Approved FFKM Sealing Material

Isolast® XploR™ J9513

Perfluoroelastomer (FFKM) elastomers offer exceptional mechanical performance (high modulus / high strength), outstanding long-term compression set and almost universal chemical compatibility – delivering long life in the most aggressive of media, including hydrocarbon and aqueous media, common within oilfield applications.

Isolast® XploR™ J9513 from Trelleborg Sealing Solutions is the first FFKM to achieve the NORSOK M-710 approval for Rapid Gas Decompression. It is resistant to virtually all media, even in combinations of various hydrocarbons mixed with brines, corrosion inhibitors, and completion fluids.

Oilfield equipment manufacturers are currently specifying this high performance FFKM elastomer for use in Logging Tools, Wireline Tools, Drilling Motors, Swivel Stacks on Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels, Flowline Equipment, Packers and Chemical Injection Equipment.

Isolast® XploR™ J9513 is suitable for system temperatures of -20°C to +240°C / -4°F to +464°F and system pressure of up to 100 Bar /1,450 psi. Pressure parameters can be increased if used in conjunction with approved anti-extrusion devices.

All international standard O-Rings, together with custom engineered solutions and specially designed seal profiles are available in Isolast® XploR™ J9513material from Trelleborg Sealing Solutions.

The NORSOK Standard

NORSOK M-710 – Qualification of non-metallic sealing materials and manufacturers (Rev. 2, Oct. 2001) – requires that all sub-components of oilfield equipment must be approved to stated specifications. Individual seal materials are rigorously tested and approved based on numerous criteria, significantly including Rapid Gas Decompression (RGD).

Rapid Gas Decompression

Rapid Gas Decompression (RGD) is a major concern to oilfield OEMs and operators. It can occur when applied system pressure is quickly released, causing absorbed gas to expand and potentially damage elastomer seals – leading to system failure.

Inherently, elastomer seals contain voids. Gas or gas mixtures in contact with elastomer surfaces are absorbed and will saturate elastomer seals. At high-pressure this absorbed gas is in a compressed state. When external pressure is reduced, either rapidly or over a relatively short period of time, the compressed gas nucleates at the voids, expanding within the elastomer.

The voids inflate, leading to high tensile stresses or strains in the void walls. Depending on the strength and hardness of the elastomer, this can cause the elastomer to break or crack.