Selecting the correct seal material is critical for pump reliability, chemical compatibility, and long-term operational performance. In industrial pump systems, three of the most commonly used elastomer materials are EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer), Viton® (FKM), and NBR (Nitrile Butadiene Rubber).
From a Grundfos pump perspective, choosing the correct seal material helps prevent leakage, chemical attack, seal swelling, and costly pump downtime in industrial, marine, commercial, and water treatment systems.
Understanding the differences between EPDM, FKM, and NBR helps engineers and facility operators optimise pump performance based on operating conditions and fluid compatibility.
Why Seal Material Selection Is Important
Mechanical seals and elastomer components are exposed directly to operating fluids, pressure, temperature, and chemicals.
Incorrect seal material selection may result in:
- Seal leakage
- Swelling or hardening
- Chemical degradation
- Premature seal failure
- Increased maintenance costs
- Unexpected downtime
Choosing the correct elastomer material improves:
- Pump reliability
- Chemical compatibility
- Seal lifespan
- Operational safety
- Maintenance performance
What Is EPDM?
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) is a synthetic rubber material widely used in water-based applications because of its excellent resistance to water, steam, and weather exposure.
EPDM Advantages
- Excellent water resistance
- Good steam resistance
- Suitable for hot water systems
- Excellent weather resistance
- Good ozone resistance
- Cost-effective sealing material
EPDM Limitations
EPDM is generally not suitable for:
- Mineral oils
- Diesel fuel
- Petroleum-based fluids
- Hydrocarbons
- Lubricating oils
Using EPDM in oil-based systems may cause seal swelling and failure.
Common EPDM Pump Applications
- Clean water systems
- HVAC systems
- Chilled water circulation
- Hot water systems
- Water treatment plants
Explore our water treatment pump solutions for industrial water handling applications.
What Is Viton® (FKM)?
Viton® (FKM) is a fluoroelastomer material designed for aggressive chemical and high-temperature industrial applications.
FKM Advantages
- Excellent chemical resistance
- Excellent oil resistance
- High-temperature capability
- Good solvent resistance
- Suitable for harsh industrial environments
- Long operational lifespan
FKM Limitations
FKM may not perform well in:
- Hot water systems
- Steam applications
- Certain alkaline solutions
Common FKM Pump Applications
- Chemical transfer systems
- Petrochemical plants
- Solvent handling
- Industrial process pumps
- Oil transfer systems
Learn more about our industrial pump solutions in Singapore.
What Is NBR?
NBR (Nitrile Butadiene Rubber), also known as Buna-N, is a widely used elastomer material known for its excellent oil and fuel resistance.
NBR is commonly used in industrial pumps handling oils, greases, and petroleum-based fluids.
NBR Advantages
- Excellent oil resistance
- Good fuel resistance
- Good abrasion resistance
- Cost-effective sealing material
- Reliable mechanical performance
- Suitable for hydraulic systems
NBR Limitations
NBR may not perform well in:
- Ozone exposure
- Outdoor weather conditions
- High-temperature steam applications
- Strong oxidising chemicals
Common NBR Pump Applications
- Hydraulic systems
- Oil transfer pumps
- Fuel handling systems
- Industrial lubrication systems
- Diesel transfer systems
EPDM vs Viton® (FKM) vs NBR Comparison
| Property | EPDM | Viton® (FKM) | NBR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Resistance | Excellent | Moderate | Moderate |
| Steam Resistance | Excellent | Poor to Moderate | Poor |
| Oil Resistance | Poor | Excellent | Excellent |
| Fuel Resistance | Poor | Excellent | Excellent |
| Chemical Resistance | Good | Excellent | Moderate |
| Heat Resistance | Good | Excellent | Moderate |
| Weather Resistance | Excellent | Good | Poor |
| Abrasion Resistance | Moderate | Good | Good |
| HVAC Applications | Excellent | Moderate | Poor |
| Petrochemical Applications | Poor | Excellent | Good |
How to Choose the Correct Material
Choose EPDM If Your Application Involves:
- Clean water
- Hot water
- HVAC systems
- Chilled water circulation
- Water treatment systems
- Glycol solutions
Choose Viton® (FKM) If Your Application Involves:
- Chemicals
- Solvents
- Hydrocarbons
- High-temperature fluids
- Petrochemical systems
- Industrial process fluids
Choose NBR If Your Application Involves:
- Lubricating oils
- Diesel fuel
- Hydraulic oil
- Fuel transfer
- Industrial lubrication systems
- Petroleum-based liquids
Industries Using Different Seal Materials
Water Treatment Systems
EPDM seals are commonly used for clean water circulation and filtration systems.
HVAC Systems
EPDM provides reliable sealing for chilled and hot water systems.
Marine & Offshore
NBR and FKM are commonly used depending on oil exposure and operating conditions.
Discover the Grundfos product range for Singapore marine market.
Petrochemical & Manufacturing
FKM and NBR seals are widely used for oil, fuel, and chemical handling systems.
Industrial Facilities
Seal material selection depends on fluid compatibility, temperature, and operating environment.
Why Proper Seal Selection Matters
Correct material selection helps provide:
- Improved pump reliability
- Reduced leakage risk
- Longer seal lifespan
- Lower maintenance costs
- Better chemical compatibility
- Improved operational safety
Proper seal selection is especially important for industrial pumps operating continuously in demanding environments.
Why Engineers Choose Grundfos Pump Systems
Grundfos pumps are engineered with carefully selected seal materials to match fluid compatibility and industrial operating conditions.
Benefits include:
- Reliable seal performance
- Advanced pump engineering
- Long equipment lifespan
- Reduced maintenance requirements
- Optimised chemical compatibility
- Energy-efficient system design
Learn more about the history of Grundfos pumps and their innovation in industrial pumping systems worldwide.
Pump Material Selection Support in Singapore
We provide expert recommendations tailored to your application, from pump selection to seal material compatibility and system optimisation.
Our services include:
- Pump material consultation
- Seal compatibility recommendations
- Chemical application support
- Pump troubleshooting
- Spare parts support
- Pump servicing and maintenance
- Industrial pump optimisation
Explore our pump services in Singapore for maintenance and technical support solutions.
Explore More Pump Brands
We supply and support multiple industrial pump brands in Singapore including:
Contact Us for Enquiries
Need technical consultation for EPDM, Viton® (FKM), or NBR seal selection for pumps in Singapore?
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