Iso-Flate “e” Inflatable seals using EPDM rubber

Sealing Projex are pleased to announce the successful development of Iso-Flate ‘e’ Inflatable seals manufactured from FDA compliant EPDM rubber. A client in the pharmaceutical sector approached us with concern over the chemical resistance of Silicone based elastomers used to manufacture inflatable seals. The CIP (Clean in place) media being used in process and R&D equipment is slowly becoming more chemically aggressive with the use of aqueous based solvents. The performance of these solvents is excellent for providing sanitized equipment, but the chemical resistance of the silicone elastomer is undoubtedly questionable.

EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) is an organic synthetic elastomer which, when cured through Vulcanization has many properties equivalent to or better than those of natural virgin rubber. In the compounding process there are many additives that increase various characteristics such as temperature & abrasion resistance, flexibility, durability and chemical resistance.

Once we had completed the successful extrusion of FDA compliant EPDM,  whilst maintaining cross sectional profile tolerance, the next stage was to cycle test the inflatable seals using our Valiflate rapid cycle testing equipment. The tests provided results that were parallel to our Silicone seal results in terms of seal -ability and durability, but with added chemical resistance.

Another extremely beneficial aspect of using EPDM in Inflatable seals over Silicone is that the Gas permeation rates of EPDM are substantially lower than that of Silicone. This benefit can prove vital in the event of a system pressure loss, meaning that the inflatable can maintain a gas tight seal for a longer period of time compared with the premature loss of pressure that would occur with Silicone seals

For Test results and further details, please contact us

For information on our inflatable seal solutions