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Fluoroelastomer Compound Developed for High Steam Applications

A new fluoroelastomer sealing compound, specifically formulated to withstand the heat and corrosive effects of high temperature steam applications, has been developed by Pelmor® Laboratories.

The principal component of the compound, called ZF9889, is DuPont Performance Elastomers' VITON GF terpolymer, an elastomer well known for its extraordinary performance characteristics in harsh service environments. VITON products are 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.

By combining VITON with several other ingredients, Pelmor's chemists 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.

The new compound's first application is as a seal in a steam trap which Pelmor® developed with, and custom molded for, a customer. The steam trap was created 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, both of which can affect the orifice diameter.

After experimenting with a number of compounds, Pelmor® developed ZF9889. When exposed to steam temperatures as high as 475 degrees F, the compound proved to be extremely durable, exhibited minimal swelling and compression set, and enabled the trap to perform to its operating specifications.