EPDM Gasket Solutions Built to Withstand Weather, UV, and Chemicals
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EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) is a synthetic rubber highly valued for its superior durability, weather resistance, and chemical stability. EPDM gaskets are increasingly becoming the preferred sealing solution in many outdoor and industrial environments due to their strong resistance to UV radiation, ozone, and extreme temperatures.
Why Choose EPDM for Outdoor Applications?
EPDM gaskets are known for their impressive resilience and durability in outdoor environments. We can explore the key reasons EPDM is a go-to material for sealing in harsh weather, UV-rich, and chemically aggressive settings.
1. Outstanding UV and Ozone Resistance
- EPDM maintains flexibility and structural integrity even after prolonged exposure to sunlight and ozone. Unlike other gasket materials, EPDM does not easily crack, degrade, or become brittle due to UV rays or ozone exposure.
2. Superior Temperature Stability
- EPDM gaskets provide consistent sealing performance across extreme temperature ranges, generally from -40°F (-40°C) to +300°F (149°C), making it highly effective in varying climatic conditions.
3. Exceptional Chemical and Weather Resistance
- EPDM offers excellent resistance against various chemicals, such as acids, alkalis, and polar solvents (water, ketones, glycols). Its robust resistance to weather conditions—rain, snow, ice, and humidity. Designed for challenging environments.
4. Regulatory Compliance and Certification
- Some EPDM materials meet crucial industry standards, including NSF/ANSI 61 (potable water), FDA compliance, and AWWA specifications. These certifications assure compliance with stringent health and safety regulations, making EPDM suitable for other sensitive applications.
EPDM Products & Their Unique Characteristics:
Choosing the right material is crucial for gasket performance. The material must withstand factors like temperature, pressure, and exposure to chemicals. Below are some of the best EPDM gasket materials.
CG 331 EPDM
- CG 331 EPDM is engineered for extended outdoor service life and consistent performance in extreme weather conditions.
- This material has a working temperature range of -40 to +212°F (-40 to +100°C) and a shore “A” hardness of 60 or 70 durometers.
Garlock 98206
- EPDM Style 98206 is a premium grade, black Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer rubber gasket sheet manufactured by Garlock®.
- It has a hardness of 80 durometer and withstands temperatures from -40 to 275°F (-40 to 135°C).
- It meets the stringent requirements of the NSF Standard 61 for products used in potable water.
AB-576 – NSF-61
- EPDM AB-576 has excellent resistance to heat, ozone and sunlight, color stability, superior resistance to cold and hot water, good resistance to alkalis, acids and oxygenated solvents.
- It has a hardness of 75 durometer with a working temperature range of -40° to 275°F (-40°to 135°C).
- This product meets AWWA Standard C111/A21.11 and is certified to NSF/ANSI 61-G & 372 for potable water applications.
AB-566 – FDA
- EPDM AB-566 is a white rubber elastomer manufactured by American Biltrite™. It has a hardness of 60 durometer with a working temperature range of -40° to 250°F (-40°to 121°C).
- This product is FDA Grade and meets the requirements for FDA 21 CFR 177.2600.
Panacea® 6962 EPDM
- Panacea® 6962 is a unique compound elastomer of EPDM compounded with a high polymer content exceeding 53%, with a peroxide cure.
- It is an ideal gasket material for parts requiring a broad resistance to chemicals utilized and produced in Chlorine, Caustic, and Bleach Industries.
- It has temperature range of -60°F to +300ºF (-51°C to +149ºC) and shore “A” hardness of 60 durometer.
Common Industry Applications for EPDM Gaskets
Automotive & Transportation
- Automakers utilize EPDM extensively for door seals, windows, trunks, and engine compartments. Its resistance to harsh weather, UV radiation, and ozone protects vehicles from water, dust, and external elements, extending lifespan and reliability.
Automotive & Transportation
- Automakers utilize EPDM extensively for door seals, windows, trunks, and engine compartments. Its resistance to harsh weather, UV radiation, and ozone protects vehicles from water, dust, and external elements, extending lifespan and reliability.
Water and Wastewater Infrastructure
- EPDM is widely adopted for potable water systems, municipal water supply lines, wastewater treatment facilities, and related infrastructure, ensuring safety, compliance, and reliability.
- It’s typically used in Potable Water Systems, Pumps, Valves, Flange Sealing, or Wastewater Treatment Plants.
Marine & Outdoor Equipment
- Marine environments expose equipment to severe weather and saltwater. EPDM’s superior resistance makes it ideal for boat seals, hatch covers, and outdoor marine equipment, preserving integrity and performance under harsh conditions, such as boat and ship hatch covers and seals, marine engines and equipment seals, and docking equipment and buoyancy devices.
Industrial & Chemical Processing
- Industrial sectors, including chemical processing, highly use EPDM to resist broad types of chemicals and industrial solvents.
- Typically used for Chemical Storage Tanks and Flanges, Electrochemical and Chlor-Alkali Plants, Pulp & Paper Mills, and Specialized EPDM compounds like Panacea® 6962 deliver superior sealing in harsh chemical conditions.
Advantages of EPDM Gaskets:
EPDM gaskets offer several key benefits that make them a reliable choice for outdoor and industrial sealing needs.
- Long Lifespan: EPDM gaskets offer outstanding durability, significantly reducing maintenance costs.
- Cost-Efficiency: Over time, the total ownership cost is lower than materials that wear out more quickly.
- Chemical Versatility: Their ability to perform well in chemically aggressive environments makes them suitable for various industrial applications.
- Compliance Assurance: Many EPDM gasket products meet essential industry certifications, helping customers comply with regulatory standards.
Limitations to Consider:
While EPDM has numerous advantages, it also has certain limitations customers should consider:
- Limited Oil and Fuel Resistance: EPDM is incompatible with petroleum-based products, oils, gasoline, and solvents.
- Chemical Compatibility Restrictions: It is unsuitable for aromatic, chlorinated, and aliphatic hydrocarbon solvents, which cause swelling and deterioration.
EPDM gaskets offer durability, reliability, and performance under challenging environmental conditions. For assistance selecting the right EPDM product or exploring alternative solutions, contact our gasket specialists at Custom Gaskets Ltd. We’re committed to providing tailored sealing solutions to match your industry and application requirements.
