ENGINEERED FOR EXTREMES FFKM O-RING/SEALS

FFKM, also known as perfluoro elastomer (FFPM), is a family of elastomer materials with a fully fluorinated polymer backbone, resulting in fluorine content of over 71%(combine the chemical resistance of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) with the flexibility and elasticity of standard Fluorocarbon Elastomers (FKM)). As a result, they are recognized as elastomers that offer the highest level of chemical resistance.
Use of FFKM elastomer materials in O-Rings, seals and gaskets can meet the chemical resistance and high temperature requirements of heavily regulated industries.

The Benefits of FFKM
FFKM is often used in applications where other polymers are unable to perform. One advantage is that FFKM are fully fluorinated and therefore contain higher amounts of fluorine than standard FKM, resulting in higher temperature ratings up to approximately 300°C and improved chemical resistance with nearly universal chemical compatibility. This combination makes seals manufactured in FFKM a premium choice for the industry’s most demanding applications.

How FFKM Seals are used in Industrial Applications
The chemical processing, oil and gas, food and beverage, and semiconductor industries provide an opportunity for a closer examination of why and where FFKM can be used.

Chemical Processing
Choosing materials for equipment components is critical in the chemical processing industry, where corrosive chemicals, high temperatures, and challenging operating conditions are prevalent. FFKM materials have emerged as indispensable solutions due to their exceptional resistance to a wide range of chemicals, including acids, bases, solvents, and aggressive fluids.
FFKM materials can be versatile in the chemical process industry, from seals and gaskets to diaphragms and valve components. FFKM can withstand harsh environments, ensure process integrity, and enhance equipment reliability.
They are the material of choice for demanding applications in the chemical process industry, contributing to safety, efficiency, and productivity in various chemical manufacturing processes.

Oil and Gas
Sealing solutions play a critical role in various applications within the oil and gas industry, ensuring equipment and operations’ integrity, safety, and efficiency. From exploration and production to refining and transportation, the harsh and demanding environments present unique challenges that require reliable sealing solutions.
In the exploration and production phase, sealing technology is employed in wellheads, valves, pumps, and other equipment to prevent leakage of fluids such as oil, gas, and drilling mud. These seals must withstand high pressures, extreme temperatures, corrosive fluids, and abrasive contaminants commonly found in downhole environments.
During refining processes, seals are utilized in pipelines, reactors, distillation towers, and storage tanks to contain hazardous chemicals, prevent leaks, and maintain optimal operating conditions. The seals must resist exposure to aggressive chemicals, high temperatures, and mechanical stresses associated with refining operations.
Seals are essential for maintaining the integrity of pipelines, valves, and fittings, ensuring safe and efficient oil and gas transport over long distances. These seals must withstand environmental factors such as temperature fluctuations, vibration, and external pressures while preventing fugitive emissions and minimizing the risk of accidents, thus ensuring safe and long-lasting operations.

Semiconductor Manufacturing
In the semiconductor industry, where precision, reliability, and contamination control are paramount, FFKM materials play a crucial role. FFKM materials are known for their exceptional resistance to extreme temperatures, harsh chemicals, and aggressive plasma environments, making them ideal for critical semiconductor manufacturing processes.
From sealing applications in semiconductor equipment to wafer handling, FFKM materials offer unmatched performance, ensuring the integrity of processes and minimizing downtime due to material failure. Sealing solutions show key qualities such as low plasma erosion rates, high-temperature stability, excellent resistance to various chemical processes (dry and wet), and exceptional sealing performance.

Food and Beverage Processing

Every phase of converting raw goods into finished, consumable products in the food and beverage processing industry uses diverse machinery. This sector faces a series of considerable challenges in sealing.
Extreme temperature ranges: O-Rings and seals used in the industry must withstand significant temperature variations. Sealing integrity and durability must be maintained from the icy cold storage conditions to the intense heat of cooking and sterilization processes.
Chemical resistance: Cleaning agents and chemicals are frequently used to maintain hygiene in food processing environments. Consequently, seals must display high chemical resistance to prevent degradation that could lead to leaks and potential product contamination.
Wear and abrasion resistance: The constant mechanical movements inherent to the operation of processing machinery demand seals with excellent wear and abrasion resistance. High-pressure techniques also contribute to the stress placed on these critical components.
Food safety regulations: All seals used within food processing must be food-grade, non-toxic, and comply with rigorous food safety regulations. Compliance ensures the health and safety of consumers and protects manufacturers from potential legal issues related to food safety.

Pharmaceutical industry
Pharmaceutical industries operate in low-temperature, cryogenic environments on a daily basis. In this type of environment, it is incredibly difficult to achieve an efficient gas or fluid sealing. This is where FFKM really comes into its own. We use it to develop ultra-low temperature ‘O’ rings that deliver high sealing integrity, even at temperatures as low as -45°C. Perfect for these industry settings.
Meanwhile, our FFKM rubber materials have been designed for the strict sanitary requirements of the pharmaceutical and medical industries. These specific grades of white and black FFKM rubber respectively are FDA approved and chemically inert enough to withstand repeated exposure to aggressive cleaning fluids used in CIP or SIP wash downs. There is simply no substitute for their sheer performance and reliability.
FFKM seals are designed to perform at their peak for longer, no matter what pharmaceutical or chemical processing application they’re employed in. The upshot for manufacturers in these sectors is that FFKM ‘O’ rings and seals are not only fit for purpose, but they can also reduce downtime and maintenance costs.

Key Features of FFKM Elastomers
Compared to standard Fluorocarbon Elastomers (FKM), Perfluoroelastomers (FFKM) are engineered to provide:
More stability at high temperatures up to 300°C.
Wider operating temperature range between 300°C.
Exceptional chemical resistance and behaviour with vacuum applications.
More effective sealing.
More flexibility in the application.