We manufacture EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) gaskets to your specific requirements. They are a synthetic rubber which offers excellent resistance to Ozone, Ageing and UV light, but is not resistant to oil or fuels.
Some grades of EPDM offer resistance to steam temperatures of up to 150 C but most grades operate successfully at -40 to 100 C. The Stock Hardness range is 50 to 80 shore.
Our stock thickness range is 0.5mm 0.8mm 1.0mm 1.5mm 2mm 3mm 4mm 5mm and 6mm. We also stock Non–Conductive EPDM material to insulate and prevent flange galvanic corrosion between dissimilar metals and to offer cathodic protection. High quality grades are available and are approved for use for potable water, WRAS* and is made and tested to BS6920 BSEN681-1 WA70.
We manufacture a stock range of pipeline gaskets in Full Face and IBC (Inside Bolt Circle) styles to (ANSI,B16.5) ASA 150, ASA 300,(EN1514, BS4504 FLANGES) PN16, PN10, PN40, and BS10 tables A D E & F.
*The Water Regulation Advisory Scheme is normally abbreviated to WRAS. Only WRAS tested and passed products can be used in applications that are to come in to contact with Drinking or Potable Water. These products have resistance to Micro-biological growths.
EPDM Material Guide
EPDM rubber is closely related to Ethylene Propylene Rubber which is a copolymer of ethylene and propylene, whereas EPDM rubber is a terpolymer of ethylene, propylene, and a diene-component M. either Dicyclopentadiene, (DCPD) Ethylidiene norbornene (ENB) and a Vinyl Norbornene (VNB).
The Ethylene content is around 45% to 85%. The higher the ethylene content, the higher the loading possibilities of the polymer. Peroxide curing EPDM polymers gives a higher crosslink density and higher working temperatures compared with using Sulphur and resin. Peroxide cures the diene or third monomer and functions as a coagent which provides resistance to unwanted tackiness, creep, or flow during end use. When curing with Sulphur, Dienes 2.5% to 12% by weight serve as a cross-link.
EPDM exhibits satisfactory compatibility with fireproof hydraulic fluids, heat, ozone, ketones, hot and cold water, and alkalis and has excellent electrical insulating properties.
EPDM is satisfactory with most oils, gasoline, kerosene, aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons, halogenated solvents and concentrated acids.
Temperature range ;- -40°C to 149°C EPDM burning point is around 260°C
Burning characteristics ;- Continuous burning with a Polyethylene type of smell giving out black fumes. EPDM melts and goes tacky and charred.
Due to the high quality nature of some of the EPDM compounds it is an ideal material to be used in drinking water applications, however there is a great deal of testing required before approval is granted. The compound must be tested for its effects on water quality to BS6920 for WRAS (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme).
BS6920 was revised in June 2014 and testing to the new standard is now accepted for all new applications for approval by WRAS from 6th October 2014.
BS6920 testing is made up of 5 individual tests for Odour & Flavour, Appearance, Cytotoxicity, Growth of Aquatic Microorganisms and the Leaching of Metals.
Odour & Flavour of Water
This test is designed to show whether the product will give a detectable odour of flavour to either chlorine-free of chlorinated water.
Appearance of Water
This test is designed to show whether the product will give a discolouration or turbidity in water.
Growth of Aquatic Microorganisms
This test checks the ability of the material to support the growth of microorganisms in water by measuring the depletion of dissolved oxygen. It takes a minimum of 8 weeks to complete.
Cytotoxicity
This test is a simple toxicity evaluation carried out by soaking the sample in water, and assessing the water for any toxic reactions with a tissue culture.
Extraction of metals
This test is designed to show whether toxic metals will leach from the material into water.
We stock WRC/WRAC approved EPDM sheeting conforming to BS EN 681-1 for Potable Water in cloth and plate surface finish for cold water applications up to 23 C. All of the materials that are used for this critical application are manufactured within the European Union.
For Drinking Water applications that are sold into France we can supply EPDM to meet the French Water Regulatory Approval Attestation De Conformite Sanitaire ( ACS).
Food safe Grades of EPDM which conform to the latest specifications and best practice which includes EU1935;2004 2023/26 & FDA CFR 177 sub Part C 177.2600 in 60 shore hardness in either White or Blue colour.
For applications not involving water approval general purpose grades of EPDM are available, which are hybrid formulations that carry some of the performance characteristics of EPDM and some of SBR.
We also stock Non–Conductive EPDM material to insulate and to prevent flange galvanic corrosion between dissimilar metals and to offer cathodic protection.
An Acid resistant grade of EPDM is available and is designed to the ICI M228 specification that not only gives exceptional acid, weathering and ozone resistance but also excellent Flame Retardant properties.