Frequently Asked Questions — TFE/P O-Rings
What is TFEP (TFE/P) rubber?
TFEP (Tetrafluoroethylene-Propylene), also known as TFE/P or by the trade name Aflas®, is a binary copolymer fluoroelastomer. Unlike FKM, TFEP has no carbon–fluorine dipole moment, giving it unique resistance to polar solvents and amines where FKM fails. Its fully saturated backbone also confers excellent steam resistance.
What temperature range can TFEP o-rings handle?
TFEP o-rings operate from −10 °C to +230 °C in air service. The low-temperature limit is higher than FKM, limiting cold-climate outdoor use. The key advantage is resistance to steam at high temperatures and pressures, making TFEP the preferred choice for steam injection and geothermal sealing.
What chemicals is TFEP resistant to?
TFEP excels where FKM fails: amines and amine-based corrosion inhibitors, hot water and steam (to 200 °C), concentrated mineral acids (nitric, sulfuric, hydrochloric), strong alkalis, H₂S and CO₂ (sour gas), and many polar solvents. It is also rated for electrical insulation applications due to its high dielectric strength.
What are typical applications for TFEP o-rings?
TFEP o-rings are used in oil and gas well completion and production equipment (H₂S, sour gas, steam injection), geothermal energy installations, chemical plants handling concentrated acids or amines, automotive cooling circuits (glycol coolants), and high-voltage electrical equipment requiring a steam and chemically resistant elastomeric seal.