Steam is a common name for the chemical compound known as water vapor. It is a gas at temperatures and pressures found on the Earth's surface and is used in a wide range of applications such as power generation, heating, and cooling. Steam is also used in the chemical, food and beverage, and pharmaceutical industries.
When rubber is exposed to steam at temperatures between 400°F and 500°F, there is an increased risk of the rubber becoming brittle due to the higher heat and pressure. This can lead to cracking and other physical damage, as well as reducing the overall lifespan of the rubber. Additionally, steam can cause chemicals to leach out of the rubber, potentially compromising its integrity over time. The risk of failure increases significantly at higher temperatures, as the rubber will become even more brittle and susceptible to damage.
EPDM o-rings, or ethylene propylene o-rings, are a family of synthetic elastomers with lower cost steam and chemical resistance, particularly for applications involving solvents, acids and other mild chemicals. Marco Rubber has the world’s largest inventory network of EPDM o-rings and made on demand custom manufacturing often without tooling fees, so the EPDM o-rings you need are always available. Whether it’s for water systems, braking systems, medical, pharmaceutical, food or dairy use, you can count on Marco Rubber to deliver your o-rings fast and efficiently.
View some of our other material compatibility ratings with STEAM, 400°0500°F. If you don't see what you're looking for or need more guidance, our team of experienced sealing design engineers can help select the best sealing products and material for your specific application.
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