Application of a New Specimen Geometry on Rapid Gas Decompression (RGD) Test

Abstract

Elastomers used in gas transmission field such as seals, diaphragms, O-rings and sleeves are very important pieces which may be damaged in operating conditions. According to ISO 23936-2 standard, O-ring specimen is applied for RGD test but preparation of O-ring from final product is impossible in most cases. In this study, the RGD test implementing by using easily prepared Ring-type specimens from NBR vulcanizates were investigated. The new Ring-type specimen had similar dimentions to standard 312 O-ring. The RGD test was modified to 80 0C and 80 bar according to real operational conditions. Results showed that Ring-type specimens had higher RGD rating and cosequently more damages than O-ring ones. Furthermore, more conservative results were obtained for Ring-type samples. The Ring-type geometry was specified as an appropriate alternative specimen for RGD testing due to simple and easy preparation from final rubber product. The new Ring-type was applied successfully as test specimen in the RGD test for rubber sleeves in gas transmission fields.