As water utilities are looking for ways to do more with less, some manufacturers are investing in research and development to improve the product by using new materials to extend product life and value.
A simple choice of material can impact the design life, function and performance. One change that has all three beneficial outcomes for water distribution is moving from Nitrile (Buna-N) to Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) for valve seats.
Nitrile rubber or Buna-N, also known as nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) and acrylonitrile butadiene rubber, is a synthetic rubber derived from acrylonitrile (ACN) and butadiene.
Buna-N is a general-purpose oil-resistant polymer that has good resistance to solvents, oil, water and hydraulic fluid with good compression set properties.
It also has acceptable resistance to abrasion and good tensile strength in laboratory tests. The resistance to solvents, particularly oils, has made Buna-N a popular elastomer candidate for use when collecting raw water, where pollution and illegal dumping have allowed petrochemicals to infiltrate freshwater supplies. Buna-N elastomers are also used in wastewater applications...
Switching materials
