Designing out a valve’s most expensive failure mechanism

A seal represents a fraction of the total value of a valve. When a seal fails in a valve, the lost production time and the labour cost to reach the seal can typically cost far more than the component at fault. For operators of high pressure gas valves, Rapid Gas Decompression (RGD) is one failure mechanism which can be especially costly. Making the right decisions on valve sealing materials can reduce these costs substantially.

What happens inside the seal

Under sustained high pressures, gas can permeate the elastomer. In the event of a quick drop in pressure, trapped gas expands faster than it can escape, and the material can blister, crack or rupture. Damage starts internally and builds over repeated cycles, so a seal which passes inspection can still fail in service. Valves in critical gas systems are especially exposed, because every shutdown and cycle repeats the event.

Proven against the standards

Precision Polymer Engineering develops sealing materials with exceptional resistance to RGD events. Perlast® G92E and Perlast® G90LT material grades are certified to NORSOK M-710, the standard covering sour gas ageing and RGD resistance, with G92E used in service at 18,000 psi and 177°C and above. Grades across the wider EnDura® material range are tested to ISO 23936-2, NACE TM0297 and TOTAL GS PVV 142. The right material choice for a seal can differ significantly between applications.

Why valve operators choose us

Across over 50 years, Precision Polymer Engineering has built a reputation for valve sealing materials which outperform and outlast – whether facing high pressure gases, aggressive chemical environments, or extreme high and low temperatures. Our sealing engineers understand that valve seal failure is often multi-factor, and that only by understanding the interplay between material and media types, operating conditions, and mechanical loading, can the root cause for failure be identified and resolved. Together with manufacturing facilities in the United Kingdom and the United States, our teams are able to keep valve downtime to a minimum.

Heading to Valve World Expo?

Our specialists will be at Valve World Expo in Düsseldorf from 1 to 3 December 2026, on Stand 1A21. Bring your valve sealing challenges, and together we can find a solution to keep your valve systems running at peak efficiency for longer. Alternatively, call (0)1254 295400, or head to prepol.com for our full range of materials, capabilities, and sealing resources.

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