A compatibility chart is a screening tool. It rarely describes the exact FFKM compound, chemical mixture, concentration, temperature, pressure or time on your plant. FFKM is a family of compounds, not a single universal material. A grade chosen for chemical resistance may behave differently in steam, and the cure system and fillers matter.
Keep the failed part and record its condition. Swelling points you toward fluid exposure, but it does not identify one chemical on its own. Hardening, cracking or loss of squeeze may reflect heat, repeated cycling or compression set. Check installation damage and groove condition before blaming the compound. Then obtain the maker’s data for that grade and discuss the complete exposure: process fluid, CIP, SIP and any periods when the seal sits hot without flow.
The right question is not “is FFKM compatible?” It is “does this exact FFKM grade hold its properties in this duty?” That is where a proper material selection starts.
Andrew Sykes | Acumen Seals & Pumps Limited | Independent mechanical seals and sealing specialist