FFKM is a perfluoroelastomer, an elastomeric sealing material chosen for demanding chemical and thermal duties.
It is not automatically the right answer, and it is not universally compatible. Different compounds suit chemical service, steam and hot water, high temperature or purity sensitive duties.
When FFKM is worth it
- Mixed or aggressive chemicals that attack EPDM and FKM
- High temperatures combined with chemical exposure
- Duties where a failure costs far more than the ring
When it is not
- Water, steam or mild caustic duties that a suitable EPDM handles
- Oils and fuels that a suitable FKM handles
- Failures caused by extrusion, poor groove design or fitting damage, which a premium compound will not cure
How the compound is selected
Selection checks the fluid and its concentration, the temperature and its cycling, the pressure or vacuum, whether the seal is static or dynamic, the groove dimensions and compression, any steam cleaning, the paperwork required and the failure history.
Temperature and chemical performance depend on the actual selected compound and the duty. Generic selection advice is not a compound data sheet, and we do not treat it as one.
Certification
FDA and USP requirements must be checked against the selected material and its actual documentation. There is no blanket certification, and we do not claim one.
More on FFKM: the FFKM guide, FFKM vs FKM compared and FFKM chemical compatibility.
Frequently asked questions
- Is FFKM always the best choice?
- No. It is the right choice only when cheaper compounds cannot meet the full duty.
- Will FFKM fix a repeat failure?
- Not if the cause is mechanical, such as extrusion or fitting damage. We look at the cause first.
- Can large FFKM rings be supplied?
- Yes, in moulded and joined constructions depending on size and duty. Send the dimensions and application.
Enquire about large O rings
Send the dimensions and the application. We check the choice before you order, and come back with a quotation. You can also email office@acumenseals.co.uk.