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What Is Elastomer Material?
Elastomer material is a polymer with a notably rubber-like elasticity, also known as viscoelasticity. Its key characteristic is its ability to retain its shape, even after being stretched or deformed.
Learn more about what elastomers are and what you can use them for.
What Is Elastomer Material Used For?
You can find elastomer material in various products throughout several industries — you may even own a few items with elastomer material. Everyday uses of this product include tires, footwear and sporting goods. Certain industries — such as aerospace, automotive and construction — will use elastomers to dampen vibrations and provide insulation to projects.
Manufacturing and Processing of Elastomer Rubber
The name elastomer comes from the term “elastic polymers,” which are made of several polymers cross-linked together with chemical bonds. Manufacturers purify raw materials, combine them with a catalyst and react them to create a polymer.
The process can vary, but will generally follow these steps:
- Boil raw materials to remove residual water and purify ingredients
- Mix purified ingredients with a catalyst to alter chemistry and create a polymer
- Add in another catalyst to stop the reaction at the proper moment
The Importance of Elastomer in the Oil Industry
At Global Elastomeric Products, Inc., we prioritize using the highest-quality elastomer in our oil industry products. All our products are made in the USA and tested and examined to ensure we offer our customers reliable solutions.
Specifically, elastomers are ideal for the following applications in the oil industry:
- Sealing: Elastomers are effective sealants for various oilfield components, preventing leaks that could lead to environmental damage. We sell packer elements and valve seals and BOP seals for your oil applications.
- High-pressure resistance: Elastomers work well in the oil industry, as they can withstand high pressures in drilling and production operations. This material is known for its ability to stretch and maintain its form, even under rugged conditions.
- Temperature tolerance: Elastomers can also function well in a wide range of temperatures, a critical characteristic for deep-well operations. It will also maintain its shape with hot oil and gas.
Contact Global Elastomeric Products, Inc. to Learn More Today
For over 50 years, Global Elastomeric Products, Inc. has served customers nationwide with our reliable and durable oilfield products. Our company was founded to fill this need in the industry — we are committed to helping you get quality, custom solutions for your efficiency.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.
Understanding the Global Energy Mix and Why It's Important
The straightforward definition of “energy mix” refers to the combination of resources to meet energy needs. These resources include fossil fuels, renewable sources and nuclear power. The global energy mix looks at how much of these resources are used worldwide and can further categorize the data by country.
The Long-Term Value of Elastomer Testing and Quality Control
An elastomer is a polymer that stretches under tension and returns to its original shape to support products that require flexibility and impact resistance. To ensure they can correctly do their job, elastomers must undergo rigorous testing and quality control management.
Why the Oil and Gas Industry Requires Continuous Innovation and Improvement
While many view renewable energy as the wave of the future, much of the world still relies on tried-and-true oil and gas to heat homes, operate vehicles and complete other essential tasks.
Maintaining and Replacing Rubber Components in Oil Extraction Equipment
Oil extraction equipment relies on various rubber molding parts and components, such as O-rings, seals, packer cups and pipe wipers, to function correctly and meet jobsite demands. Timely preventive maintenance is crucial for keeping the machinery and these supporting products in peak condition and maximizing uptime.
Types of Gaskets Used in Oil and Gas
Flange gaskets create a pressure-tight connection between pipe joints, preventing potentially hazardous leaks. Using the right type of gasket in the oil and gas industry enhances the integrity of these piping systems.
Spotting Oil and Gas Equipment Problems Before They Occur
The oil and gas sector is one of the most important industries that fuels global economies. The industry uses complex equipment across the entire supply chain, starting from extraction. However, this equipment is not immune to failure or breakdown, especially when it operates in challenging conditions, such as high pressures, high temperatures, abrasive particulate matter and caustic chemicals. Spotting oil and gas equipment problems before they occur can help organizations avoid worse damage to the equipment, accidents and losses.
5 Safety Tips for Workers in the Oil and Gas Industry
Stressing the importance of safety in the oil and gas industry has always been a top priority. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), safety hazards and dangers for workers in this sector include everything from vehicle accidents to chemical burns. In environments containing heavy machinery, dangerous workspaces and potentially hazardous gases, workers must be fully trained and adequately equipped to mitigate risk.
What Are the Differences Between Elastomers and Plastics?
Plastics and elastomers are common types of polymers, but their similarity ends there. Polymers are made up of chains of monomers, which are molecules that can be chemically bonded together. The structure, chemical composition and behavior of polymers determine whether products are classified as plastics or elastomers.
A Guide to Oil Seals
Oil seals are essential for keeping lubricant and other necessary substances inside rotary shaft equipment and preventing debris from getting inside. These invaluable devices, also called rotary shaft seals, shaft seals, lips seals or elastomeric seals, protect the bearings of rotating shafts. In simple terms, oil seals form a protective barrier that separates the inside from the outside.