Custom FKM (Viton) Rubber Parts for Chlorine Production
A leading manufacturer in the chlorine production industry turned to Lake Erie Rubber when they needed a reliable partner to produce custom FKM (Viton) rubber parts. This specific application focused on compression-molded gaskets designed for use in chlorine processing equipment. These gaskets play a critical role in containing hazardous materials safely and are routinely exposed to challenging operating pressures, making material selection and supplier quality control measures essential.
Chlorine production is a high-risk industry, and safety standards are strict at every stage. FKM Gaskets and seals must be manufactured with precision and consistency to meet these demands and protect those involved in the process. Any defect could result in downtime or safety risks, so the customer needed a supplier with the expertise, equipment, and experience to meet these demands. Lake Erie Rubber rose to the challenge of this project and delivered custom FKM (Viton) rubber parts to assist in high-capacity chlorine production.
The Challenge
The customer’s primary challenge stemmed from their previous supplier’s inability to provide on-time delivery of their gasket orders. FKM is a challenging rubber to work with, not to mention expensive, and it requires tremendous heat and pressure to adequately cure and develop the desired characteristics. The gaskets themselves are essential safety parts designed to contain corrosive and hazardous chemicals. Late shipments from the previous manufacturer not only put production schedules at risk but also created potential safety issues at the facility.
Additionally, the customer needed assurance of consistent quality throughout the entire production run. Each gasket had to be manufactured to precise quality standards to ensure that the equipment remained sealed under demanding conditions. For this reason, finding a supplier like Lake Erie Rubber with the technical capability, quality control processes, and reliability to meet their requirements became a top priority.
Why FKM (Viton) Was Chosen
FKM, also referred to as Viton, was the desired rubber material for this project as it met the strict industry standards relating to specific resistance levels and ability to withstand extreme pressures. Chlorine production and other chemical processing applications expose gaskets to some of the harshest operating environments in the manufacturing world, and they must avoid failure at all costs.
FKM rubber offers exceptional resistance to corrosive chemicals, high temperatures, and aggressive environments. In this case, FKM was the only suitable choice that could meet the performance expectations while complying with the safety standards set forth by the Chlorine Institute. Other materials would not have provided the same level of chemical resistance or long-term durability, making FKM the clear solution despite its workability and costs.
Special Performance Requirements and Manufacturing Considerations
Manufacturing these custom FKM rubber parts involved compression molding, a process well-suited for medium-volume production and precision molding of rubber components. Each gasket was required to meet Chlorine Institute standards, which govern the safety and quality of components used in chlorine production applications.
One of the key performance requirements was ensuring that the gaskets could withstand prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals without degradation. Lake Erie Rubber’s experienced team had to account for the unique characteristics of FKM during the compression molding process, ensuring consistent thickness, proper curing, and tight tolerances across every gasket. Rigorous quality control protocols were applied to every production run to guarantee compliance with the customer’s specifications.
Performance of FKM (Viton) Rubber Parts
| Property | FKM (Viton) Performance | For Chlorine Production |
| Chemical Resistance | Excellent against chlorine and harsh chemicals | Prevents gasket and seal failure |
| Heat Resistance | Up to ~250°C (482°F) | Handles high temperatures in processing |
| Compression Set | Maintains seal under pressure | Ensures long-term containment reliability |
| Compliance | Meets chlorine industry standards | Supports safe and consistent operations |
Results and Benefits of Custom Viton Rubber Parts
By choosing Lake Erie Rubber as their new supplier for custom FKM (Viton) rubber parts, the customer gained several critical benefits that allowed them to maintain production and reduce the chances of shutdowns or production interruptions.
- Dependable Lead Times: The gaskets are now consistently delivered on schedule, further reducing the uncertainty and production disruptions caused by their former supplier, who could not meet the regular PO quantities.
- Improved Supply Chain Planning: Lake Erie Rubber collaborated with the customer to develop multiple release purchase orders extending six months into the future that solidified their supply chain. This proactive purchase planning allows both companies to align production schedules, ensuring the availability of FKM when needed and preventing last-minute shortages.
- Consistent Quality and Compliance: Every gasket is manufactured following Chlorine Institute requirements, using robust internal quality management systems with thorough documentation and inspection protocols. The customer can now feel confident that every delivery of custom FKM rubber parts will meet their critical safety standards.
- Strengthened Supplier Relationship: By working closely with the customer to understand their operational needs, Lake Erie Rubber became more than a parts supplier. They became a strategic partner in ensuring both safety and productivity in chlorine production and a valued resource for other critical components in challenging production environments.
Quotes for Custom FKM Rubber Parts
This case study demonstrates how Lake Erie Rubber supports customers in highly regulated industries by providing dependable supply, consistent quality, and expert manufacturing of custom FKM rubber parts. For this chlorine production customer, the transition to Lake Erie Rubber solved persistent delivery issues, ensured compliance with critical safety standards, and streamlined their supply chain planning.
When hazardous materials are involved, safety and reliability are non-negotiable. Lake Erie Rubber’s ability to manufacture precision compression-molded FKM gaskets with dependable lead times has given this customer the confidence that their production needs will always be met. For industrial manufacturers facing similar challenges, Lake Erie Rubber delivers more than just rubber parts; they deliver peace of mind, safety, and reliability with every order. If you are seeking a manufacturer of custom FKM (Viton) rubber parts for a challenging production environment, contact our team with more information to start the quoting process.
