EXHAUST GASES, CONTAINING HYDROGEN FLUORIDE Resistant O-Rings and Seals

Exhaust gases, containing hydrogen fluoride, are a byproduct of the combustion process in automobiles and other engines. Commonly referred to as hydrofluoric acid, it is used in a variety of industrial applications such as in the production of aluminum, glass etching, and metal cleaning.

Common types of failures when rubber is exposed to hydrogen fluoride include chemical attack, swelling, cracking, and discoloration. Chemical attack occurs when the rubber is exposed to the corrosive nature of the gas, resulting in degradation of the rubber material. Swelling occurs when the rubber absorbs the hydrogen fluoride, causing it to expand and become brittle. Cracking can occur when the rubber is exposed to temperature fluctuations or when the rubber is exposed to UV light. Discoloration can occur when the rubber is exposed to the gas for an extended period of time, resulting in a yellow, green, or blue color.