Maritime Chemical Transportation FAQs

The maritime transportation of chemical products requires specific rubber seals and O-rings that are capable of handling extremely aggressive media. In this blog, we answer some of your frequently asked questions about specifying the best rubber compounds for chemical storage and transportation.

What do you consider when developing seal materials?

When we discuss your application requirements with you, our initial considerations are always the environment, service conditions and temperature requirements of your specific application. We will then consider the subsequent physical properties required the corresponding material. We can engineer rubber materials that deliver various desirable properties, including hardness, tensile strength, tear strength and elongation, to name but a few.

How do you select polymers for the maritime transportation of chemical products?

For applications involving chemical storage and transportation, we select polymers that naturally exhibit chemical resistant properties. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and perfluoroelastomer (FFKM) are usually our first choice polymers for when chemical resistance is a top priority. Both PTFE and FFKM comprise of carbon-fluorine bonds, which are regarded as the strongest single bond in organic Chemistry. It is this inbuilt strength on an atomic scale that translates into finished sealing products that deliver high chemical, thermal and oxidation resistance.

What rubber material is suitable for maritime transportation of chemical products?

As we touched upon above, PTFE and FFKM are the natural choices for sealing products destined for maritime chemical transportation applications. PTFE consists of a chain of carbon atoms with two fluorine atoms bonded to each carbon. These fluorine atoms surround the carbon chain, creating a dense molecule with very strong carbon-fluorine bonds and a polymer structure that is inert to most chemicals. FFKM contains 72.5% fluorine with a fully fluorinated backbone chain and it is this maximal fluorine content that gives it its innate chemical resistance.

TRP Polymer Solutions has developed a range of specialist TRPlast™ FFKM material grades that are designed specifically for the maritime chemical transportation. Combining the beneficial chemical properties of our polymer blends, we have developed FFKM materials that offer optimal chemical resistance, as well as numerous other beneficial traits, including but not limited to high-temperature capabilities, thermal cycling resistance and resistance to carbon black contamination. As such, we can use these cutting-edge materials to then design the ideal high-performance seal or O-ring to withstand the precise demands of your maritime chemical transportation application. 

Why should I choose TRP Polymer Solutions for maritime chemical transportation products?

Our polymer technologists work to ensure the polymeric material used for your product is reliable, completely suitable for the chemical processing environment and is thoroughly tested in order to ensure your product will meet your exact needs. Whether you require the development of a brand-new product or the overhaul of an existing one, we will work closely with you at every step of the process to develop an optimal sealing solution.

For more information about our rubber products for maritime chemical storage and transportation, or to discuss your specific application requirements, contact TRP Polymer solutions today on +44 (0)1432 268899 or email us on sales@trp.co.uk.