Room Temperature Aging Study of Butyl O-rings
During testing under the Enhanced Surveillance Campaign in 2001, preliminary data detected a previously unknown and potentially serious concern with recently procured butyl o-rings. All butyl o-rings molded from a proprietary formulation throughout the period circa 1999 through 2001 had less than a full cure. Tests showed that sealing force values for these suspect o-rings were much lower than expected and their physical properties were very sensitive to further post curing at elevated temperatures. Further testing confirmed that these o-rings were approximately 50% cured versus the typical industry standard of > 90% cured. Despite this condition, all suspect o-rings fully conformed to their QC acceptance requirements, including their individual product drawing requirements.
- Research Organization:
- Kansas City Plant (KCP), Kansas City, MO (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC04-01AL66850
- OSTI ID:
- 972916
- Report Number(s):
- KCP-613-8622
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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