Viton Seals And Diesel: What's The Verdict?

do viton seals survive diesel fuel

Viton is a synthetic rubber and fluoropolymer elastomer that is used in O-rings and other moulded or extruded products. It is compatible with diesel fuel and offers excellent resistance to degradation from a wide range of fluids and chemicals, including oils, lubricants, and most mineral acids. Viton seals are known for their durability and longevity, especially when compared to other sealing options such as Buna-N or silicone. However, Viton is not without its limitations, as it starts leaking at extremely low temperatures of around -30°F. Therefore, when choosing the appropriate sealing material, it is essential to consider the specific environmental conditions, temperature extremes, and the type of fuel or chemical involved.

Characteristics Values
Temperature tolerance Viton can withstand temperatures between −18 to −23 °C in dynamic applications. It can also be used in static applications down to −54°C.
Chemical resistance Viton is highly resistant to degradation by fluids and chemicals, including oils, fuels, lubricants, and most mineral acids. It is also compatible with biodiesel and petrochemicals but should not be used with ketones, acetone, organic acids, etc.
Mechanical properties Viton offers excellent resistance to compression set, even at high temperatures. It also has good electrical properties in low-voltage, low-frequency applications.
Weather resistance Viton is resistant to atmospheric oxidation, sun, and weather conditions.
Mold and fungus resistance Viton has excellent resistance to fungus and mold growth.
Durability Viton seals can last for many years if undisturbed.
Compatibility with diesel fuel Viton is compatible with diesel fuel and is often used in diesel applications. However, it may start leaking at extremely low temperatures (−30°F). Buna-N is another option for diesel fuel sealing but has a lower resistance to heat and ozone.

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Viton vs. Buna-N: pros and cons

Buna-N and Viton are two types of elastomers, which are commonly used in sealing applications for O-rings and gaskets. Both materials are known for their durability, but they have distinct advantages and disadvantages that make them suitable for different environments and conditions.

Viton is a synthetic rubber and fluoropolymer elastomer that offers excellent fluid resistance and good mechanical properties at high temperatures. It is highly resistant to degradation from chemicals and fluids such as oils, fuels, lubricants, and most mineral acids. Viton also exhibits good resistance to compression, atmospheric oxidation, sunlight, weather conditions, and fungus and mold growth. However, Viton is not compatible with ketones and should not be used with acetone, esters, amines, organic acids, or highly polar chemicals. Viton is a premium material and is generally more expensive than Buna-N.

On the other hand, Buna-N, also known as nitrile rubber, is a versatile and affordable synthetic rubber material. It offers excellent resistance to oils, fuels, and other petroleum-based fluids, as well as water, hydraulic fluids, and most chemicals. Buna-N is widely used in the automotive, aerospace, and industrial industries due to its high tensile strength, good abrasion resistance, and affordability. However, Buna-N has limited resistance to high temperatures and suffers from poor ozone, sunlight, and weather resistance. It is also not suitable for exposure to aromatic hydrocarbons, ketones, or esters, as these chemicals can cause it to degrade.

In summary, Viton is the preferred choice for high-temperature applications and environments involving aggressive chemicals. It offers superior chemical resistance, durability, and long-term sealing performance. Buna-N, on the other hand, is a cost-effective option that provides excellent resistance to oils, fuels, and petroleum-based fluids, making it suitable for general-purpose and heavy-duty industrial applications. Buna-N is widely used in the oil and gas industry and functions effectively within moderate temperature ranges.

When deciding between Viton and Buna-N, it is important to consider the specific requirements of the application, including the type of fluids or chemicals involved, the temperature range, and the budget. Both materials offer reliable sealing solutions, but understanding their unique properties will help in selecting the most suitable option.

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Viton's chemical resistance

Viton is a synthetic rubber that is highly resistant to a wide range of chemicals, solvents, alcohols, and hydrocarbons. It is known for its excellent resistance to oils, fuels, lubricants, and most mineral acids. It is also characterised by its low permeability to oxygenated automotive fuels and its ability to resist aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons that can dissolve other rubbers.

Viton is compatible with biodiesel and petrochemicals but should not be used with ketones, acetone, esters, amines, organic acids, acetic acid, MEK, ethyl acetate, or highly polar chemicals. It has a high temperature tolerance, retaining its mechanical properties even at elevated temperatures.

In terms of diesel fuel sealing, Viton is a common choice for heavy equipment and trucks. It is often used in gaskets and O-rings, providing long-term stability and resistance to degradation by fuels. Viton seals can last for many years if undisturbed, offering maximum reliability.

However, it is important to note that Viton starts leaking at extremely low temperatures, around -30°F (-34.4°C). For this reason, some people opt for alternative materials like nitrile or Buna-N in very cold environments. Buna-N is highly resistant to hydrocarbons and has been used successfully in diesel environments for a long time, although it breaks down faster than Viton when exposed to heat and ozone.

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Viton's temperature resistance

Viton is a synthetic rubber that offers excellent resistance to oils, fuels, lubricants, and most mineral acids. It is also highly resistant to degradation by a wide range of fluids and chemicals. Viton is a trademark of DuPont and is known for its high-temperature tolerance and chemical resistance.

Viton seals are commonly used in diesel fuel applications due to their compatibility with synthetic oil and diesel fuel. They offer long-term stability and are known to last for many years, especially when the joint being sealed is left undisturbed. This makes them ideal for remote sites that require maximum reliability.

The temperature resistance of Viton varies depending on the specific grade and formulation. Typically, Viton can withstand temperatures ranging from −18°C to −23°C in dynamic applications. However, special formulations can extend this range down to −54°C for static applications. In terms of high-temperature resistance, Viton can retain its mechanical properties when exposed to temperatures up to 204°C or even intermittent exposures up to 316°C.

It's worth noting that Viton starts leaking at extremely low temperatures, such as −30°F (-34.4°C). Therefore, in extremely cold environments, other materials like nitrile or Buna-N may be preferred. Additionally, while Viton offers excellent temperature resistance, it is not compatible with certain substances like ketones, acetone, esters, amines, organic acids, and highly polar chemicals.

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Viton's mechanical properties

Viton is a synthetic rubber that is highly resistant to degradation by fluids and chemicals. It is characterised by its ability to withstand a broad range of substances, including oils, lubricants, fuels, and most mineral acids. Viton also has excellent resistance to compression, even at high temperatures. It can withstand temperatures ranging from −18 to −23 °C in dynamic applications, and certain grades can perform well at temperatures as low as −40 °C or −54 °C in static applications.

Viton has a high-temperature tolerance and can retain its good mechanical properties at elevated temperatures. It has a top-end temperature limit of up to 600 °F (316 °C) and can withstand continuous exposure to temperatures above 400 °F (204 °C). However, it is not compatible with ketones and should not be used with acetone, esters, amines, organic acids, or highly polar chemicals.

Viton is also known for its physical durability and resistance to weathering and corrosion. It has good adhesion to metal and rigid materials, fair to good abrasion resistance, and good impact resistance. It is commonly used in the automotive, appliance, chemical, and fluid power industries for seals, gaskets, and O-rings due to its durability and reliability in demanding environments.

In terms of mechanical properties, Viton has a durometer or hardness range of 50–95 Shore A, a tensile strength range of 500–2,000 PSI, and an elongation range of 400%–500%. It exhibits fair to good vibration dampening and tear resistance. Overall, Viton is a versatile and robust material that is well-suited for applications requiring resistance to high temperatures, chemicals, and mechanical stress.

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Viton's durability and cost

Viton is a synthetic rubber and fluoropolymer elastomer that is commonly used for O-rings and other moulded or extruded parts. It is known for its durability and resistance to high temperatures, oxidation, UV exposure, weather, ozone, oils, acids, and mineral and vegetable oils, among other things. Viton is a trademarked brand name for fluorocarbon rubber, which is also known as FKM. It is a high-performance material that is widely used in demanding industrial applications.

One of the key advantages of Viton is its ability to withstand a wide range of temperatures. It can be used in dynamic applications with temperatures ranging from -18°C to -23°C, and in static applications, it can be used at temperatures as low as -54°C. In laboratory testing, Viton has even been shown to remain elastic at temperatures up to 316°C. This makes it an ideal material for use in extreme environments where other materials would fail.

Another advantage of Viton is its resistance to degradation by fluids and chemicals. It is known to resist a variety of hydrocarbons, biodiesel, petrochemicals, oils, fuels, lubricants, and most mineral acids. This makes it a popular choice for use in the automotive, chemical processing, fuel and oil, and aerospace industries, where reliability is crucial.

In terms of cost, Viton tends to be more expensive than other materials such as nitrile. This is because Viton offers superior performance and durability in tougher conditions. While it may be more expensive upfront, Viton can last longer and provide better value over time. However, it is important to consider the specific application and working conditions before making a decision, as there may be alternative materials that are more cost-effective for less demanding applications.

Overall, Viton is a highly durable and reliable material that is well-suited for use in demanding environments. While it may come at a higher upfront cost, its long-term stability and resistance to degradation can make it a cost-effective choice in the long run.

Frequently asked questions

Viton is a synthetic rubber and fluoropolymer elastomer that is used in O-rings and other moulded or extruded products.

Yes, Viton seals are compatible with diesel fuel. Viton has proven to be resistant to degradation by a greater variety of fluids and chemicals than any non-fluorinated elastomer. It has excellent resistance to oils, fuels, lubricants, and most mineral acids.

Viton seals offer superior durability and chemical compatibility compared to Buna-N seals. They are more stable in the long term and are less prone to breaking down due to heat and ozone. Viton seals also have better fluid resistance and can withstand a broader range of temperatures compared to other elastomers.

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