Elastomers for the

oil & gas industry

High Performance Sealing Technology

 In-house
Elastomers compounding
The science of elastomer compounding is regarded
by many as a ‘black art’ - one in which our
technologists have become recognised experts.
Elastomers in significant use in the oil and gas industry are selected for fluid seal
applications according to their physical and chemical characteristics, such as
temperature capability and media resistance.

It is important however to recognise that a crude polymer can only be made into an

AN INTRODUCTION TO ELASTOMERS
engineering elastomer through the addition of a multitude of compounding chemicals.
It is the nature and combination of these chemicals that ultimately defines the
characteristics of an elastomer.

Compounding

The science of compounding is regarded by many as a ‘ black art’ with technologists

worldwide striving to perpetuate this mysticism. Although many manufacturers base their
compounds and seals on the same polymer, they may perform in significantly different
ways - in some cases as disparate as short-term failure against long-term capability.
In excess of 20 classes of compounding ingredients exist. These range from reinforcing
fillers, curatives, accelerators, protectants, coupling agents and fire retardants, through
to extenders and process aids - enabling almost an infinite variety of grades to
be compounded.
End users must satisfy themselves that their seal suppliers operate a no-compromise
policy with regard to compounding, using only the highest quality raw ingredients,
purchased from reputable suppliers to rigorous specifications, and then judiciously
compounded to give optimum properties.
It is easy to dilute expensive specialised materials with cheaper ingredients to lower the
cost of a final elastomer compound, or to add large quantities of process aids that ease
production. These policies often lead to impaired performance.

Behind the brand

Through its Materials Technology Centre in the UK,

James Walker develops and compounds its own

an introduction range of elastomer materials, holding over 300

unique formulations including many bespoke
developments for specific customer applications.
2 3
Material
Low temperature
performance
Establishing the operational low temperature
performance of elastomers is a highly complex task

selection
and ultimately dependent on other application
conditions such as pressure, seal configuration,
storage, assembly and media.

For this reason it is essential that customers

discuss specific application conditions with

LOW TEMPERATURE
the James Walker Technical Support Team.
In order to provide transparency when comparing the performance of different
compounds we have used two common laboratory test methodologies:
Temperature retraction and Gehman torsional modulus.

Whilst these tests do not provide absolute figures for performance in application,
they do offer a basis for the accurate comparison of low temperature capability
between different materials.

TR10 temperature retraction T70 Gehman torsional modulus

(ISO 2921) (ISO 1432)

Material sample is stretched and cooled The temperature at which an elastomer

then allowed to retract freely as the sample stiffens and the limit of
temperature is raised. technically useful flexibility is reached.
This is commonly defined by a
The temperature at which the sample has torsional modulus value of 70 MPa.
recovered by 10% is referred to as TR10.

These tests offer a degree of accuracy and are less susceptible to the flexibility
of interpretation of other low temperature performance assessments.

Sealing capability testing

In an effort to provide greater clarity on materials capability James Walker uses a product
configured test in an effort to determine the lowest possible temperature at which each
material will effect a seal. We make this assessment using an O-ring in a constrained
housing to replicate conditions of designed groove fill, squeeze and surface finish.
The results only relate to the product in the format and conditions tested and offer no
accurate guidance to performance in application where the media, pressure, product
design, housing design and housing surface finish will all have a bearing on performance.
It is our belief that, when selecting and specifying materials, relying solely on published
low temperature claims utilising undisclosed test methodologies is unwise and potentially
dangerous. The only true method to determine whether the low temperature sealing
capability of a material will be suitable is to undertake product configured tests under
conditions as close as possible to those found in application.

4 5
 Rapid gas
decompression
selection
A variety of industry standards and test methods
exist for evaluating rapid gas decompression
resistance in a way that allows compound
performance to be compared.

Regardless of the test used, James Walker maintains

Material
a position that only materials capable of sustaining

RAPID GAS DECOMPRESSION

no damage under industry standard RGD testing
will provide optimum operational safety in
critical applications.

NORSOK M-710 Annex B Rev. 2/3

Media: 90% CH4, 10% CO2
Temperature: 100°C (212°F)
Pressure: 150 bar /15 MPa (2176 psi)
Decompression rate: 40 bar/min
Number of cycles: 10/8

ISO 23936-2
Media: 90% CH4, 10% CO2
Temperature: 100°C (212°F)
Pressure: 150 bar /15 MPa (2176 psi)
Decompression rate: 40 bar/min
Number of cycles: 8

Total GS EP PVV 154 and PVV 156

Media: 80% CH4, 20% CO2
Temperature: 75°C (167°F)
Pressure: 190 bar / 19 MPa (2756 psi)
Decompression rate: 127 bar/min
Number of cycles: 5

Both media and temperature have a major influence on RGD performance and
because of this, testing beyond standard industry approvals is required to assess
full capability for resistance to RGD in operational conditions.

James Walker operates one of the most comprehensive facilities for RGD testing
and regularly undertakes testing for customers to validate seal performance
in application specific conditions.

Behind the brand

Vermilion® Three fluoroelastomer material

formulated by James Walker is the first
elastomer Shell TAT approved
to Shell MESC SPE 85/301.
6 7
 Chemical
resistance
Many chemical species cause degradation to
elastomeric compounds, either by attacking the
polymer or some of its compounding ingredients.

Such degradation is often highly dependent on

exposure temperature, in terms of both the reaction
Material
initiating in the first place, and then the rate at which

CHEMICAL RESISTANCE
the reaction proceeds.
Sour (H2S) Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Hydrogen sulphide, H2S, is present in CO2 is a small polar molecule and will
oilfield media in quantities from a few readily diffuse into elastomers and at
ppm to high percentages but its effects high pressures will be in the form of a
on elastomeric materials are highly supercritical fluid. During depressurisation
temperature dependent. the supercritical CO2 can revert to a gas
with a significant increase in volume.
The resistance of our materials to sour
media is assessed through undergoing It is for this reason that CO2 is so
the industry-recognised Norsok M-710 / aggressive towards elastomeric seals
ISO 23936-2 test regime. This provides a and because of this James Walker has
solid indication of a material’s response to invested in an extensive test programme
exposure to H2S and through measuring to evaluate performance and develop
the effects over differing time periods materials suitable for this media.
across a range of concentrations it is
possible to generate a predicted life
expectancy using the Arrhenius model. Methanol
The use of methanol is important and
Whilst such figures are not necessarily extensive in the Oil & Gas industry in
representative of an operational life, applications such as hydrate inhibitors,
they do allow meaningful comparison of drying pipelines or as a chemical solvent.
‘sour’ resistance across different materials.

Although some materials are shown to Methanol can cause excessive volume
have excellent resistance to H2S this is swell in elastomeric seals but to combat
always dependent on other application this James Walker has specifically
formulated materials in the Vermilion®

parameters and often at the expense of

performance in other areas. For this range that have excellent methanol
reason it is always advisable to consult compatibility - greatly extending their
our Technical Support Team. use within oil and gas applications.

selection Behind the brand

James Walker offers a range of materials testing

options including chemical compatibility and
rapid gas decompression plus testing under
extremes of temperature and pressure through
its Materials Technology Centre in the UK.
8 9
 Fluoroelastomers
(FKM)
Fluoroelastomers offer excellent resistance to oils,
fuels, mineral and synthetic lubricants, aliphatic and
In-house aromatic hydrocarbons, plus H2S and sour conditions.
Thermal and chemical resistance are Advantages:
functions of fluorine level and cure system All FKM materials featured in this publication
(although imprudent compounding can have been compounded for excellent rapid
make the best elastomers mediocre). gas decompression (RGD) resistance.
There are three basic families of

FLUOROELASTOMERS
fluoroelastomer: Limitations:
Limited resistance to steam, hot water,
• Dipolymer; containing two components.
and other polar fluids. Special grades
• Terpolymer; with three components. are available, resistant to low alcohols
such as methanol.
• Tetrapolymer; with four components.
Fluorine content varies from 65% Typical temperature range:
in dipolymers to over 70% in –32°C to +200°C (–26°F to +392°F).
some tetrapolymers. In product configured testing under
laboratory conditions, special ultra-low
There is also a special grade based on temperature grades have been shown
Viton Extreme™. This adds excellent
®
to work down to -60°C (–76°F).
resistance to highly caustic solutions and
amines to the already wide chemical Notes:
compatibilities of fluoroelastomer. Properties vary significantly with type.

Formulated specifically for critical oil and gas applications,

our range of fluoroelastomers includes;

Vermilion® One
formulation and compounding

Vermilion® Two
Vermilion® Three
FR® 25/90
Vermilion® Four
FR® 58/90

Behind the brand

James Walker introduced the first

fluoroelastomer compounds with rapid gas
decompression resistant properties in the
1980s to meet the demands of deepsea
drilling applications in the North Sea oilfields.
10 11
12 13

Low High Sour Norsok M-710 / ISO 23936-2

temperature temperature qualification Testing for RGD resistance
performance performance
TR10 -43°C (-45°F) Continuous Qualified to Norsok ‘0000’ rating at 100°C
T70 -39°C (-38°F) +200°C (+392°F) M-710 ISO 23936-2 5.33 mm / 150 bar / 90% CH4 10% CO2 / 10 cycles
'sour'
Qualified to API 6A '0000’ rating at 75°C
FF/HH ISO 10423 5.33 mm / 190 bar / 80% CH4 20% CO2 / 5 cycles

Ultra low temperature

'sour'
'0000’ rating at +100°C
5.33 mm / 150 bar / 100% H 2 / 8 cycles

*
Vermilion ®
RGD Resistance
A fluoroelastomer (FKM) with ultra-low
One to CO2
temperature capability and excellent
H2S
Resistance
RGD Norsok M-710 /
ISO 23936-2
methanol resistance. Providing excellent
H2S resistance and typical FKM tolerance
of aromatics and hot water, this material
also offers good resistance to rapid gas
Methanol Low decompression (RGD).
Resistance Temperature
Performance,
TR10 * 3rd party tested and validated by James Walker for use in hydrogen service

Sealing capability confirmed down to -60°C (-76°F) in product configured testing

(See material data sheet for test details)

Hot Amines High

Resistance Temperature
Performance

Hot Water/Steam Extrusion

Resistance Resistance

Aromatics
Resistance

12 This is a graphical overview of material performance characteristics. Details of all approvals are available on our material data sheets. Full third party test reports are also available. 13
14 15

Low High Sour Norsok M-710 / ISO 23936-2

temperature temperature qualification Testing for RGD resistance
performance performance
TR10 -28°C (-18°F) Continuous Qualified to Norsok ‘0000’ rating at 65°C
T70 -24°C (-11°F) +205°C (+401°F) M-710 ISO 23936-2 10.82 mm / 150 bar / 90% CH4 10% CO2 / 10 cycles
'sour'
Qualified to API 6A ‘0000’ rating at 50°C
FF/HH ISO 10423 5.33 mm / 150 bar / 100% CO2 / 8 cycles

Methanol resistance
'sour'
‘0000’ rating at 150°C
5.33 mm / 150 bar / 90% CH4 10% CO2 / 8 cycles

'0000’ rating at 100°C

6.99 mm / 150 bar / 90% CH4 10% CO2 / 10 cycles

Vermilion ®
RGD Resistance
to CO2
A fluoroelastomer (FKM) with excellent
Two resistance to methanol, H2S and rapid gas
H2S
Resistance
RGD Norsok M-710 /
ISO 23936-2
decompression (RGD), providing good low
temperature performance and the typical
FKM tolerance of aromatics and hot water
plus inherent extrusion resistance.
Methanol Low
Resistance Temperature Sealing capability confirmed down to -46°C (-51°F) in product configured testing
Performance,
TR10 (See material data sheet for test details)

Hot Amines High

Resistance Temperature
Performance

Hot Water/Steam Extrusion

Resistance Resistance

Aromatics
Resistance

14 This is a graphical overview of material performance characteristics. Details of all approvals are available on our material data sheets. Full third party test reports are also available. 15
16 17

Low High Sour Norsok M-710 / ISO 23936-2

temperature temperature qualification Testing for RGD resistance
performance performance
TR10 -32°C (-26°F) Continuous Qualified to Norsok ‘0000’ rating at 100°C
T70 -30°C (-22°F) +200°C (+392°F) M-710 ISO 23936-2 6.99 mm / 150 bar / 90% CH4 10% CO2 / 8 cycles
'sour'
Qualified to API 6A '0000’ rating at 150°C
FF/HH ISO 10423 5.33 mm / 150 bar / 90% CH4 10% CO2 / 8 cycles

RGD at high temperatures

'sour'

*
Vermilion ®
RGD Resistance
to CO2
Vermilion Three is a next generation
®

Three enhanced performance development

H2S
Resistance RGD Norsok M-710 / of James Walker’s industry leading
FR® 25/90 material.
ISO 23936-2

A fluoroelastomer (FKM) offering excellent temperature

performance, resistance to H2S and rapid gas
Methanol
Resistance
Low
Temperature decompression (RGD) plus the typical FKM tolerance
Performance,
TR10 of aromatics and hot water.
* 3rd party tested and validated by James Walker for use in hydrogen service

Sealing capability confirmed down to -46°C (-51°F)

High
in product configured testing
Hot Amines Temperature (See material data sheet for test details)
Resistance Performance The firs
t elasto
Shell TA mer
T appro
Shell M ved to
ESC SP
E 85/30
1

Hot Water/Steam Extrusion

Resistance Resistance

Aromatics
Resistance

This is a graphical overview of material performance characteristics.

16 Those characteristics highlighted in blue underlined text represent the areas of enhanced performance over existing technology. Details of all approvals are available on our material data sheets. Full third party test reports are also available. 17
 FR
18 19
®

Low
temperature
performance
High
temperature
performance
Sour
qualification
Norsok M-710 / ISO 23936-2
Testing for RGD resistance 25/90
TR10 -32°C (-26°F) Continuous Qualified to Norsok ‘0000’ rating at 100°C
T70 -30°C (-22°F) +200°C (+392°F) M-710 ISO 23936-2 5.33 mm / 150 bar / 90% CH4 10% CO2 / 8 cycles
'sour'
‘0000’ rating at 100°C
6.99 mm / 150 bar / 90% CH4 10% CO2 / 8 cycles

RGD performance

FR ®
RGD Resistance An excellent cost-effective general purpose
fluoroelastomer (FKM) providing outstanding
to CO2
25/90
H2S
Resistance
RGD Norsok M-710 /
ISO 23936-2
resistance to rapid gas decompression in addition
to the resistance to H2S, aromatics and hot water
typical of an FKM.
This low temperature material has now been superseded by
Methanol Low
Resistance Temperature
Performance,
Vermilion® Three which provides enhanced RGD resistance
TR10
at elevated temperatures.
Sealing capability confirmed down to -46°C (-51°F) in product configured testing
(See material data sheet for test details)

Hot Amines High

Resistance Temperature
Performance

Hot Water/Steam Extrusion

Resistance Resistance

Aromatics
Resistance

18 This is a graphical overview of material performance characteristics. Details of all approvals are available on our material data sheets. Full third party test reports are also available. 19
20 21

Low High Sour Norsok M-710 / ISO 23936-2

temperature temperature qualification Testing for RGD resistance
performance performance
‘0000’ rating at 100°C
TR10 -19°C (-2°F) Continuous Qualified to Norsok 6.99 mm / 150 bar / 100% CO2 / 8 cycles
T70 -16°C (+3°F) +200°C (+392°F) M-710 ISO 23936-2
'sour' ‘0000’ rating at +100°C
5.33 mm / 150 bar / 100% H 2 / 8 cycles
Qualified to API 6A
FF/HH ISO 10423 ‘0000’ rating at 150°C

RGD and sour

'sour' 5.33 mm / 150 bar / 100% CO2 / 8 cycles
‘0000’ rating at 100°C
8.40 mm / 150 bar / 90% CH4 10% CO2 / 8 cycles
‘0000’ rating at 175°C
6.99 mm / 150 bar / 90% CH4 10% CO2 / 8 cycles

*
Vermilion ®
RGD Resistance Vermilion Four is a next generation
®

development of James Walker’s industry

to CO2
Four
H2S
Resistance
RGD Norsok M-710 /
ISO 23936-2
leading FR® 58/90 material with significant
performance enhancement.
An excellent cost-effective general purpose fluoroelastomer
(FKM) providing outstanding resistance to rapid gas
Methanol
Resistance
Low
Temperature decompression (RGD) at larger cross sections and higher
temperatures, this material also provides excellent resistance
Performance,
TR10

to H2S plus the tolerance to aromatics and hot water typical

of a peroxide cured FKM.
* 3rd party tested and validated by James Walker for use in hydrogen service
Hot Amines High
Resistance Temperature Sealing capability confirmed down to -33°C (-27°F) in product configured testing
Performance
(See material data sheet for test details)

Hot Water/Steam Extrusion

Resistance Resistance

Aromatics
Resistance

This is a graphical overview of material performance characteristics.

20 Those characteristics highlighted in blue underlined text represent the areas of enhanced performance over existing technology. Details of all approvals are available on our material data sheets. Full third party test reports are also available. 21
22 23

Low High Sour Norsok M-710 / ISO 23936-2

temperature temperature qualification Testing for RGD resistance
performance performance
TR10 -14°C (+7°F) Continuous Qualified to Norsok ‘0000’ rating at 100°C
T70 -12°C (+10°F) +210°C (+410°F) M-710 ISO 23936-2 5.33 mm / 150 bar / 90% CH4 10% CO2 / 8 cycles
'sour''

RGD performance

FR ®
A good cost-effective general purpose
58/90 fluoroelastomer (FKM) providing excellent
resistance to rapid gas decompression (RGD)
at larger cross sections and higher temperatures,
this material also provides the resistance to H2S
and aromatics typical of an FKM.
The benchmark FKM for over 30 years, this material has
now been superseded by the outstanding performance of
our next generation Vermilion® Four material.
Sealing capability confirmed down to -33°C (-27°F) in product configured testing
(See material data sheet for test details)

22 This is a graphical overview of material performance characteristics. Details of all approvals are available on our material data sheets. Full third party test reports are also available. 23
 Hydrogenated nitrile
(HNBR)
The complete package for exceptional
performance and value across the

35 years
widest range of applications.
Hydrogenated nitrile is derived from Advantages:
conventional nitrile. It is produced by Good oil/fuel and chemical resistance;
a process that hydrogenates the good weathering resistance, excellent

HYDROGENATED NITRILE
unsaturation (carbon double bonds) mechanical properties inc. tensile strength,
in the butadiene unit of the polymer. tear, modulus, elongation at break and
abrasion; wide temperature range; can
These materials have the excellent oil/fuel be compounded for excellent rapid gas
resistance of nitrile (NBR) elastomers decompression (RGD) resistance.
combined with superior mechanical
properties, improved chemical resistance, Limitations:
better weatherability, better thermal Limited resistance to aromatics.
capability and outstanding abrasion
resistance. Typical temperature range:
operational proof of performance –36°C to +160°C, or +180°C in oil
(–33°F to +320°F, or +356°F in oil).
Lower minimum temperatures
can be achieved.

Notes:
Special grades can be sulphur cured for
dynamic applications but the higher
temperature capability is reduced.

Formulated specifically for critical oil and gas

applications, our range of HNBR elastomers includes;

Vermilion® Five
Elast-O-Lion® 985
Vermilion® Seven
Elast-O-Lion® 101

Behind the brand

If all the O-rings produced by James Walker

in a year were stacked on top of each other,
the column would reach the outer edge of
the stratosphere.
24 25
26 27

Low High Sour Norsok M-710 / ISO 23936-2

temperature temperature qualification Testing for RGD resistance
performance performance
TR10 -36°C (-33°F) Continuous Qualified to Norsok 0000’ rating at 100°C
T70 -38°C (-36°F) +150°C (+302°F) M-710 ISO 23936-2 5.33mm / 150bar / 90% CH4 10% CO2 / 10 cycles
'sour'
‘0000’ rating at 45°C
Qualified to API 6A 10.82 mm / 150 bar / 90% CH4 10% CO2 / 8 cycles
FF/HH ISO 10423

Low temperature
'sour' '0000’ rating at 100°C
5.33 mm / 150 bar / 90% CH4 10% CO2 / 8 cycles

*
Vermilion ®
RGD Resistance
Vermilion Five is a next generation
®

enhanced performance development

to CO2
Five
H2S
Resistance
RGD Norsok M-710 / of James Walker’s industry leading
Elast-O-Lion® 985 material.
ISO 23936-2

This hydrogenated nitrile (HNBR) material offers

excellent low temperature performance combined with
Methanol
Resistance
Low
Temperature
good resistance to rapid gas decompression (RGD)
Performance,
TR10 and sour conditions.
* 3rd party tested and validated by James Walker for use in hydrogen service

Sealing capability confirmed down to -55°C (-67°F) in product configured testing

(See material data sheet for test details)

Hot Amines High

Resistance Temperature
Performance

Hot Water/Steam Extrusion

Resistance Resistance

Aromatics
Resistance

This is a graphical overview of material performance characteristics.

26 Those characteristics highlighted in blue underlined text represent the areas of enhanced performance over existing technology. Details of all approvals are available on our material data sheets. Full third party test reports are also available. 27
28 29

Low High Sour Norsok M-710 / ISO 23936-2

temperature temperature qualification Testing for RGD resistance
performance performance
TR10 -36°C (-33°F) Continuous Qualified to Norsok
T70 -41°C (-42°F) +150°C (+302°F) M-710 ISO 23936-2
'sour''

Low temperature

RGD Resistance
to CO2
Elast-O-Lion® 985 is a general purpose
hydrogenated nitrile (HNBR) with superior
H2S
Resistance
RGD Norsok M-710 /
ISO 23936-2
mechanical properties, excellent low temperature
capability and outstanding abrasion resistance.
This grade has now been superseded by our Vermilion®
Five material which offers the same market leading low
Methanol
Resistance
Low
Temperature temperature capability combined with enhanced resistance
Performance,
TR10 to RGD.
Sealing capability confirmed down to -55°C (-67°F) in product configured testing
(See material data sheet for test details)

Hot Amines High

Resistance Temperature
Performance

Hot Water/Steam Extrusion

Resistance Resistance

Aromatics
Resistance

28 This is a graphical overview of material performance characteristics. Details of all approvals are available on our material data sheets. Full third party test reports are also available. 29
 Vermilion
30 31
®

Low
temperature
performance
High
temperature
performance
Sour
qualification
Norsok M-710 / ISO 23936-2
Testing for RGD resistance Seven
TR10 -20°C (-4°F) Continuous Qualified to Norsok 0000’ rating at 100°C

RGD, sour and

T70 -23°C (-9°F) +160°C (+320°F) M-710 ISO 23936-2 6.99 mm / 150 bar / 90% CH4 10% CO2 / 10 cycles
'sour'
‘0000’ rating at 125°C
5.33 mm / 150 bar / 90% CH4 10% CO2 / 8 cycles

extrusion resistance

Vermilion ®
RGD Resistance
Vermilion® Seven is a next generation enhanced
Seven performance development of James Walker’s
to CO2

H2S
Resistance
RGD Norsok M-710 / industry leading Elast-O-Lion® 101 material.
ISO 23936-2

An hydrogenated nitrile (HNBR) material offering excellent

rapid gas decompression (RGD) resistance at elevated
temperature and good resistance to sour conditions
Methanol Low combined with outstanding physical robustness and
Resistance Temperature
Performance,
TR10
improved extrusion resistance.
Sealing capability confirmed down to -33°C (-27°F) in product configured testing
(See material data sheet for test details)

Hot Amines High

Resistance Temperature
Performance

Hot Water/Steam Extrusion

Resistance Resistance

Aromatics
Resistance

This is a graphical overview of material performance characteristics.

30 Those characteristics highlighted in blue underlined text represent the areas of enhanced performance over existing technology. Details of all approvals are available on our material data sheets. Full third party test reports are also available. 31
32 33

Low High Sour Qualified to Norsok M-710 / ISO 23936-2

temperature temperature qualification
performance performance Additional testing for RGD resistance
TR10 -20°C (-4°F) Continuous Qualified to Norsok ‘0000’ rating at 100°C
T70 -23°C (-9°F) +160°C (+320°F) M-710 ISO 23936-2 6.99 mm / 150 bar / 90% CH4 10% CO2 / 8 cycles
'sour''
‘0000’ rating at 100°C
5.33 mm / 150 bar / 90% CH4 10% CO2 / 8 cycles

RGD and sour resistance

Elast-O-Lion ®
RGD Resistance
to CO2
An excellent cost-effective general purpose
101 hydrogenated nitrile material (HNBR) providing
H2S
Resistance
RGD Norsok M-710 /
ISO 23936-2
excellent resistance to rapid gas decompression
and abrasion.
Elast-O-Lion® 101 is a first generation material developed
over 35 years ago and still regarded as a benchmark
Methanol
Resistance
Low
Temperature material for many critical oil and gas applications.
Performance,
TR10
Sealing capability confirmed down to -33°C (-27°F) in product configured testing
(See material data sheet for test details)

Hot Amines High

Resistance Temperature
Performance

Hot Water/Steam Extrusion

Resistance Resistance

Aromatics
Resistance

32 This is a graphical overview of material performance characteristics. Details of all approvals are available on our material data sheets. Full third party test reports are also available. 33
 Tetrafluoroethylene/
H2S sour propylene dipolymers
(FEPM)
These are usually recognised by the
trade name Aflas® and have base
dipolymers that differ in viscosity and

TETRAFLUOROETHYLENE/PROPYLENE DIPOLYMERS
molecular weight.
FEPM compounds have resistance to oils, Advantages:
lubricants and some fuels approaching Excellent ozone/weathering resistance;
that of fluoroelastomer dipolymers. In good heat resistance; excellent resistance
addition, they exhibit excellent resistance to steam and radiation; good overall
to steam, amines, hydrogen sulphide, acids chemical resistance.
and bases. Fluorine content is around
56%, which may appear a retrograde Limitations:
step in fluoroelastomer development. High Tg; low temperature is a limiting
However, synergy between the monomer factor of this material type.
units has resulted in a very useful, Poor with aromatic hydrocarbons (BTEX).
if specialised material. Poor extrusion resistance especially
at high temperatures.
The compounds can operate continuously
at +170°C (+338°F) in steam and up to Typical temperature range:
200°C (392°F) in other media - however, +170°C (+338°F) in steam with short
they stiffen rapidly below 5°C (41°F). excursions up to +260°C (+500°F);
other media +2°C to +200°C
(+36°F to +392°F).

Formulated specifically for critical oil and gas applications,

our range of FEPM elastomers includes;

Vermilion® Six
AF 69/90

Behind the brand

James Walker works at the cutting edge

outstanding chemical resistance of material technology with third party test
houses to understand the behaviour of
elastomers under sour conditions.
34 35
36 37

Low High Sour Norsok M-710 / ISO 23936-2

temperature temperature qualification Testing for RGD resistance
performance performance
TR10 +2°C (+36°F) Continuous Qualified to Norsok '0000’ rating at 100°C
T70 +1°C (+34°F) +200°C (+392°F) M-710 ISO 23936-2 5.33 mm / 150 bar / 90% CH4 10% CO2 / 8 cycles
'sour'

Chemical and RGD

Vermilion ®
RGD Resistance
to CO2
Vermilion® Six is a next generation enhanced
Six performance development of James Walker’s
H2S
Resistance
RGD Norsok M-710 /
ISO 23936-2
AF 69/90 material.
With typical characteristics of outstanding heat, amine,
acid, H2S and hot water resistance, this Aflas® material
also provides good levels of resistance to rapid gas
Methanol
Resistance
Low
Temperature
Performance,
decompression (RGD).
TR10
Sealing capability confirmed down to -15°C (+5°F) in product configured testing
(See material data sheet for test details)

Hot Amines High

Resistance Temperature
Performance

Hot Water/Steam Extrusion

Resistance Resistance

Aromatics
Resistance

This is a graphical overview of material performance characteristics.

36 Those characteristics highlighted in blue underlined text represent the areas of enhanced performance over existing technology. Details of all approvals are available on our material data sheets. Full third party test reports are also available. 37
 AF
38 39

Low
temperature
performance
High
temperature
performance
Sour
qualification
Norsok M-710 / ISO 23936-2
Testing for RGD resistance 69/90
TR10 +2°C (+36°F) Continuous Qualified to Norsok
T70 +1°C (+34°F) +200°C (+392°F) M-710 ISO 23936-2
'sour'

Chemical resistance

AF RGD Resistance
to CO2
A robust Aflas® based synthetic rubber with
69/90 excellent resistance to steam, amines, bases,
H2S
Resistance
RGD Norsok M-710 /
ISO 23936-2
methanol and hydrogen sulphide plus oils
and lubricants.
AF 69/90 is a first generation material regarded as a
benchmark material of its type for many critical oil
Methanol
Resistance
Low
Temperature and gas applications.
Performance,
TR10
Sealing capability confirmed down to -15°C (+5°F) in product configured testing
(See material data sheet for test details)

Hot Amines High

Resistance Temperature
Performance

Hot Water/Steam Extrusion

Resistance Resistance

Aromatics
Resistance

38 This is a graphical overview of material performance characteristics. 39

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Health warning: If fluoroelastomer (eg, FKM, FFKM, FEPM) products are heated to elevated temperatures, fumes will be produced which may give unpleasant effects, if
inhaled. Whilst some fumes are emitted below 250°C from fluoroelastomers, the effect at these temperatures is negligible. Care should be taken to avoid contaminating
tobacco with particles of fluoroelastomer, which may remain on hands or clothing. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are available on request.
Information given in this publication is given in good faith and represents the results of specific individual tests carried out by James Walker or third parties in accordance with the
methodologies described in this publication, performed in a laboratory. No representation or warranty is given in relation to such information. Values and/or operating limits given
in this publication are not an indication that these values and/or operating limits can be applied simultaneously. While such results may comprise useful additional information
and are industry standard tests, they are no substitute for conducting (or procuring from James Walker) your own tests and engineering analysis and satisfying yourself as to
the suitability of the product you select. Please also note that a product tested in accordance with the published methodology may not perform to such values in application
and/or under different test conditions or methodologies for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to the environment in which it is used/tested or which passes through it
or otherwise affects the product, or due to the handling, storage or installation, or due to the effect of housing or other parts. Our personnel will be happy to discuss any historical
examples we have of a product having been previously used in a particular application.
To ensure you are working with the very latest product specifications, please consult the relevant section of the James Walker website: www.jameswalker.biz.

James Walker Sealing Products & Services Ltd

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Issue Number 1
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