How to decide which is the right hygienic seal material for your application
Choosing the right hygienic seal material for your process can be a challenge – especially with so many options available. To help make things a bit easier, we’ve put together this quick guide to explain the seal materials we stock and their ideal applications!
So, what materials do we offer?
We offer a wide range of hygienic seals suitable for most of our union types. Our standard materials include Nitrile (NBR), EPDM, Viton (FKM), Silicone (VMQ) and PTFE. Additionally, we also provide specialised seal options such as envelope clamp seals and metal detectable EPDM seals.
Nitrile/NBR
Nitrile, also known as NBR is the standard seal for RJT, IDF and DIN unions. For RJT and IDF unions, the Nitrile seals tend to be black, whilst the Nitrile seals for DIN unions tend to be blue.
EPDM.
Another material that comes standard in hygienic unions is EPDM. This is the standard seal for Clamp and SMS unions and is sold for the most part as blue.
We also offer EPDM metal detectable seals – find out more here.
Viton (FKM), Silicone (VMQ) and PTFE.
Materials like Viton, Silicone and PTFE do not come standard in unions, however they are offered as a suitable seal for higher temperatures and aggressive liquids.
How should I choose my hygienic seal material?
To help you choose the most suitable seal for you, we’ve created a table that outlines the temperature range of each material, ideal applications and things to avoid when using that material.
| Material | Temperature Range | Ideal for | Avoid |
| Nitrile (NBR) | -30°C to 110°C | Oils/fats and dairy. | Steam lines and CIP. |
| EPDM | -50°C to 150°C | Low-pressure steam lines and CIP. | Oils and fats. |
| FKM (Viton) | -20°C to 200°C | Chemicals and heat resistance | Steam lines |
| Silicone | -60°C to 200°C | Pharmaceuticals and cosmetics | Corrosive chemicals |
| PTFE | -200°C to 260°C | Chemicals and high temperatures | Lines that need an elastic seal |
Ready to start shopping our hygienic seals? Click here to get started!
Remember to order before 4pm to get your goods next-day!
*E & OE. This is an informational page and all information is offered in good faith. Whilst we do our best to fact check all information, the purchaser should decide whether the information provided is relevant.
