EPDM rubber and NaOH

[rob768]

Is there anyone with (bad) experiences using EPDM rubber (part of a seal) in a NaOH envrionment?

 

[swall]

I tried it for some strips to seal the top of a caustic washer operating at 140F. I made the choice based on the compatibility data in a handbook put out by Minor Rubber Co. What killed it was the small of mineral oil coming off the parts we were washing. If I could get rid of oil on the parts, I would still try EPDM.

 

[rnd2]

According to my copy of Schweitzer's Corrosion Tables,
Nordel (EPDM) is resistant to concentrations of NaOH between 10% and 70% through to "concentrated" while enduring temperatures up to 300 deg. F.
As was swall's experience, it really depends what else is present in the liquor.

 

[rob768]

OK Guys,

thanks for the suggestions. Especially the oil thing may be a point.