Chemical Processing Industry Solutions

Modern Rubber Products engineers specialized sealing solutions for the diverse and demanding environments found throughout chemical processing operations. Our chemical-resistant gaskets, seals, and custom components are formulated to withstand aggressive acids, caustics, solvents, and process chemicals while maintaining their mechanical properties under varying temperatures and pressures. We select specialized elastomer compounds including FKM, EPDM, FFKM, and custom blends tailored to your specific chemical compatibility requirements. Our Chattanooga manufacturing facility employs precise fabrication techniques to produce components that ensure containment integrity, prevent cross-contamination, and support regulatory compliance while extending equipment life in corrosive chemical environments.

Critical Chemical Processing Applications

Our rubber components serve essential functions throughout chemical facilities, including:

  • Pipe flange gaskets for process chemical containment
  • Expansion joints for thermal cycling in chemical transport lines
  • Valve seats and stem seals for precise flow control
  • Chemical pump seals and diaphragms for reliable fluid handling
  • Custom molded components for specialized chemical equipment
  • Sight glass gaskets for process monitoring equipment
  • Tank lid seals for storage and reaction vessels
  • Transfer hose connectors and couplings for loading operations

Rubber Engineered for Chemical Compatibility

Modern Rubber Products manufactures a comprehensive range of sealing solutions designed specifically for the chemical processing industry. Our components are produced using materials selected for their documented resistance to specific chemical families, ensuring long-term performance in your exact process environment. We utilize industry-standard chemical compatibility charts and testing protocols to recommend materials including Viton® (FKM), PTFE-filled compounds, specialized EPDM formulations, and Kalrez® (FFKM) perfluoroelastomers for the most aggressive chemical environments. Our engineering team ensures each component maintains its sealing integrity while exposed to your specific process chemicals, temperatures, and concentrations.

Meeting the Unique Challenges of Chemical Processing

Chemical manufacturing and processing present uniquely demanding environments for rubber components, requiring materials and designs that ensure both operational reliability and safety. At Modern Rubber Products, we understand these specialized needs:

Material Selection for Chemical Resistance

Chemical compatibility is the primary consideration for rubber components in processing applications. Our chemical industry products are manufactured using compounds specifically formulated to withstand:

  • Strong acids including sulfuric, hydrochloric, and nitric acid
  • Caustic solutions including sodium and potassium hydroxide
  • Organic solvents including ketones, esters, and aromatic hydrocarbons
  • Oxidizing chemicals including hydrogen peroxide and chlorine compounds
  • Specialized process chemicals and intermediates specific to your operations

Precision Manufacturing for Containment Integrity

Chemical containment is critical for both operational efficiency and environmental compliance. Our precision manufacturing capabilities, including compression molding and waterjet cutting, produce components with exact specifications and tolerances required for reliable sealing in chemical handling systems, ensuring proper containment in flanged connections, valve assemblies, and specialized equipment.

Durability in Corrosive Environments

Chemical processing components must perform reliably despite constant exposure to aggressive media. Our rubber solutions are engineered for exceptional chemical resistance with properties including:

  • Resistance to dimensional change (swelling or shrinking) when exposed to chemicals
  • Minimal extraction of compounds into sensitive process streams
  • Maintenance of mechanical properties despite chemical exposure
  • Resistance to degradation from temperature cycling
  • Compliance with FDA, USP, or other regulatory standards when required

Expanded Section: Engineered for Chemical Compatibility

Modern Rubber Products manufactures a comprehensive range of sealing solutions designed specifically for the chemical processing industry. Our components are produced using materials selected for their documented resistance to specific chemical families, ensuring long-term performance in your exact process environment.

In addition to our elastomer compounds, we provide advanced sealing materials critical for chemical processing applications:

  • PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) components offering universal chemical resistance for the most aggressive media, including strong oxidizers, concentrated acids, and caustic solutions. Our PTFE gaskets, envelope gaskets, and lined components deliver exceptional performance in environments where conventional elastomers would deteriorate.
  • Compressed Non-Asbestos Fiber (CNAF) gaskets combining aramid fibers, mineral fillers, and specialized binders for excellent sealing in general chemical service. These economical solutions are engineered for moderate chemical resistance across a wide range of applications while providing excellent compressibility and recovery.

We utilize industry-standard chemical compatibility charts and testing protocols to recommend the optimal material—whether elastomer, PTFE, or fiber-based—for your specific process chemicals, temperatures, and concentrations. Our engineering team ensures each component maintains its sealing integrity throughout its service life in your exact chemical environment.

Chemical Industry FAQs

How do you determine the best rubber compound for our specific chemicals?

We utilize industry standard chemical compatibility charts combined with our extensive experience to recommend materials best suited for your specific chemicals. For complex mixtures or uncommon chemicals, we can arrange for immersion testing of sample materials in your actual process media to ensure optimal compatibility and service life.

Can you provide gaskets that meet both chemical resistance and FDA requirements?

Yes, we offer several compounds that provide excellent chemical resistance while also meeting FDA 21 CFR 177.2600 requirements for food and pharmaceutical processing. These include specific grades of EPDM, silicone, and FKM that maintain their properties when exposed to cleaning chemicals while remaining compliant for product contact.

What is the typical lead time for chemical-resistant components?

For standard gaskets in common chemical-resistant materials, we can typically fulfill orders within a few days from our inventory. For specialized high-performance compounds like FFKM, lead times generally extend to 2-3 weeks. Custom molded components require additional time for tooling development, with typical lead times of 8-10 weeks for initial production. We recommend early consultation for critical chemical applications.

When should I choose PTFE over elastomer materials for chemical applications?

PTFE is recommended for extremely aggressive chemical environments where even high-performance elastomers like FFKM might deteriorate, including strong oxidizers, concentrated acids above 80%, and applications involving multiple chemicals. PTFE provides nearly universal chemical resistance but offers less resilience and recovery than elastomers. Our engineers can help determine whether a pure PTFE solution, a PTFE-coated elastomer, or a PTFE envelope gasket would best meet your specific requirements for chemical resistance, compression, and reusability.

What advantages do compressed non-asbestos fiber gaskets offer in chemical processing?

Compressed non-asbestos fiber (CNAF) gaskets provide a cost-effective solution for moderate chemical environments, particularly in larger flanges where elastomer or PTFE options might be prohibitively expensive. These materials offer good chemical resistance to many process media at temperatures up to 750°F, depending on the specific grade. We offer various CNAF compositions, including those enhanced with PTFE or specialized binders for improved chemical resistance in specific applications.

Do you offer solutions for temperature-cycling applications in chemical processing?

Yes, we provide specially formulated compounds with excellent compression set resistance for applications that undergo frequent temperature cycling. These materials maintain their sealing force despite repeated heating and cooling cycles, preventing the leakage that often occurs with conventional rubber compounds in variable temperature environments.

Contact our chemical industry specialists today to discuss your specific processing requirements. All our components are manufactured in our Chattanooga, TN facility, allowing for quality control, custom solutions, and quick turnaround times for your critical chemical containment applications.