are aggressive, or to steam pressure sterilisation.
3-A Sanitary and Global Migration as per FDA or BfR
Testing in compliance with 3-A Sanitary Standards is often required by users as a supplement to FDA compliance in accordance with FDA 21 CFR 177.2600 in order to ensure the resistance of the sealing materials to disinfectants and cleaning agents.
Unsere Leistungen für Ihre Anwendung mit Lebensmitteln oder Getränken
We carry out conformity tests for you compliant with 3-A Sanitary Standards and determine the global migration of the materials in accordance with the FDA 21 CFR 177.2600 guidelines or BfR Recommendation XXI for consumer goods made of elastomers in food contact.
Of course, we also test the materials as per your individual requirements and with your cleaning media and give you comprehensive advice on the application of elastomers in food and beverage applications.
Air
Air
The requirements for the application of elastomer products in simple air are also quite demanding. Because there is more than one type of air. With regard to elastomers, it is important to know the air quality. Is it fresh air, air with a high ozone concentration, hot air or air enriched with oil vapours or solvent vapours? Oxygen is usually the most aggressive component of air. Under the influence of heat, it causes seals to age at an accelerated rate.
The Challenge for Elastomers
If the air is contaminated with additional substances, their influence on elastomer materials must be considered in the same way as the air itself. In addition to ageing processes, chemical or physical reactions to the additional substances and temperatures can also become significant. Often, however, an estimation by means of resistance tables can already help to evaluate the possible effect on the sealing material.
Our Services for your Application with Air
We provide comprehensive advice on the application of your elastomer products. Based on your requirements, we define appropriate material tests that give valuable information about the behaviour and suitability of the materials.
For example, we test the ageing behaviour, ozone resistance or chemical resistance of the materials and help to estimate the service life of your components in your application.
Oil and Grease
Oil and Grease
The variety of oils and greases in technical applications is considerable. They are used to lubricate, generate energy and transmit power, or they serve as raw materials for the manufacturing of a wide variety of products.
Depending on the function, area of application or origin, we call them mineral oil or bio-oil, hydraulic oil, heavy oil, petroleum, heating oil, gear oil, motor oil, vegetable oil and vegetable grease, animal oil and animal grease, silicone oil and silicone grease or paraffinic mineral oils.
The Challenge for Elastomers
The origin and chemical structure of an oil are just as important in the selection of an elastomer or thermoplastic elastomer as possible additives that are used to improve certain oil properties.
Our Services for your Application with Oil or Grease
At Elastomer Institut Richter we carry out compatibility tests for materials with your oils and greases. Regardless of whether they are in use as process fluids or are used to lubricate components.
Bosch Rexroth Fluid rating, that is, testing the compatibility of elastomers according to Bosch Rexroth specifications for numerous oil and additive manufacturers has been an important part of our service for several years. We also regularly test in various engine and transmission oils based on automotive specifications.
In the case of hydraulic fluids, for example, we work according to the specifications of ISO 6072 and can provide the necessary reference test plates.
We are also happy to take your individual specifications for oil compatibility testing and verify your specific oils and materials for your application.
Furthermore, we provide comprehensive advice on the application of elastomer products in oil or grease for sensible material tests for your requirements.
Environmental Stress – Ageing, Temperatures, Ozone
Environmental Stress – Ageing, Temperatures, Ozone
While in use, elastomer products are subjected to different operating conditions. These affect the material properties and cause the polymer to age over time.
Weathering, high temperatures or ozone accelerate the ageing processes. Damage to elastomers caused by ageing is irreversible and makes the materials unusable after a correspondingly long time in service.
In the case of direct environmental stress, it is therefore important to know the ageing and ozone resistance of the materials…
Heat and Ageing
Hohe Temperaturen gehören zu den kritischen Faktoren. Sie beschleunigen chemische und physikalische Prozesse und können den Einfluss von Kontaktmedien, Gasen und Strahlung verstärken.
Beschleunigte Alterungsprüfungen bei, im Vergleich zur reellen Anwendung höheren Temperaturen stellen die ablaufenden Schädigungsprozesse in einer Art Zeitraffer labortechnisch nach. Anhand der Ergebnisse aus Heißluftalterungsversuchen lassen sich Aussagen zur Temperaturbeständigkeit eines Werkstoffes ohne Einfluss von Kontaktmedien treffen und die zu erwartende Lebensdauer der Werkstoffe abschätzen.
Ozone
Ozon besteht aus drei Sauerstoffatomen und ist ein hochreaktives Spurengas. Die chemische Formel lautet O3. In Bodennähe vorhandenes Ozon schädigt in entsprechender Konzentration neben der Gesundheit von Lebewesen auch Pflanzen und Materialien. Insbesondere stark ungesättigte Polymere, vor allem NBR, NR und SBR reagieren empfindlich auf Ozon. Selbst eine umwelttypische Ozonkonzentration führt bei zusätzlicher Spannungsbelastung oder Verformung der Bauteile zu den sogenannten Ozonrissen, tiefe Risse senkrecht zur Spannungsrichtung.
Ozonprüfungen geben Aufschluss über die Ozonbeständigkeit von Werkstoffen und erlauben es, die Wirksamkeit eines verwendeten Ozonschutzes zu bewerten.
Our Services for your Application with Environmental Stress and Ozone
We provide comprehensive advice on the application of your elastomer products. Based on your requirements, we define appropriate material tests that give valuable information about the behaviour and suitability of the materials.
For example, we test the ageing behaviour or the ozone resistance of the materials and help you to estimate the service life of your components in your application.
Downloads
For more information on ozone cracking or details on heat ageing, please refer to our technical reports:
Ozonrisse an elastomeren Dichtungen und Bauteilen
Insbesondere stark ungesättigte Polymere, vor allem NBR, NR und SBR können von Ozon angegriffen werden. Im Beitrag finden Sie Hintergrundwissen zum Schadensbild der Ozonrisse und erfahren, wie Sie diesen Schaden von anderen Beschädigungen am Bauteil abgrenzen können. Wir informieren über Prüfmöglichkeiten und geben Tipps, wie Ozonrisse in der Praxis verhindert werden können.
Heißluftalterung von Elastomeren
In dem Bericht erfahren Sie mehr zu Alterungsprozessen von Gummiwerkstoffen, den prüftechnischen Grundlagen und Besonderheiten der Heißluftalterung und dem praktischen Nutzen der Prüfungen. Daneben informieren wir Sie über gängige Normen und den darin definierten Prüfverfahren.
Water or Hot Water
Water or Hot Water
Water is not only the focus of sanitary and heating technology. Water in its various forms, whether drinking water, tap water, rainwater, industrial water, waste water, seawater or distilled water, affects rubber products during application. Often, not only the actual H2O matters, but also additional ingredients such as salts, residues or, for example, ions and deposits from pipelines.
The stress on elastomer materials increases progressively with temperature. This means that hot water stresses the materials considerably more than cold water and must therefore be considered separately.
In addition, regulations and standards apply to the different areas of application in water. For example, DIN EN 681-1 regulates the requirements for materials for seals in water supply and drainage pipelines.
The Challenge for Elastomers
Especially in hot water applications, many users underestimate the high demands on elastomers and the great influence of the compound formulation of different EPDM materials.
The type and proportion of ingredients, for example the polymer itself, the ethylene or plasticiser content, the fillers and not least the cross-linking system, all have an effect on the performance of an EPDM. Peroxide-cured types, for example, offer a longer service life in comparison to sulphur-cured ones, but are difficult to process with a consistently good degree of cross-linking. This makes EPDM, probably the most important material type for water, the most problematic elastomer family for sealing applications in terms of formulation and process technology.
Our Services for your Application with Water
Since 2009, we have been a DVGW-approved testing laboratory for conformity tests according to DIN EN 681-1. In addition to material tests according to DVGW specifications, we also test in compliance with internal standards and give you advice on all aspects of the application of elastomers in hot water. Feel free to contact us, we will provide you with comprehensive support.
Downloads
You can find detailed information on hot water and steam applications in our technical report (German)
O-rings in hot water and steam – a problem for many users
Bernhard Richter shows examples of failed O-rings, shows the suitability of different elastomers for the use in hot water and steam and shares insights into the factors influencing the service life of elastomers in corresponding applications.
Temperatures
There are no stringent criteria for defining the temperature limits of elastomers. For example, there is no melting point like that of thermoplastics and, strictly speaking, no glass transition temperature, but only a glass transition temperature range. Both make it difficult to specify exact lower or upper temperature limits. The very generalised information on data sheets or in technical literature is often not helpful. Only the overall temperature load profile of an application and information on gap and pressure load at low temperatures ultimately allow the selection of a material or formulation. Once selected, the material then has a chance of directly passing a qualification test. That is where we can be of help.
Applications with Temperature Load
High-Temperature, Heat
High-Temperature, Heat
The use at high temperatures requires a precise consideration of the thermal application limits of elastomers. If the components are permanently exposed to thermal overload, the rubber becomes brittle and loses its elasticity. Premature failure of the component is often the result.
The Challenge for Elastomers
Unlike thermoplastics, elastomers do not have a melting point. This means that there are no clear physical limit criteria for elastomers, hence other values are used to determine the temperature limit. Furthermore, the impact of other factors, such as media, is increased by high temperatures and must be taken into account.
Heat ageing tests, immersion tests in media at high temperatures and over time, and the dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) provide information about the temperature limits of the materials, the media resistance or the viscoelastic behaviour of materials at high and low temperatures.
Our Services for your Application at High Temperatures
We provide comprehensive advice for the use of elastomer materials at high temperatures and the selection of sensible test methods that allow an evaluation of elastomers for your application. We carry out appropriate tests in our laboratory and draw conclusions for your application case.
Downloads
In our technical reports you will find further information on thermal overload of elastomer materials and heat ageing tests.
Thermal overloading
Selten ist die Temperatur allein das Problem, sondern meistens die falsche Kombination von Temperatur und Zeit. Im Fachbeitrag erfahren Sie mehr darüber, welche Schäden durch thermische Überlastung an Elastomeren entstehen und wie sie sich in der Praxis auswirken. Wir geben Tipps zu Prüfungen und auf was Sie achten sollten, um thermische Schäden zu vermeiden.
Heat Ageing of Elastomers
In dem Bericht erfahren Sie mehr zu Alterungsprozessen von Gummiwerkstoffen, den prüftechnischen Grundlagen und Besonderheiten der Heißluftalterung und dem praktischen Nutzen der Prüfungen. Daneben informieren wir Sie über gängige Normen und den darin definierten Prüfverfahren.
Low-Temperature, Cold
Low-Temperature, Cold
Elastomers gradually lose their outstanding property, elasticity, at low temperatures. In most applications, however, the elasticity of the rubber and its restoring behaviour are essential for the components’ functionality. It is therefore important to estimate both, the real operating temperatures and the low-temperature behaviour of the materials as accurately as possible.
Our Services for your Application at low Temperatures
In order to realistically and comparably assess the low-temperature limits of elastomers, it is necessary to evaluate the materials with meaningful test methods. Most helpful are the TR10 value, the compression set at low temperatures and the DSC value. In addition, Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) allows to draw conclusions on the mechanical, dynamic and thermal behaviour of elastomer components in different applications.
We advise you on the use of elastomer products in cold environments, on the selection of appropriate test methods and evaluate your materials.
Special Operating Conditions and Guidelines
In addition to temperatures and media, there are also other operating conditions that require special attention. In other words, special operating conditions are certain application situations that place characteristic demands on elastomer materials and components. These can be, for example, high or pulsating system pressure, shock pressure or vacuum. Applications in the gas and water sector or the food industry also require special material properties. These are defined in the relevant regulations.
Applications with Special Operating Conditions and Guidelines
Pressure: High Pressure, Vacuum, Pressure Pulsation, Pressure Drop
Pressure: High Pressure, Vacuum, Pressure Pulsation, Pressure Drop
Under extreme pressure conditions, with large pressure changes or sudden pressure drops, elastomer seals are particularly challenged.
For example, in vacuum or high vacuum, the surface quality of the component influences the leakage rate. The mechanical load capacity of the component, more precisely the resistance to gap extrusion, becomes important at high system pressures. This is further increased by breathing machine components and can lead to the typical damage pattern of a “nibbled” seal.
In combination with gases, a sudden drop in pressure can lead to so-called explosive decompression, causing permanent damage to the seal.
In addition to certain material properties, attention must also be paid to the design of the sealing element and the housing in case of extreme or unusual pressure conditions.
Our Services for your Pressure or Vacuum Application
We provide comprehensive advice on the use of elastomer seals under extreme pressure conditions and on the design of the housing. We provide support for the selection of suitable test procedures and help to clarify the cause of failure.
With our roots in sealing technology and after years of experience in this sector, we can rely on a treasure trove of experience.
Materials for Equipment used in Gas Welding, Cutting and allied Processes - DIN EN ISO 9539
Materials for Equipment used in Gas Welding, Cutting and allied Processes – DIN EN ISO 9539
The requirements for materials in gas welding, cutting and allied processes are very high. DIN EN ISO 9539 defines criteria for the evaluation of materials, including non-metallic materials such as elastomers, for these applications.
The resistance to solvents of non-metallic materials in contact with fuel gases must be verified by means of defined immersion and drying tests in acetone vapour, dimethylformamide vapour and n-pentane.
Our Services for your Application with with requirements in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9539
We check the conformity of your materials in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9539 and thus ensure that your products and materials can withstand exposure to combustion gases in challenging applications.
Please do not hesitate to contact us, we will support you in all aspects.
Seals and Diaphragms for Gas Appliances and Gas Equipment - DIN EN 549
Seals and Diaphragms for Gas Appliances and Gas Equipment – DIN EN 549
The DVGW has special requirements for rubber materials for seals and diaphragms for gas appliances and gas equipment in accordance with DIN EN 549.
The German Technical and Scientific Association for Gas and Water (DVGW) is the industrial association of the German gas and water industry and a recognised regulatory body. Its technical regulations ensure the reliability and safety of gas and water supply in Germany.
Our Services for your Application in accordance with DIN EN 549
Since 2009, we have been a DVGW-approved testing laboratory for conformity tests in accordance with the standards DIN EN 549, DIN EN 681-1 and DIN EN 682. For this purpose, we offer qualification and monitoring tests for elastomer materials
Please do not hesitate to contact us, we will support you in all aspects.
Seals used in Water and Drainage Applications - DIN EN 681-1
Seals used in Water and Drainage Applications – DIN EN 681-1
Special requirements of the DVGW in accordance with DIN EN 681-1 apply to gaskets and gasket materials used in piping systems for water supply and drainage.
The German Technical and Scientific Association for Gas and Water (DVGW) is the industrial association of the German gas and water industry and a recognised regulatory body. Its technical regulations ensure the reliability and safety of gas and water supply in Germany.
Our Services for your Application in accordance with DIN EN 681-1
Since 2009, we have been a DVGW-approved testing laboratory for conformity tests in accordance with the standards DIN EN 549, DIN EN 681-1 and DIN EN 682. For this purpose, we offer qualification and monitoring tests for elastomer materials.
Please do not hesitate to contact us, we will support you in all aspects.
Elastomeric seals in pipes and fittings carrying gas and hydrocarbon fluids - DIN EN 682
Elastomeric seals in pipes and fittings carrying gas and hydrocarbon fluids – DIN EN 682
The DVGW has special requirements for gaskets and gasket materials used in pipes and fittings carrying gas and hydrocarbon fluids in accordance with DIN EN 682.
The German Technical and Scientific Association for Gas and Water (DVGW) is the industrial association of the German gas and water industry and a recognised regulatory body. Its technical regulations ensure the reliability and safety of gas and water supply in Germany.
Our Services for your Application in accordance with DIN EN 682
Since 2009, we have been a DVGW-approved testing laboratory for conformity tests in accordance with the standards DIN EN 549, DIN EN 681-1 and DIN EN 682. For this purpose, we offer qualification and monitoring tests for elastomer materials.
Please do not hesitate to contact us, we will support you in all aspects.
Rubber Parts and Materials in Food Applications - 3A Sanitary Standards, FDA 21 FDA CFR 177.2600
Rubber Moulded Parts and Materials in Food Applications – 3A Sanitary Standards and FDA 21 CFR 177.2600
Special requirements are made on rubber moulded parts and materials for the use in the food sector. Among other things, FDA 21 CFR 177.2600 (White List) and the regulations in accordance with 3-A Sanitary Standards are of particular importance here.
3-A Sanitary Standards Inc. (3-A SSI) is an independent organisation for the American food and pharmaceutical industry which, among other things, defines standards and regulations for the development, manufacture and use of dairy equipment. The main objective of the regulations is to protect edible products from contamination and to ensure that any contact surface can be cleaned or sterilised.
Seals in these appliances must pass defined extraction tests to qualify for use. Testing to 3-A Sanitary Standards is often required by users as a supplement to FDA compliance as per FDA 21 CFR 177.2600 to assure the resistance of seal materials to disinfectants and cleaning agents.
Our Services for your Application in accordance with 3A Sanitary
We perform conformity tests for you in accordance with 3-A Sanitary Standards and determine the global migration of the materials as specified in FDA 21 CFR 177.2600 or BfR Recommendation XXI for consumer goods made from elastomers in contact with foodstuffs.
In addition, we also test the materials based on your individual requirements and in your media and provide you with comprehensive advice on the use of elastomers for food and beverages.