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Applications

Oil & gas

Seals for the extraction, transport, and processing of petroleum and natural gas, including offshore. For sour service with H₂S choose HNBR or FFKM; for fuels and oils, FKM. Expect high pressures and temperatures.

Recommended materials

HNBR, FFKM, FKM

In oil & gas, O-rings face high pressures, high temperatures, hydrogen sulphide (H₂S, “sour service”), hydrocarbons, and the risk of rapid gas decompression (RGD). HNBR resists oils and H₂S at ordinary temperatures; FFKM handles the most demanding sour and high-temperature environments; FKM is the choice for fuels and oils. For a standard such as API, or an RGD/H₂S assessment, always verify the specific medium, temperature, and pressure — we're glad to advise.

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Frequently asked questions about this industry

Which material for sour service with H₂S?
Hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) attacks common elastomers. For sour service, HNBR (up to medium temperatures) or FFKM (for the most demanding, high-temperature conditions) is most often chosen. FKM can be attacked at higher H₂S concentrations, so always verify concentration, temperature, and pressure for the specific application.
What is rapid gas decompression (RGD) and how do you prevent it?
At high pressure, gas diffuses into the rubber; when pressure drops quickly it expands and tears the ring from the inside (rapid gas decompression). The fix is an RGD-resistant material (special HNBR and FFKM compounds), higher hardness, and correct groove geometry. Provide the pressure and depressurisation rate and we'll recommend a suitable compound.
FKM, HNBR, or FFKM for fuels and hydrocarbons?
For crude oil, fuels, and hydrocarbons at higher temperatures, FKM (Viton®) is the standard. Choose HNBR where H₂S is present or better mechanical resistance is needed at lower temperatures. FFKM is universally the most resistant (chemistry and temperature) but significantly more expensive — used for critical seals where neither FKM nor HNBR is enough.
What pressures and temperatures will the O-rings handle here?
An unsupported O-ring seals up to about 100–150 bar; at higher pressures (common in extraction) a back-up (anti-extrusion) ring and higher hardness are required so the rubber isn't extruded. On temperature, FKM holds up to +200 °C and FFKM even above +250 °C. Always assess pressure, temperature, and medium together — send the parameters and we'll propose both material and geometry.

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