Isolast® FFKM

Originated in the 1960s, comprising a fully-fluorinated crosslinked structure that enables seal specifiers to push the envelope of key performance criteria to their limits.
“The choice of a perfluoroelastomer is usually based on three key areas: thermal resistance, physical characteristics and chemical resistance. Other materials cannot match FFKM’s performance here, especially when considered as a full package,” says Chris Busby, Product Manager for Isolast® at Trelleborg Sealing Solutions.

Trelleborg Sealing Solutions has long been associated with its own range of Isolast® FFKM compounds, specifically engineered to meet the performance requirements for some of the most demanding process environments in the world. Compatible with virtually all media over the widest possible temperature range, the Isolast® range of high specification compounds aims to offer leading edge polymer technology at competitive prices.

“Though FFKM compounds are usually more expensive than alternative compounds, the additional reliability can reduce total cost of ownership significantly. Testing shows that our compounds extend service life, and over the course of a product's lifetime can give considerable savings,” says Chris. “And when downtime can cost huge sums of money, the benefits of reduced maintenance are apparent.” 

Now, to better meet the requirements of modern industries, the Isolast® portfolio has been extended with four new compounds representing the premium choice for chemical compatibility, mechanical properties and temperatureresistance. Trelleborg Sealing Solutions has worked hard to bring these new grades to market with lower acquisition costs to further enhance overall cost of ownership benefits.

“A lot of different industries can benefit from using Isolast® compounds,” adds Chris. “As such, our developments are targeted at applications where our compounds can really make a difference.” 

Isolast® J9538 is an example of this; it offers the mechanical properties to optimize production, the thermal and chemical stability to resist Clean-in-Place (CIP), Sterilize-in-Place (SIP) and Water-for-Injection (WFI) regimes, and is compliant with, or is ce rtified to, FDA, 3-A and USP standards. This profile of attributes positions it perfectly to improve performance in applications such as mix-proof valves, mixers, pumps and centrifuges for pharmaceutical, healthcare and medical industries.

“Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) applications have presented new challenges in the oil & gas industries. The pressures and temperatures the seals must withstand have increased substantially,” continues Chris. “Thermal recovery and chemical injection are more frequently used for increasing the amount of crude oil that can be extracted from an oil field. Materials other than an FFKM would struggle to meet the performance requirements.” 

Isolast® J9554 has been specifically developed for EOR applications. It also offers resistance to aggressive well bore chemicals and the high temperature steam environment from processes such as Cyclic Steam Stimulation (CSS), temperature resistance from -10 °C to +275 °C / +14 °F to +572 °F, and high hardness and modulus.

Isolast® J9570 further enhances the portfolio, offering exceptional low temperature performance, down to -40 °C / -40 °F, whilst maintaining outstanding chemical resistance. “It’s ideal for sub-zero environments, such as couplings when transporting aggressive chemicals and downstream petrochemical and refinery equipment,” adds Chris.

Finally, Isolast® J9567 is a technically advanced multipurpose FFKM that offers broad chemical and temperature resistance to provide cost-savings to a wide variety of applications within downstream hydrocarbon refining, lacquer and paint applications.

“Choosing Isolast® materials for your applications provides real benefits and cost advantages to provide reliability and extend service life,” finishes Chris. 

Isolast® is available in all standard international O-Ring sizes along with custom-engineered solutions and FlexiMold™ large diameter join-free seals.