Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (HNBR) Solves the Problem

07 Feb 2011

Solves the Problem

MacLellan Rubber were recently asked to assist a customer in solving a serious problem involving gaskets supplied by the client to a Refining Plant. The Refinery had been using FKM gaskets for many years with little cause for concern and had sought to standardise the materials in use, reducing both inventory and lead time.

The FKM gaskets were themselves performing well in hazardous operating conditions across much of the refining plant however in a small number of areas they were failing quickly and causing a number of potentially serious contamination risks, as well as expensive down time of the plant itself.

MacLellan Rubber worked with the client to clarify operating locations, media and environment within the plant were the problems were occurring and we were able to identify that they had extended its use into areas of the plant where Sour Gas could be found.

MacLellans expertise in material selection identified the solution in HNBR and we were able to manufacture and deliver sheet material within two weeks of the problem being raised.

The unique characteristics of HNBR which made it the right choice included

• Excellent resistance to mineral oils
• Low temperature flexibility
• Excellent resistance to ozone and weather
• Good resistance to ageing in hot air and industrial lubricants, hot water and steam to 150C
• Resistant to amine based corrosion inhibitors and sour gas (H2S)
• Resistance to high-energy radiation.

HNBRs offer an ideal solution in many applications where resistance to heat and aggressive media are required simultaneously and make it perfect for industrial sealing applications in oil exploration and processing.

The client supplied gaskets manufactured from the materials and airfreighted them to site where after installation no problems have been reported.

MacLellan Rubber celebrates its 140th Anniversary this year, our Sales and Technical Team have almost 150 years combined experience between them, and we draw upon all of that history and expertise to solve this type of challenging problem.

You can rely on our advice, you can rely on our solutions, you can rely on MacLellan Rubber.