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Applications & Markets

Industries We Serve

Elastomeric sealing products are critical components across virtually every industry that moves fluids, manages pressure, or operates mechanical assemblies. Below is an overview of the markets and applications where sealing performance matters most.

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Oil and Gas Oil & Gas Aerospace Aerospace & Defense Automotive Automotive HVAC HVAC & Refrigeration Water Treatment Water Treatment Industrial Industrial Equipment Food and Beverage Food & Beverage Medical Medical & Pharma
Oil and Gas
Upstream · Midstream · Downstream

Oil & Gas

Few industries place more demand on sealing components than oil and gas. From wellhead assemblies operating under extreme pressure to pipeline systems cycling between sub-zero and high-temperature conditions, seals in this environment must perform reliably across a wide range of mechanical and chemical stresses.

Upstream applications — drilling, completion, and production — expose seals to hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), crude oil, brine, and drilling muds. These environments demand compounds with strong resistance to chemical degradation and explosive decompression. Midstream transport and storage introduces pressure cycling and temperature variation across long pipeline distances. Downstream refining adds high-temperature steam, aggressive process chemicals, and continuous operating cycles where seal failure translates directly to unplanned downtime.

Across all three segments, material selection is the critical variable. The wrong compound in a sour-gas application will fail rapidly; the right one will perform for years.

Common Sealing Challenges
  • H₂S and sour gas exposure causing elastomer degradation
  • Rapid gas decompression (RGD) causing seal blistering or fracture
  • Wide temperature swings from cryogenic pipelines to high-temp downhole tools
  • Continuous exposure to hydrocarbons, amines, and drilling additives
  • High-pressure dynamic sealing in rotating and reciprocating equipment
Related Applications
Chemical Processing Petrochemical Marine & Offshore Pumps & Valves
Recommended Material Families

FKM/Viton offers broad chemical and temperature resistance for most oil and gas service. HNBR excels in sour gas and H₂S environments where standard NBR would fail. Aflas (FEPM) is specified for steam injection, high-pH fluids, and amine environments where FKM has limitations. FFKM compounds handle the most aggressive combinations of temperature and chemical exposure.

FKM / Viton HNBR Aflas (FEPM) FFKM Buna-N (NBR)
Relevant Product Types
Square Rings O-Rings Cord Stock Spliced Rings Custom Profiles
Aerospace and Defense
Aviation · Defense · Space

Aerospace & Defense

Aerospace and defense applications require sealing solutions that perform consistently under conditions most other industries never encounter — extreme altitude pressure differentials, wide thermal cycling from ground-level heat to high-altitude cold, and exposure to fuels, hydraulic fluids, and lubricants that would degrade lesser compounds.

Aircraft hydraulic systems operate at pressures typically ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 PSI and require seals that maintain integrity across thousands of actuation cycles. Fuel system components — from engine fuel controls to airframe plumbing — demand compounds resistant to both Jet-A and synthetic aviation fuels. Defense ground vehicles and naval systems add exposure to lubricants, diesel, and salt water environments that challenge seal durability over long service intervals.

Traceability and lot documentation are often required in aerospace procurement. Certificate of conformance (C of C) requests and material traceability can be accommodated through our quoting process.

Common Sealing Challenges
  • Wide temperature cycling from ground to altitude conditions
  • High-pressure hydraulic systems requiring precise dimensional tolerances
  • Fuel compatibility across Jet-A, AVGAS, and synthetic formulations
  • Long service intervals requiring sustained elastomeric integrity
  • Traceability and documentation requirements for critical components
Recommended Material Families

FKM/Viton is the most widely specified compound in aerospace for its combination of fuel resistance and thermal range. Fluorosilicone (FVMQ) handles applications requiring both fuel resistance and low-temperature flexibility. Silicone is used in non-fuel sealing applications where extreme temperature range is the primary requirement.

FKM / Viton Fluorosilicone (FVMQ) Silicone HNBR
Relevant Product Types
O-Rings Square Rings Custom Profiles Cord Stock
Automotive
OEM · Aftermarket · Heavy Transport

Automotive & Transportation

The automotive industry requires sealing solutions across a broad range of fluid systems — engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and increasingly, the thermal management systems in electric and hybrid vehicles. Each fluid system presents a distinct chemical environment with its own temperature range and pressure profile.

Under-hood temperatures have increased significantly with modern engine designs, pushing seal operating temperatures higher and demanding compounds that maintain elasticity and sealing force across wider thermal ranges. Fuel system seals contend with the varying ethanol content found in modern pump fuels, which can accelerate degradation in standard nitrile compounds. Transmission and hydraulic seals must survive tens of thousands of miles of continuous cycling.

Beyond passenger vehicles, heavy transport — Class 8 trucks, agricultural equipment, and construction machinery — adds extreme load cycles, diesel exposure, and demanding outdoor environmental conditions.

Common Sealing Challenges
  • Ethanol-blend fuel compatibility in fuel system components
  • Elevated under-hood temperatures affecting standard nitrile compounds
  • Long service life requirements in transmission and drivetrain applications
  • Multiple simultaneous fluid exposures in complex assemblies
  • Vibration and dynamic loading in engine-mounted components
Related Applications
Agriculture & Farm Equipment Construction Equipment Heavy Transport
Recommended Material Families

Buna-N (NBR) covers the majority of standard automotive fluid applications at moderate temperatures. FKM/Viton is specified where higher temperatures or aggressive fuel blends require additional resistance. EPDM is the standard for brake fluid and coolant system seals. Silicone handles high-temperature non-fluid applications such as intake and turbo system gaskets.

Buna-N (NBR) FKM / Viton EPDM Silicone HNBR
Relevant Product Types
O-Rings Square Rings Cord Stock Spliced Rings Kits
HVAC and Refrigeration
Commercial · Residential · Industrial Refrigeration

HVAC & Refrigeration

Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems rely on sealing components to maintain system pressure, prevent refrigerant leakage, and ensure long-term operational efficiency. The sealing demands vary significantly across the different fluid types and operating pressures involved.

Refrigerant compatibility is the most critical material selection factor in this industry. Modern refrigerants — including R-410A, R-134a, R-32, and the newer HFO refrigerants — have varying effects on different elastomers. Some compounds swell aggressively in refrigerant exposure; others maintain dimensional stability and sealing force over years of service. Hydrocarbon refrigerants used in some industrial and ammonia refrigeration systems add another layer of compatibility considerations.

Beyond refrigerant seals, HVAC systems also use cord stock and square ring profiles extensively in ductwork connections, access panel seals, and equipment enclosure gaskets — applications where a reliable compression seal over an irregular geometry is needed.

Common Sealing Challenges
  • Refrigerant compatibility across HFC, HFO, and hydrocarbon refrigerant types
  • Low-temperature flexibility in refrigeration systems operating below -20°F
  • Long service life with minimal maintenance in sealed systems
  • Compression set resistance in static gasket applications
  • Cord and extrusion seals for ductwork and panel closures
Related Applications
Plumbing & Fluid Systems Commercial Refrigeration Industrial Chillers
Recommended Material Families

Neoprene (CR) has a long history in HVAC applications for its balance of refrigerant resistance and weathering performance. EPDM is widely used in water-based systems and ductwork seals. Buna-N handles oil and hydrocarbon refrigerant applications. Silicone offers the widest temperature range for high and low-temperature extremes.

Neoprene (CR) EPDM Buna-N (NBR) Silicone
Relevant Product Types
Square Rings Cord Stock O-Rings Sponge Extrusions Spliced Rings
Water Treatment
Municipal · Industrial · Residential

Water Treatment & Filtration

Water treatment and filtration systems present a deceptively challenging sealing environment. While water itself is relatively benign, the chemicals used to treat it — chlorine, chloramines, ozone, and various oxidizing biocides — are aggressive to many elastomers and can cause significant degradation over time.

Municipal water treatment systems operate continuously, often for years between scheduled maintenance. Seal failure in these systems can mean contamination risks or unplanned shutdowns affecting large populations. Industrial process water systems add the complexity of varying pH levels, dissolved solids, and temperature-treated streams. Residential filtration systems — reverse osmosis units, whole-house filters, and UV treatment systems — use smaller seals in high volumes, where consistency and dimensional accuracy are critical to system performance.

Many water system seals must meet NSF/ANSI 61 or similar standards for drinking water contact — a compliance requirement that limits which compounds and formulations can be used. Requests for compliant materials can be directed through our RFQ process.

Common Sealing Challenges
  • Chlorine and chloramine resistance — particularly damaging to standard NBR
  • Ozone exposure in advanced oxidation treatment systems
  • Long service life requirements in continuously operating systems
  • Drinking water contact compliance (NSF/ANSI 61)
  • Varying pH and temperature across different treatment stages
Recommended Material Families

EPDM (peroxide-cured) is the primary choice for water and chlorinated water systems, offering strong oxidation resistance. Silicone is used in applications requiring broad temperature range or FDA compliance. FKM handles higher-temperature water systems and aggressive chemical treatment environments. Buna-N is suitable for non-potable water and irrigation applications away from chlorinated streams.

EPDM Silicone FKM / Viton Buna-N (NBR)
Relevant Product Types
O-Rings Square Rings Cord Stock Spliced Rings
Industrial Equipment
Manufacturing · Hydraulics · Pneumatics · OEM

Industrial Equipment & Machinery

Industrial equipment encompasses one of the broadest and most varied sealing environments of any market. Hydraulic cylinders, pneumatic actuators, pump assemblies, compressors, conveyor systems, and packaging machinery all rely on seals to maintain performance over long operating cycles — often in environments with dust, debris, vibration, and fluctuating temperatures.

Hydraulic systems demand seals with strong resistance to petroleum-based and synthetic hydraulic fluids, good mechanical strength to resist extrusion under pressure, and dimensional stability to maintain sealing force across thermal cycles. Pneumatic systems operate at lower pressures but require low-friction materials that minimize actuation force and wear over millions of cycles.

OEM equipment manufacturers often require consistent supply of specific profiles across large production volumes. Custom spliced rings in non-standard inside diameters, cord stock cut to specific lengths, and bagged kits for field service applications are all common requirements in this segment.

Common Sealing Challenges
  • Hydraulic fluid compatibility across petroleum, synthetic, and fire-resistant types
  • Extrusion resistance at elevated system pressures
  • Low-friction requirements in pneumatic actuator seals
  • Abrasion resistance in dusty or particle-laden environments
  • Custom profiles and sizes for OEM assembly requirements
Related Applications
Pumps & Valves Construction Equipment Marine Compressors Conveyors & Packaging
Recommended Material Families

Buna-N (NBR) is the standard workhorse for hydraulic and general industrial sealing with petroleum-based fluids. Polyurethane offers outstanding abrasion resistance for high-wear dynamic applications. EPDM serves steam, hot water, and phosphate ester hydraulic fluid applications. FKM handles elevated temperature and synthetic fluid requirements.

Buna-N (NBR) EPDM FKM / Viton Polyurethane Neoprene
Relevant Product Types
Square Rings Cord Stock O-Rings Spliced Rings Custom Kits Q-Rings
Food and Beverage
Processing · Packaging · Sanitary Systems

Food & Beverage Processing

Food and beverage processing equipment operates in one of the most demanding sanitary environments in industry. Seals in direct or incidental food contact must be made from compounds that will not leach harmful extractables into the product stream, and must survive aggressive cleaning protocols without deteriorating.

Clean-in-place (CIP) and steam-in-place (SIP) sanitation cycles expose seals to hot caustic and acid cleaning solutions, high-temperature steam, and repeated thermal shock — all in the same operating day. Seals that swell, crack, or shed particles under these conditions create both a contamination risk and an unplanned maintenance event. Beverage carbonation and pressurized filling equipment add pressure cycling to the mix.

This is a segment where material verification matters. For food-contact applications, material compliance information can be provided through our quoting process on applicable compounds.

Common Sealing Challenges
  • CIP/SIP cleaning cycle resistance — caustic, acid, and steam exposure
  • Material compliance for food-contact applications
  • Swell and compression set from repeated thermal cycling
  • Abrasion from particulate-laden food slurries and pastes
  • Odor and taste neutrality requirements in beverage applications
Recommended Material Families

Silicone is the most widely used compound in food and beverage for its broad temperature range, low extractables, and general inertness. EPDM handles CIP chemical exposure well and is used in steam and hot water applications. FKM is specified where steam temperatures exceed silicone's range or where oil and fat resistance is needed. Buna-N is appropriate for non-contact mechanical sealing in food processing equipment.

Silicone (VMQ) EPDM FKM / Viton Buna-N (NBR)
Relevant Product Types
O-Rings Square Rings Cord Stock Spliced Rings
Medical and Pharmaceutical
Medical Devices · Pharmaceutical · Lab Equipment

Medical & Pharmaceutical

Medical and pharmaceutical applications place unique demands on sealing materials that go beyond mechanical performance. Biocompatibility, chemical purity, and the ability to withstand sterilization processes without degrading or releasing extractables are the defining requirements in this sector.

Drug delivery devices, fluid handling systems, laboratory instruments, and diagnostic equipment all use elastomeric seals at critical points. In pharmaceutical manufacturing, seals in direct product contact must not interact with the drug being processed — a requirement that rules out many standard industrial compounds and demands careful material selection and verification.

Sterilization compatibility is another key variable. Autoclave (steam sterilization), gamma irradiation, ethylene oxide (EtO), and chemical sterilization each affect different elastomers differently. A compound that survives autoclave cycles may not survive repeated gamma irradiation, and vice versa.

Common Sealing Challenges
  • Biocompatibility requirements for device and drug-contact applications
  • Sterilization compatibility — autoclave, gamma, EtO, and chemical methods
  • Low extractables and leachables for pharmaceutical contact service
  • Dimensional consistency across production lots for device manufacturing
  • Pharmaceutical process fluid and solvent compatibility
Recommended Material Families

Silicone is the primary compound for medical and pharmaceutical sealing for its biocompatibility, broad temperature range, and steam sterilization resistance. Platinum-cured silicone is specified where the lowest extractables profile is required. EPDM handles pharmaceutical water systems and steam-in-place processes. FKM is used where pharmaceutical solvents or aggressive process chemicals are present.

Silicone (VMQ) EPDM FKM / Viton FFKM
Relevant Product Types
O-Rings Square Rings Custom Profiles Cord Stock

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