Oil-Resistant Sealing Materials
Selecting the right sealing materials is crucial for preventing leaks in oil storage tanks
NBR
Nitrile Rubber
- Excellent resistance to petroleum-based oils, diesel, and gasoline
- Composed of acrylonitrile and butadiene for hydrocarbon resistance
- Maintains flexibility and sealing integrity over time
- Affordable and widely available for standard applications
- Ideal for general oil storage tank gaskets and O-rings
FKM/Viton
Fluorocarbon Rubber
- Superior performance in harsh conditions and high temperatures
- Resists swelling, hardening, or degradation with synthetic oils
- Effective with aggressive petroleum derivatives
- Durable at temperatures up to 200°C (392°F)
- Higher cost justified for specialized petroleum products
FFKM
Perfluoroelastomers
- Highest oil resistance among sealing materials
- Withstands highly corrosive oil-based fluids
- Performs in extreme temperature conditions
- Premium cost limits use to critical applications
- Used where failure risks are unacceptable
Other Options
Alternative Materials
- EPDM: Works well with non-petroleum oils but poor with hydrocarbons
- Polyurethane: Good abrasion resistance but limited oil compatibility
- Silicone: Temperature resistant but generally not oil-resistant
- PTFE: Excellent chemical resistance but less flexible
Selection Considerations
- Consider the stored oil type, operating temperature, and pressure
- NBR offers the best balance of cost and performance for most petroleum needs
- FKM or FFKM preferred for specialized, high-stress environments
- Regular inspection of seals is essential as all materials degrade over time
- Factor in temperature fluctuations and chemical exposure in material choice