Kalrez® O-ring seals, developed by DuPont, are among the most advanced sealing solutions in the world. Known for their exceptional chemical resistance and thermal stability, these perfluoroelastomer (FFKM) seals are designed to perform in some of the most demanding industrial environments. From chemical processing and semiconductor manufacturing to oil and gas and pharmaceutical applications, Kalrez® seals provide reliability where traditional elastomers fail.
What Is Kalrez®?
Kalrez® is a proprietary family of perfluoroelastomer compounds engineered by DuPont. Unlike conventional elastomers, Kalrez® is composed of a backbone of carbon-fluorine bonds, which are among the strongest in organic chemistry. This unique structure allows Kalrez® seals to withstand extreme temperatures (up to 327°C/620°F in some grades), aggressive chemicals, and harsh operating conditions while maintaining elasticity and sealing performance.
Key Benefits of Kalrez® O-Ring Seals
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Exceptional Chemical Resistance
Kalrez® O-rings can resist over 1,800 different chemicals, including acids, amines, ketones, esters, and hydrocarbons. This makes them ideal for use in environments where exposure to aggressive media is frequent. -
High Temperature Tolerance
Depending on the grade, Kalrez® seals can operate continuously at temperatures up to 327°C (620°F), outperforming many other elastomers such as FKM (Viton®) and EPDM. -
Superior Compression Set Resistance
Kalrez® maintains its shape and elasticity even after long periods under compression, helping to prevent leaks and seal failures. -
Low Outgassing
Especially critical in semiconductor and vacuum applications, Kalrez® seals exhibit low particle generation and outgassing, contributing to cleaner processes and higher product yields. -
Longevity and Durability
The long service life of Kalrez® O-rings reduces maintenance frequency, downtime, and total cost of ownership, particularly in high-value or critical systems.
Common Applications
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Chemical Processing: Seals in pumps, valves, and reactors where aggressive acids, solvents, and high temperatures are present.
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Semiconductor Manufacturing: Seals in vacuum chambers, plasma etching, and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) tools.
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Pharmaceutical and Biotech: Sanitary seals in process equipment, offering both chemical resistance and compliance with FDA and USP standards.
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Oil and Gas: Downhole tools, compressors, and valves that face extreme pressures and corrosive fluids.
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Aerospace: Sealing components in high-altitude or space environments requiring temperature resilience and chemical inertness.
Available Grades of Kalrez®
DuPont offers various Kalrez® formulations tailored for different environments:
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Kalrez® 6375: General-purpose chemical resistance; widely used in chemical and pharmaceutical industries.
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Kalrez® 7075: High mechanical strength and low compression set; ideal for dynamic applications.
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Kalrez® 8002: High thermal stability for semiconductor and electronics processes.
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Kalrez® 0090: Designed for explosive decompression resistance in oil and gas applications.
Conclusion
Kalrez® O-ring seal represent the gold standard in high-performance sealing technology. Their ability to endure extreme chemical and thermal conditions while maintaining sealing integrity makes them indispensable in industries where failure is not an option. Although they come at a higher initial cost compared to standard elastomers, the extended performance and reduced maintenance needs make Kalrez® a cost-effective choice for mission-critical applications.
For those seeking the utmost in reliability, safety, and durability, Kalrez® O-ring seals are the solution of choice.
