An FKM sheet or a Viton rubber sheet is a synthetic rubber that exhibits an unrivaled standard of performance.

They are heavily used in industries where there is large usage of fuels and chemicals.

Moreover, its ability to withstand high temperatures makes it perfect for use in the oil and gas industry.

Duratuf Viton Rubber Sheet

 in the oil and gas industry

A Viton rubber sheet, although used largely in the aforementioned sectors, faces several threats.

The most common threat is the presence of highly explosive gases.

Therefore, as the oil and gas industry is a volatile sector, it throws several challenges and complications to these rubber products.

Some of these challenges are as follows:

• High pressure

• High temperature

• Presence of hydrogen sulfide which is a naturally occurring impurity.

1. Chemicals that are introduced which include biocides, hydrate inhibitors, corrosion inhibitors, descalers, etc.
2. Vibrations and extreme temperature conditions.

However, a Viton sheet, as everyone knows can withstand high temperatures, and can, therefore, tackle any challenge that the industry throws at it.

But despite its excellent mechanical and physical properties, the aptest and most suitable Viton sheet should be used so as to amplify its applicability.

Properties to be considered while using a Viton rubber sheet in the oil and gas sector:

There are certain specific properties of a Viton rubber sheet that needs to be taken into account before it is used in the oil and gas industry.

Some of these are:

1. Resistance to temperature
2. The thickness of the rubber sheet
3. The hardness of the rubber sheet.

Some other applications of these sheets:

Just like a natural rubber sheet, a Viton sheet can be used for multiple purposes other than just the oil and gas sector.

However, primarily these rubber products are designed so that they can be used for sealing, insulating, isolating, and protecting different types of surfaces.

Here are some more uses:

• The lining of tanks and pipes
• Flange gaskets
• Chemical proof flashing
• Insulating strip
• Camlock washers; and many more.

Some salient features of Viton rubber sheets:

A Viton rubber sheet has many features, and the following are some of them of the more crucial ones:

1. Excellent resistance to chemicals

Many people and probable future customers think that a Viton rubber sheet only provides excellent protection against harsh acids and alkalis.

However, you will surely be surprised to know that these sheets are also highly resistant to chemicals, irrespective of whether it is harsh or mild.

2. Incredible resistance to acids and alkalis

If you are looking to purchase a rubber sheet that shows some of the best resistance to acids and alkalis and other hydrocarbons, then it is highly recommended that you purchase a Viton rubber sheet.

Moreover, they are also highly resistant to mineral acids and also to hydrocarbons which are aliphatic or aromatic in nature.

Therefore, you can say that it is very much similar to a Natural rubber sheet when it comes to providing resistance to alkalis and acids.

3. Composed of special FKM compounds

FKM compounds can be described as a group or family of fluoroelastomer materials that have been defined by none other than ASTM International Standard D1418.

Viton rubber sheeting is composed of nothing else than these FKM compounds which are responsible more a majority of its characteristics.

4. Ability to withstand high temperatures

Are you worried about whether or not these sheets can perform under high temperatures?

Well, you need not worry at all, mainly because these sheets, unlike a Natural rubber sheet which can withstand a maximum temperature of 70^oC, can perform unscathed under high temperatures which can sometimes reach something around 275^oC.

5. Protection from and resistance to UV rays and Ozone

If you conduct an experiment on a Viton sheet and expose it outdoors, then you will notice that its performance gets hardly affected by the harmful effects of UV rays and also exhibit excellent resistance to Ozone.

6. Resistance to oils

These sheets also show some of the best resistance to any petroleum-based product which includes oils and fuels like diesel, petrol, or LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas).