In any stainless steel filter housing, sealing materials play a critical role in ensuring leak-free operation, pressure stability, and long-term system reliability. While much attention is often given to housing material and pressure rating, improper gasket or O-ring selection can lead to leakage, chemical degradation, contamination, or premature system failure.
This guide explains the most common sealing materials used in stainless steel filter housing, their properties, chemical compatibility, temperature limits, and how to choose the right sealing solution for industrial and sanitary filtration systems.
A stainless steel filter housing operates as a pressure vessel. The sealing system must:
Prevent internal fluid leakage
Maintain pressure integrity
Withstand temperature variations
Resist chemical attack
Avoid contamination of process fluids
Even when the housing body is correctly designed (304, 316, or 316L stainless steel), an incompatible gasket can compromise the entire system.
Seals are typically used in:
Lid closures
Cartridge mounting interfaces
Inlet and outlet connections
Drain ports
Sanitary clamp connections
Sealing components are usually O-rings, flat gaskets, or molded seals.
Below are the most widely used sealing materials in stainless steel filter housing applications.
EPDM is one of the most commonly used gasket materials in water-based filtration systems.
Excellent resistance to water and steam
Good resistance to mild chemicals
Good elasticity and compression recovery
Temperature range: approx. -40°C to 150°C
Water treatment systems
Cooling water filtration
Food processing (non-oil contact)
CIP cleaning systems
Not suitable for oils or hydrocarbons
Limited compatibility with strong solvents
EPDM is often used in sanitary stainless steel filter housing where steam sterilization is required.
Viton (a common trade name for FKM) is widely used in chemical and high-temperature applications.
Excellent chemical resistance
Superior resistance to oils and hydrocarbons
Good high-temperature stability
Temperature range: approx. -20°C to 200°C
Chemical processing
Petrochemical filtration
Oil and gas systems
High-temperature industrial fluids
More expensive than EPDM
Less resistant to steam compared to EPDM
Viton is commonly selected for stainless steel filter housing in aggressive chemical environments.
Silicone seals are frequently used in hygienic applications.
Excellent flexibility
Good temperature resistance
Suitable for food-grade applications
Temperature range: approx. -60°C to 200°C
Food and beverage production
Pharmaceutical systems
Biotech filtration
Lower mechanical strength
Poor resistance to oils and solvents
Silicone is commonly used in sanitary stainless steel filter housing where product purity is critical.
PTFE (commonly known as Teflon) offers exceptional chemical resistance.
Outstanding chemical compatibility
Excellent temperature resistance
Non-stick surface
Very low friction
Strong acid and solvent filtration
Pharmaceutical processes
Highly corrosive environments
Less elastic than rubber-based seals
May require special gasket design
PTFE is often used where elastomer seals cannot withstand aggressive fluids.
NBR is commonly used in oil-related applications.
Good resistance to petroleum oils
Good mechanical strength
Cost-effective
Fuel filtration
Lubrication systems
Hydraulic systems
Limited resistance to ozone and weathering
Lower temperature tolerance compared to Viton
| Material | Chemical Resistance | Steam Resistance | Oil Resistance | Temperature Range | Cost Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EPDM | Good | Excellent | Poor | -40°C to 150°C | Low |
| Viton (FKM) | Excellent | Moderate | Excellent | -20°C to 200°C | High |
| Silicone | Moderate | Good | Poor | -60°C to 200°C | Moderate |
| PTFE | Outstanding | Excellent | Excellent | -200°C to 260°C | High |
| NBR | Moderate | Limited | Good | -30°C to 120°C | Low |
The first consideration is compatibility with the process fluid. Review chemical resistance charts before selecting a sealing material.
Strong acids, solvents, and hydrocarbons require specialized elastomers or PTFE.
Temperature extremes can cause seal hardening, cracking, or deformation.
Always verify maximum continuous operating temperature and account for temperature spikes during CIP or SIP processes.
High-pressure stainless steel filter housing requires seals with strong compression resistance and minimal extrusion risk.
Seal hardness (durometer rating) must match pressure requirements.
In food and pharmaceutical systems, seals may need:
FDA compliance
USP Class VI certification
GMP documentation
Material purity and extractables testing may be required.
Seals degrade over time. Choose materials that balance durability and replacement cost.
Proper preventive maintenance reduces unexpected downtime.
Often uses O-rings for lid sealing and cartridge interfaces.
Uses lid gaskets and bag sealing rings to prevent bypass.
Uses hygienic O-rings compatible with CIP/SIP and regulatory standards.
Requires reliable sealing due to large-diameter cartridges and high flow rates.
Seal failures may result from:
Chemical incompatibility
Over-tightening
Excessive pressure
Temperature cycling
Improper installation
Regular inspection and proper torque control prevent most seal failures.
Lubricate O-rings when appropriate
Avoid twisting during installation
Ensure sealing surfaces are clean
Replace seals during major maintenance
Verify correct groove dimensions
Proper installation extends seal life and prevents leakage.
While stainless steel construction ensures structural integrity, the sealing system ensures functional integrity.
A well-designed stainless steel filter housing combined with properly selected sealing materials ensures:
Leak-free operation
Consistent filtration performance
Reduced downtime
Long service life
Sealing material selection should always be considered part of overall system engineering—not an afterthought.
Common sealing materials in stainless steel filter housing—including EPDM, Viton, Silicone, PTFE, and NBR—each offer specific advantages depending on chemical compatibility, temperature range, and application requirements.
Selecting the right sealing material requires careful evaluation of fluid chemistry, pressure conditions, hygiene standards, and maintenance strategy. When properly matched with housing material and pressure design, the correct seal ensures safe, reliable, and long-lasting filtration system performance.
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