Case Study

Eliminating O-ring Failures in
Industrial steam pumps

CASE STUDIES

The Challenge

An industrial pump repair company contacted Wyatt Seal after experiencing repeated seal failures in high-pressure steam applications. Their pumps, which move fluids for cooling systems, steam service, and other industrial processes, were suffering from O-ring blowouts that led to unnecessary maintenance and the risk of costly equipment shutdowns.

The customer had been using a high-temperature EPDM O-ring sourced overseas, but the material was not performing reliably when exposed to steam. In addition to the performance issues, extended overseas lead times made it difficult to obtain replacement seals quickly, leaving the customer vulnerable to prolonged downtime.

The Solution

Case Study Industrial Steam Pumps

Wyatt Seal evaluated the application's demanding operating conditions and recommended transitioning from EPDM to an Aflas® compound, which offers superior resistance to high-pressure steam. The initial recommendation was an explosive decompression (ED) Aflas® compound with a higher durometer to better withstand the application's pressures.

After installation trials, however, it became clear that the higher durometer made the O-rings too difficult to install consistently. Wyatt Seal worked closely with the customer to identify a slightly softer Aflas® compound that maintained the required steam resistance while improving installation without sacrificing sealing performance.

The final solution included a repair kit containing multiple Aflas® O-rings along with an existing gasket, giving the customer a complete, reliable sealing package for pump rebuilds.

 

The Results

The updated sealing solution eliminated the O-ring blowouts the customer had been experiencing in service, reducing maintenance requirements and helping prevent costly unplanned shutdowns. By replacing an imported EPDM material with a North American-sourced Aflas® compound, the customer also gained a more dependable and responsive supply chain.

To further improve availability, Wyatt Seal established a stocking agreement that reduced lead times from months to just weeks, ensuring replacement kits would be readily available when needed.

Ultimately, Wyatt Seal delivered more than a new sealing material. Through application expertise, collaborative problem-solving, and a customized inventory program, we helped the customer improve reliability, reduce downtime, and strengthen their long-term maintenance strategy.