Fluoroelastomer developed for high temperature steam applications.

This rubber products manufacturer has developed a high-performance sealing compound that is specifically formulated from fluoroelastomer resins to withstand the heat and corrosive effects of high temperature steam applications.

The principal component of the compound, ZF9889, is DuPont Dow Elastomers' Viton GF terpolymer, an elastomer that is said to be well known for its extraordinary performance characteristics in harsh service environments. Viton products are said to be capable of withstanding temperature extremes of -40[degrees] to +400[degrees]F and are resistant to attack by the most aggressive chemicals and corrosive liquids, including concentrated nitric, sulfuric and hydrochloric acids, to name a few, according to the company.

By combining Viton with several other ingredients, the company's chemists are said to have developed a compound with properties that are uniquely suited for high temperature steam applications, such as steam trap seals, steam valve seals, and static and dynamic sealing components.

ZF9889 not only resists heat, it withstands the corrosive and swelling effects of solvents, as well as system cleansing agents, such as amines, which are typically used in steam applications, according to the company.

This compound's first application is as a seal in a steam trap which the company developed with, and custom molded for, a customer. The steam trap was designed by the customer to eliminate the need for moving parts which tend to wear out quickly in the hostile environment of high temperature steam. Specifications called for the use of a compound with an orifice that would open at low temperatures and close at high temperatures. Another requirement was resistance to swelling and compression set, which can affect the orifice diameter.

After experimenting with a number of compounds, the ZF9889 product was developed.

Pelmor Laboratories

www.pelmor.com