Guest Column: Elastomers: A Beginner's Guide

By Liz Braden, CSI

Whether for a gasket, valve seat, or O-ring, the choice of elastomer might seem like a minor decision, but it can have a major impact. If a seal material is a poor fit for the application, you could run into any number of problems, from swelling to peeling or cracking. Needless to say, these could be a big deal in a sanitary process. But how to you decide what elastomer to use?