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Chemical Processing Solutions

Chemical-resistant rubber sealing solutions for harsh processing environments. Engineered to withstand acids, bases, solvents, and extreme conditions.

Chemical Processing Applications

Reliable sealing solutions for demanding chemical processing environments

Chemical Processing
Seals for reactors, pumps, and processing equipment
Corrosive Environments
Chemical-resistant sealing for harsh conditions
High Pressure Systems
Reliable sealing for pressurized processes
Temperature Extremes
Seals for high and low temperature applications

Chemical Resistance

Our materials resist a wide range of chemicals and harsh conditions

Acids (Sulfuric, Hydrochloric, Nitric)

Bases (Sodium Hydroxide, Potassium Hydroxide)

Solvents (Acetone, Toluene, MEK)

Oils and Petroleum Products

Steam and Hot Water

Ozone and UV Exposure

Relevant Product Categories

Explore our chemical-resistant sealing products

Manufacturing Processes

Advanced manufacturing for chemical processing applications

Specialized seals for chemical equipment
Chemical-resistant rubber compounds
Continuous profiles for chemical applications
Custom assembly for chemical environments

Chemical-Resistant Materials

Viton® - Superior chemical resistance
PTFE - Non-reactive and chemically inert
Kalrez® - Extreme chemical and temperature resistance
EPDM - Resistance to acids and bases
Nitrile - Oil and solvent resistance
Silicone - High temperature chemical resistance

Key Features

Chemical Resistant
Withstands harsh chemicals
High Temperature
Performs at extreme temperatures
Low Permeability
Prevents chemical migration
Long Service Life
Durable in harsh environments

Chemical Compatibility

Comprehensive material selection guide for different chemical environments

Acids & Corrosives

Strong mineral acids and corrosive chemicals require specialized elastomers that maintain integrity in low pH environments.

  • Viton®: Excellent resistance to sulfuric, hydrochloric, and nitric acids
  • Kalrez®: Superior performance with concentrated acids and oxidizers
  • PTFE: Complete chemical inertness with all acids
  • EPDM: Good resistance to dilute acids and bases
Bases & Alkalines

High pH environments and caustic solutions demand materials that resist saponification and chemical attack.

  • EPDM: Excellent resistance to sodium and potassium hydroxide
  • Viton®: Good performance with dilute alkaline solutions
  • PTFE: Complete chemical resistance to all bases
  • Silicone: Moderate resistance to alkaline solutions
Organic Solvents

Hydrocarbon solvents, ketones, and esters require materials with low swell characteristics and chemical stability.

  • Viton®: Superior resistance to aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons
  • Kalrez®: Excellent performance with all organic solvents
  • PTFE: Complete chemical inertness with all solvents
  • Nitrile: Good resistance to petroleum-based solvents
Oxidizers & Specialties

Chlorine, peroxides, and specialty chemicals require materials that resist oxidative degradation.

  • Kalrez®: Outstanding resistance to chlorine and oxidizing agents
  • PTFE: Complete resistance to all oxidizing chemicals
  • Viton®: Good performance with moderate oxidizers
  • EPDM: Suitable for dilute oxidizing solutions

Material Selection Guidelines

Selecting the right elastomer for your chemical processing application requires consideration of multiple factors beyond just chemical compatibility.

Concentration

Material performance varies significantly between concentrated and dilute solutions.

Temperature

Chemical resistance decreases as temperatures increase above ambient levels.

Duration

Short-term exposure may be acceptable where long-term immersion fails.

Temperature & Pressure Capabilities

Extreme condition performance for demanding chemical processing applications

High Temperature Performance

Chemical processing often involves elevated temperatures that challenge elastomer performance. Our materials maintain sealing integrity in extreme heat.

Viton®Up to +400°F (+204°C)
Kalrez®Up to +600°F (+316°C)
PTFEUp to +500°F (+260°C)
SiliconeUp to +450°F (+232°C)
Pressure Resistance

High-pressure systems in chemical processing require seals that maintain integrity under extreme compression and system pressure.

Standard O-RingsUp to 10,000 psi
Backed SealsUp to 20,000 psi
Metal-DetectableUp to 5,000 psi
Custom ProfilesApplication specific

Critical Application Considerations

Chemical processing seals often operate at the intersection of multiple extreme conditions. Material selection must account for combined effects.

  • Combined Stress: High temperature + chemical exposure accelerates degradation
  • Thermal Cycling: Repeated heating/cooling causes stress cracking
  • Pressure Pulsation: Dynamic pressure changes require fatigue-resistant materials
  • System Compatibility: Seals must be compatible with all process fluids

Safety & Compliance

Meeting rigorous industry standards and regulatory requirements for chemical processing safety

Industry Standards

Compliance with chemical processing industry standards ensures safe and reliable operation.

  • • ASME Pressure Vessel Code
  • • API Standards (pumps, valves)
  • • ASTM Chemical Resistance
  • • ISO 9001 Quality Systems
Regulatory Compliance

Meeting environmental and safety regulations for chemical processing facilities.

  • • EPA Clean Air Act
  • • OSHA Process Safety
  • • REACH Chemical Registration
  • • RoHS Environmental Standards
Material Testing

Comprehensive testing ensures material performance meets application requirements.

  • • Chemical Immersion Testing
  • • Temperature Cycling
  • • Pressure Endurance
  • • Mechanical Property Validation

Chemical Processing Applications

Critical sealing solutions for chemical processing equipment and systems

Pump Seals & Gaskets

Chemical process pumps require seals that withstand abrasive slurries, corrosive fluids, and high pressures while maintaining zero leakage.

  • • Centrifugal pump mechanical seals
  • • Diaphragm pump sealing systems
  • • Progressive cavity pump components
  • • Magnetic drive pump isolation
Valve Seats & Stem Seals

Control valves and shut-off valves in chemical systems need seals that provide bubble-tight closure and long-term reliability.

  • • Ball valve seats and seals
  • • Gate valve stem packing
  • • Control valve trim components
  • • Check valve sealing elements
Reactor & Vessel Seals

Chemical reactors and pressure vessels require seals that maintain integrity under extreme conditions and prevent hazardous leaks.

  • • Reactor lid and cover seals
  • • Agitator shaft seals
  • • Pressure vessel closures
  • • Manway and inspection port seals
Pipeline & Connector Seals

Piping systems and connectors need seals that prevent leaks in chemical transfer lines and maintain system pressure integrity.

  • • Flanged connection gaskets
  • • Threaded fitting seals
  • • Expansion joint components
  • • Hose and coupling seals

Preventive Maintenance

Regular inspection and replacement of seals prevents costly downtime and ensures safe operation of chemical processing equipment.

Visual Inspection

Check for cracks, swelling, or deformation

Pressure Testing

Verify seal integrity under operating conditions

Scheduled Replacement

Replace seals based on operating hours or conditions

Conquer Chemical Challenges

Partner with National Rubber Corporation for chemical-resistant sealing solutions

Chemical Compatibility Notes

Material selection depends on the specific media, concentration, temperature, and exposure time. We help balance FKM, EPDM, PTFE-lined solutions, and perfluoroelastomers to achieve target life without over-specifying cost.

Where exposure varies, we consider sacrificial elements or backed-seal geometries to protect the primary seal. We also coordinate immersion and thermal cycling tests to validate performance before production.