New pipe seal meets requirements of petrochemical industry The specific demands of the petrochemical industry has resulted in Truco Extrusions designing a rubber pipe seal manufactured from a neoprene compound, which is suited for any application where petrochemicals are present in the fluid being moved through the concrete pipe. In the past a standard O-ring type seal was supplied, yet the hardness of the compound often caused the concrete pipes to crack during fitment. After thoroughly understanding the requirements of any new seal for use in the petrochemical industry, Truco Extrusions undertook to develop a softer compound, which would, nonetheless, still meet SABS 974 specification. Working closely with its compound supplier, the company tested a number of different compound batches, using its small 25 mm extruder to test the suitability of the compound to the extrusion process. Once satisfied with initial tests, the selected compound was mixed in-house and put through the extrusion process during an extended trial, before final release to the customer. Neoprene and nitrile pipe seals are suitable for applications where oil, petroleum or volatile chemicals are present in the fluid moving through the pipes. Oil has the tendency to cause the standard seal to swell and perish. Neoprene also has the added advantage of good aging, as well as being non-flammable, which makes the seal equally suited to mining applications demanding self-extinguishing properties.