Blog cover image titled "Choosing the Right Rubber Seal Compounds in the Food and Beverage Industry," featuring rubber seals used in industrial machinery.

Choosing the Right Rubber Seal Compounds in the FMCG Industry

In the food and beverage industry, selecting the right rubber seal compounds is crucial for ensuring safety, compliance, and performance. Rubber seals are used in various applications, and they must meet strict hygiene and chemical resistance standards. This blog will explore the different rubber seal compounds suitable for the food and beverage industry, introduce Parker’s compatibility chart, and offer a simple test to help you choose the right compound for your needs.

Key Rubber Seal Compounds for the Food and Beverage Industry

1. Silicone

  • Characteristics: Silicone is known for its excellent temperature resistance, flexibility, and durability. It is also non-toxic and odorless, making it ideal for food contact applications.
  • Applications: Commonly used in gaskets, seals, and hoses within food processing and packaging equipment due to its stability and compliance with Government regulations.
  • Considerations: Silicone production can be energy-intensive, but its long-term use and stability often offset this initial environmental impact.

2. Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM)

  • Characteristics: EPDM offers superb resistance to heat, ozone, and weathering, along with broad chemical compatibility. It is also known for its water and steam resistance.
  • Applications: Suitable for seals and gaskets in food processing, especially where equipment is cleaned frequently with hot water or steam.
  • Considerations: While EPDM is synthetic, its long lifespan and recyclability contribute to its sustainability.

3. Natural Rubber

  • Characteristics: Natural rubber sourced from the latex of the Hevea brasiliensis tree is renowned for its superior mechanical properties and elasticity.
  • Applications: In the FMCG industry, natural rubber is used for gaskets, seals and hoses.
  • Considerations: Natural rubber is not suitable for high-temperature applications or exposure to oils and fats. Sustainability is an important factor when choosing natural rubber for food and beverage applications. Natural rubber is a renewable resource, however, the environmental impact of rubber plantations such as deforestation and biodiversity loss must be considered. Sustainable practices, such as sourcing rubber from certified plantations that adhere to environmental and social standards, can mitigate these concerns.

4. Nitrile (Buna-N)

  • Characteristics: Nitrile rubber provides good resistance to oils, fuels, and other petroleum-based products. It also offers excellent wear resistance and mechanical properties.
  • Applications: Ideal for food and beverage processing equipment that involves contact with oils or greasy substances.
  • Considerations: Nitrile rubber is a synthetic material, meaning its production relies on non-renewable resources like petroleum. While it offers significant functional benefits, the environmental impact of its production and disposal is a concern from a sustainability perspective.

5. Viton (Fluorocarbon)

  • Characteristics: Viton is highly resistant to chemicals, oils, and high temperatures. It also performs well in harsh environments, making it suitable for critical applications.
  • Applications: Used in sealing applications where there is exposure to aggressive cleaning agents or high-temperature processes.
  • Considerations: Viton, being a synthetic rubber, is derived from fluorocarbon compounds, which involve complex chemical processes, and non-renewable resources. Recycling options for Vitron are limited due to its chemical composition.

Parker’s Compatibility Chart

Parker Hannifin’s compatibility chart is a valuable resource that helps determine the suitability of various rubber compounds with different chemicals and environmental conditions. This chart is particularly useful in the food and beverage industry, where seals must withstand a variety of cleaning agents, food products, and process conditions. By consulting Parker’s chart, you can ensure that the chosen rubber compound will perform reliably in your specific application.

Simple Test to Choose the Right Compound

To ensure you select the best rubber seal compound for your application, you can perform a simple immersion test:

  1. Identify the Chemical Environment: Determine the chemicals, temperatures, and conditions the seal will be exposed to in your process.
  2. Sample Preparation: Obtain small samples of the rubber compounds you are considering.
  3. Immersion: Immerse the rubber samples in the actual chemical environment or simulate the conditions for a specified period (typically 24-48 hours).
  4. Evaluation: After immersion, evaluate the samples for changes in volume, hardness, and appearance. Significant changes may indicate incompatibility.

Conclusion

Choosing the right rubber seal compound is essential for maintaining safety, compliance, and performance in the food and beverage industry. By understanding the properties of different rubber compounds, using tools like Parker’s compatibility chart, and conducting simple immersion tests, you can make an informed decision that ensures reliable sealing performance.

Whether you need seals that can withstand high temperatures, chemical exposure, or frequent cleaning, there is a rubber compound designed to meet your specific requirements, ensuring the integrity and safety of your food and beverage operations.

Discover how the right rubber seal compounds can enhance safety and efficiency in your production. Contact us today for expert guidance on selecting the best seals for your needs and ensure compliance with industry standards.

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