General Process Sealing Solutions
International Seal supports general process industries with reliable seals, gaskets, O-rings and engineered components. Our solutions are designed to improve equipment performance, reduce downtime and support efficient production across a wide range of industrial applications. Whether you need standard O-rings from stock, chemically resistant compounds for aggressive media or fully bespoke moulded parts, we supply the right material for the duty at competitive pricing and low minimum order quantities.
Seals & Gaskets for Process Industries
We provide chemically resistant sealing solutions for processing industries, ensuring performance in aggressive environments. General process plant covers an enormous range of duties, from simple water and air circuits through to hot, high pressure and chemically aggressive media. Matching the compound to the fluid, temperature and pressure is what keeps equipment sealed, reduces unplanned leakage and protects uptime.
Process Industry Inventory
- Chemically resistant O-rings and gaskets
- Custom seals and engineered components
- PTFE seals and extruded profiles
- Bearing isolators and shaft seals
- Ceramic wear parts (valves, pumps, pistons)
Chemical Resistance and Aggressive Media
Most premature seal failures in process plant come down to chemical incompatibility rather than pressure or temperature. A compound that swells, hardens or embrittles in service was usually the wrong choice at specification rather than a manufacturing fault.Where standard elastomers will not do, three options cover most of the remaining ground:
AFLAS (TFE/P) for strong bases, amines and steam — conditions where FKM performs poorly. Available in standard and low-compression-set grades.
FFKM (perfluoroelastomer) for the most aggressive chemistries combined with high temperature, where nothing else survives. See our FFKM seals range.
PTFE and filled PTFE for near-universal chemical inertness in static duties and as back-up rings, where an elastomer is not required.
Chemical compatibility also depends on concentration and temperature, not just the chemical — a compound suitable for a dilute solution at ambient temperature may fail in the same chemical hot and concentrated. Our chemical compatibility guide covers the standard compounds; beyond those, send us the media, concentration, temperature and pressure and we will recommend a grade from our compound reference.
Materials for Process Environments
The correct elastomer or polymer depends on the media in contact and the operating conditions. A quick guide to common selections:
- NBR (Nitrile) for oils, greases and general purpose duties at a competitive price
- EPDM for water, steam, dilute acids and alkalis, and where petroleum resistance is not required
- FKM (Fluoroelastomer) for high temperature service and resistance to fuels, oils and aggressive chemicals
- Silicone (VMQ) for wide temperature range static sealing and clean applications
- PTFE and filled PTFE for near universal chemical resistance and low friction running surfaces
- FFKM (Perfluoroelastomer) for the most aggressive chemical and high temperature combinations
If you are unsure which compound suits your process, send us the media, temperature range and pressure and we will make a recommendation.
Industry Standards & Compliance
General process sealing draws on the same recognised material and dimensional standards used across industrial applications. We supply components qualified to the standards buyers specify, including:
- ASTM D2000 / SAE J200
- ISO 3601
- FDA CFR 21 and EC 1935/2004
Material certification is available on request. Confirm the specification required at enquiry stage and we will supply the matching compound.
Related Products
O-rings in NBR, EPDM, FKM and silicone, industrial and custom gaskets, PTFE components, metal seals for demanding joints, adhesives and sealants and custom moulded parts.
Process Sealing FAQs
Which seal material is most chemically resistant?
FFKM (perfluoroelastomer) offers the broadest chemical resistance of the elastomers, and PTFE is near-universally inert but behaves differently because it is not elastic. Between them and the standard compounds sit AFLAS for strong bases, amines and steam, and FKM for fuels, oils and many chemicals. There is no single best material — it depends on the media, its concentration and the temperature.
What is AFLAS and when is it used?
AFLAS (TFE/P) is a fluoroelastomer specified where FKM performs poorly — particularly against strong bases, amines and steam — while retaining good high-temperature capability. It is commonly used in process, oil and gas and power applications. Available in standard and low-compression-set grades.
Why has my O-ring swollen or gone hard?
Swelling usually means the compound is absorbing the process media and is chemically incompatible. Hardening and embrittlement generally point to heat ageing or attack by an oxidising medium. Both are specification problems rather than manufacturing faults — send us the media, temperature and the current compound and we will identify a suitable alternative.
Which seals are suitable for steam?
EPDM is widely used for steam and hot water, with peroxide-cured and steam-resistant grades available. AFLAS is specified where steam is combined with chemical exposure that EPDM cannot handle. PTFE is used in static duties. Confirm the temperature and whether the exposure is continuous or cyclic.
Do you supply seals for high-temperature process equipment?
Yes. FKM and FFKM cover elevated temperatures within the elastomer range. Beyond what any elastomer can tolerate, metal seals are used for flanged and static joints. Our elastomer temperature range guide sets out where the standard compounds stop.
Can you supply small quantities and one-offs?
Yes. We work to low minimum order quantities, and one-off requirements, prototype quantities and ongoing production demand are all handled. Custom gaskets can be cut to a drawing, DXF file or sample.