Module 14:

Explosive Decompression

1
 Definition
Explosive Decompression (ED) or Rapid Gas Decompression (RGD) is a
structural failure, a condition that occurs due to gas permeation or dissolution into
the seal material. When the system pressure decays quickly, the entrapped gas
expands, rupturing the o-ring.
Explosive decompression may cause the form of blistering, internal cracking and
splitting of parts.(e.g. Oil and Gas field)

Picture from 2006 MERL Ltd.

Gas escaping Internal failure is observed

from a rubber O-ring

AST June 2007 Module 14 Page 2

 Testing Equipment

Equipment at DuPont Performance Elastomers European

Technical Center in Geneva - Switzerland

ƒAutoclave (volume 330 cm3)

ƒ100% CO2 environment

ƒState of the art software developed internally for data

acquisition and pressure release control.

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Testing Equipment

Uncompressed
(smaller piece)

To be compressed
(larger piece)

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Testing Conditions for FKM

ƒ24 hour exposure

ƒTemperature: Room Temperature, 100°C, 150°C, 200°C

ƒPressure: 50 bars, 100 bars, 150 bars

ƒDecompression rate: 20 bar/min

ƒ1 decompression cycle

ƒUncompressed and compressed K-325 o-rings

(3 specimens per condition)

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 ED Testing-Sample Analysis
‰Samples are analyzed based on the Norsok M-710a visual inspection method.
‰Each specimen is cut into four equal sections.
‰The four sections are examined for cracks and rated [see table below]
‰ Overall rating is the highest of the individual ratings [i.e. the worst ED performance]

Description Rating*
No internal cracks, holes or blisters of any size 0
Less than 4 internal cracks, each shorter than 50% of cross-section, with a total crack 1
length less than cross-section
Pass Less than 6 internal cracks, each shorter than 50% of cross-section, with a total crack 2
length of less than 2.5 times cross-section
Less than 9 internal cracks, of which 2 cracks can have length between 50% and 80% 3
of cross-section
More than 8 internal cracks, or one or more cracks longer than 80% of seal 4
section
Fail Crack or cracks going through cross-section or complete separation of the seal 5
into fragments

*Seals with ratings 4 or 5 are not acceptable [aNorsok Standard M-710, Qualification of non-
metallic sealing materials and manufacturers, Rev. 2, October 2001]

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 ED Testing Results
[100% CO2 Environment]
[performance of Viton® types is dependant on formulations]

conditiona stateb
B type HNBR
industry industry
ETP-S GF-S GBL-S A-HV TFE/P standard reference
24h/50bar/rt U
24h/50bar/rt C

24h/50bar/100C U
24h/50bar/100C C

24h/50bar/150C U
24h/50bar/150C C
24h/100bar/150C U
24h/100bar/150C C

24h/150bar/150C U
24h/150bar/150C C

24h/150bar/200C U
24h/150bar/200C C

Color code following Norsok M-710 rating 0,1,2 4

3 5
passed failed not tested
a 100% CO2 environment
b U stands for uncompressed, C for compressed

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 Conclusion

‰ ED testing in 100% CO2 might be considered as an aggressive

condition due to the polarity of the gas. However, results are relevant to
the industry as seen in various publications. [e.g. proceeding of MERL/Rapra Oil
Field Engineering 2006]

‰ Our work indicates that compounds based on Viton® Extreme™ETP-S

and Viton® GF-S show the best ED performance in 100% CO2
environment, followed by compounds based on Viton® GBL-S and Viton®
A-HV.
‰ Based on our data, we conclude that it is difficult to predict ED
performance from room temperature stress strain data. ED appears to be
a complex function of strength and solubility.

AST June 2007 Module 14 Page 8

Controlling Parameters as Described in
the Literature
ED damage is expected to decrease by:
• Low gas pressure
• High seal constraints
• High gas diffusion rates
• High modulus & high tear strength
• High compound hardness
• Homogeneous rubber part

ED damage is expected to increase by:

• High gas pressure
• High solubility in the polymer
• Fast decompression rates
• High temperature
• Multiple cycles

AST June 2007 Module 14 Page 9

 ED Resistance of FKM
Fluoroelastomer Selection Guide
For Oil & Gas

Fluoroelastomer Selection Guide

Polymer
Requirement A-HV GBL-S GF-S ETP-S TFE/P
Strength at High Temperature ++ ++ + NR NR
Methanol Resistance NR NR + ++ +
Amine Corrosion Inhibitor Resistance NR NR NR ++ ++
Formate Fluid Resistance NR NR NR ++ na
Ester Based Fluid Resistance + na NR NR NR
ED Resistance (100% CO2) + + ++ ++ NR
Compression Set Resistance ++ + ++ + NR
Low Temperature Flexibility ++ ++ + + NR

++ Definitely should be considered

+ Should be considered
NR Not Recommended for this service
na Not tested

AST June 2007 Module 14 Page 10

The information set forth herein is furnished free of charge and is based on technical data that DuPont Performance
Elastomers believes to be reliable. It is intended for use by persons having technical skill, at their own discretion and
risk. Handling precaution information is given with the understanding that those using it will satisfy themselves that
their particular conditions of use present no health or safety hazards. Since conditions of product use and disposal are
outside our control, we make no warranties, express or implied, and assume no liability in connection with any use of
this information. As with any material, evaluation of any compound under end-use conditions prior to specification is
essential. Nothing herein is to be taken as a license to operate or a recommendation to infringe on patents. While the
information presented here is accurate at the time of publication, specifications can change.
Check www.dupontelastomers.com for the most up-to-date information.
Caution: Do not use in medical applications involving permanent implantation in the human body.
For other medical applications, discuss with your DuPont Performance Elastomers customer service representative
and read Medical Caution Statement H-69237.

DuPont™ is a trademark of DuPont and its affiliates.

Viton®, Viton® Extreme™, Kalrez®, Hypalon® and Acsium® are trademarks or registered trademarks of DuPont
Performance Elastomers.
Copyright © 2007 DuPont Performance Elastomers. All Rights Reserved.

AST June 2007 Module 14 Page 11