Property

Test Method

Unit

Value Range

Typical Value

Grade

Hardness

ASTM D2240

Shore A

70-85

75 ± 5

Medium-hard

Tensile Strength

ASTM D412

MPa

12-15

13.5

Premium

Tensile Strength (Minimum)

ASTM D412

MPa

>11

13.5

Guaranteed

Elongation at Break

ASTM D412

%

350-450

400

High flexibility

100% Modulus

ASTM D412

MPa

3.5-4.5

4.0

Optimal stiffness

300% Modulus

ASTM D412

MPa

8.5-10.5

9.5

Good reinforcement

Tear Strength (Die C)

ASTM D624

kN/m

35-45

40

Excellent

Tear Strength (Die B)

ASTM D624

kN/m

45-55

50

Superior

Compression Set (22h @100°C)

ASTM D395 Method B

%

12-18

15

Excellent

Compression Set (70h @100°C)

ASTM D395 Method B

%

18-25

22

Very Good

Compression Set (22h @125°C)

ASTM D395 Method B

%

15-22

18

Superior

Compression Set (70h @125°C)

ASTM D395 Method B

%

22-28

25

Excellent

Rebound Resilience

ASTM D2632

%

45-55

50

Good

Abrasion Resistance

DIN 53516

mm³ loss

120-150

135

Excellent

Specific Gravity

ASTM D297

g/cm³

1.15-1.25

1.20 ±0.03

Consistent

Modulus of Elasticity

Calculated

MPa

4-6

5

Optimal

Property

Test Method

Unit

Value

Significance

Continuous Operating Temperature

ASTM D573

°C

-40 to +130

Normal sterilization range

Intermittent Peak Temperature

ASTM D573

°C

Up to +160

During steam spikes

Low-Temperature Flexibility

ASTM D2137

°C

-50

Brittle point

Glass Transition Temperature (Tg)

DSC

°C

-55

Molecular mobility onset

Thermal Conductivity

ASTM C177

W/m·K

0.25

Heat dissipation rate

Specific Heat Capacity

DSC

J/g·K

1.8

Heat absorption

Coefficient of Thermal Expansion

ASTM D696

×10⁻⁶/°C

160

Dimensional change with temperature

Brittleness Temperature

ASTM D746

°C

-55

Impact failure point

Heat Aging (7 days @125°C)

ASTM D573

% retention

>90

Property retention

Heat Aging (7 days @150°C)

ASTM D573

% retention

>85

High-temp stability

Property

Test Method

Unit

Value

Application Note

Volume Resistivity

ASTM D257

Ω·cm

1×10¹⁵

Excellent insulator

Dielectric Strength

ASTM D149

kV/mm

20-25

High voltage resistance

Dielectric Constant (at 1 kHz)

ASTM D150

-

3.0-3.5

Low capacitance

Dissipation Factor (at 1 kHz)

ASTM D150

-

0.005-0.010

Low energy loss

Arc Resistance

ASTM D495

seconds

80-100

Good tracking resistance

Chemical Class

Specific Chemical

Concentration

Temperature

Resistance Rating*

Acids - Inorganic

Sulfuric acid

10%

23°C

Excellent

Sulfuric acid

50%

23°C

Good

Hydrochloric acid

10%

23°C

Excellent

Hydrochloric acid

37%

23°C

Good

Nitric acid

10%

23°C

Good

Nitric acid

30%

23°C

Fair

Acids - Organic

Acetic acid

10%

23°C

Excellent

Acetic acid

50%

23°C

Good

Citric acid

Any

23°C

Excellent

Oleic acid (palm oil fatty acid)

100%

100°C

Good

Alkalis

Sodium hydroxide

10%

23°C

Excellent

Sodium hydroxide

50%

23°C

Good

Potassium hydroxide

10%

23°C

Excellent

Ammonium hydroxide

Any

23°C

Excellent

Alcohols

Methanol

100%

23°C

Excellent

Ethanol

100%

23°C

Excellent

Isopropanol

100%

23°C

Excellent

Ketones

Acetone

100%

23°C

Good

Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK)

100%

23°C

Good

Aldehydes

Formaldehyde

37%

23°C

Excellent

Amines

Ethanolamine

Any

23°C

Good

Vegetable Oils

Crude Palm Oil (CPO)

100%

100°C

Good

Palm Olein

100%

100°C

Good

Palm Stearin

100%

100°C

Good

Animal Oils

Lard, Tallow

100%

100°C

Good

Mineral Oils

ASTM Oil #1

100%

100°C

Poor - Not Recommended

ASTM Oil #2

100%

100°C

Poor - Not Recommended

ASTM Oil #3

100%

100°C

Poor - Not Recommended

Fuels

Gasoline

100%

23°C

Poor - Not Recommended

Diesel

100%

23°C

Poor - Not Recommended

Kerosene

100%

23°C

Poor - Not Recommended

Solvents

Toluene

100%

23°C

Poor - Not Recommended

Xylene

100%

23°C

Poor - Not Recommended

Trichloroethylene

100%

23°C

Poor - Not Recommended

Water

Distilled water

100%

100°C

Excellent

Steam

Saturated

150°C

Excellent

Sea water

100%

23°C

Excellent

Cleaning Agents

Detergents (non-ionic)

10%

80°C

Excellent

Hypochlorite bleach

5%

23°C

Good

Immersion Fluid

Temperature

Time

Hardness Change

Volume Change

Tensile Change

Rating

Water

100°C

70 hrs

-2 to 0

+2 to +4%

-5 to -10%

Excellent

Steam

121°C

168 hrs

-5 to -2

+5 to +10%

-10 to -20%

Excellent

Crude Palm Oil (CPO)

100°C

70 hrs

-5 to -3

+5 to +8%

-10 to -15%

Good

Palm Fatty Acid Distillate

80°C

70 hrs

-8 to -5

+8 to +12%

-15 to -25%

Good

ASTM Oil #1 (IRM 901)

100°C

70 hrs

-15 to -10

+40 to +60%

-50 to -70%

Poor

ASTM Oil #3 (IRM 903)

100°C

70 hrs

-20 to -15

+60 to +100%

-70 to -90%

Poor

5% NaOH Solution

80°C

70 hrs

-3 to 0

0 to +3%

-5 to -10%

Excellent

10% Acetic Acid

80°C

70 hrs

-5 to -2

+2 to +5%

-10 to -15%

Good

Aging Condition

Property

Retention (%)

Visual Change

7 days @ 125°C (air oven)

Hardness

+2 to +5 points

None

Tensile Strength

90-95%

None

Elongation

85-90%

None

14 days @ 125°C (air oven)

Hardness

+3 to +7 points

None

Tensile Strength

85-90%

None

Elongation

80-85%

None

7 days @ 150°C (air oven)

Hardness

+5 to +10 points

Slight discoloration

Tensile Strength

80-85%

Slight discoloration

Elongation

75-80%

Slight discoloration

21 days @ 100°C (steam)

Hardness

0 to +3 points

None

Tensile Strength

90-95%

None

Elongation

85-90%

None

Test Condition

Concentration

Strain

Duration

Result

Static Ozone Exposure

50 pphm

20%

72 hours

No cracking

Static Ozone Exposure

100 pphm

20%

72 hours

No cracking

Static Ozone Exposure

200 pphm

20%

72 hours

No cracking

Dynamic Ozone Exposure

50 pphm

0-25% cyclic

168 hours

No cracking

Outdoor Weathering (Borneo)

Natural

Unstrained

12 months

No visible degradation

Exposure

Cycle

Duration

Property Retention

Visual Change

UV-A (340 nm)

8h UV @ 60°C + 4h condensation

500 hours

>95%

No change

UV-A (340 nm)

8h UV @ 60°C + 4h condensation

1000 hours

>90%

Slight surface dulling

UV-A (340 nm)

8h UV @ 60°C + 4h condensation

2000 hours

>85%

Minor surface change

Xenon Arc

Full spectrum with water spray

1000 hours

>90%

No significant change

Profile Code

Leg Height (A)

Base Width (B)

Overall Height (C)

Corner Radius (Internal)

Corner Radius (External)

RUB-L8.5

8.5 mm ±0.2

16.5 mm ±0.3

20.0 mm ±0.3

1.0 mm

0.5 mm

RUB-L9.5

9.5 mm ±0.2

16.5 mm ±0.3

20.0 mm ±0.3

1.0 mm

0.5 mm

RUB-L10.0

10.0 mm ±0.2

16.6 mm ±0.3

20.0 mm ±0.3

1.0 mm

0.5 mm

Dimension

Measurement Tool

Calibration Frequency

Acceptance Criteria

Leg Height

Digital micrometer (0-25mm)

Monthly

Within ±0.2 mm of spec

Base Width

Digital caliper (0-150mm)

Monthly

Within ±0.3 mm of spec

Overall Height

Digital caliper (0-150mm)

Monthly

Within ±0.3 mm of spec

Cross-section profile

Optical comparator

Quarterly

Matches master template

Length (roll stock)

Digital measuring wheel

Weekly

Within ±0.5% of stated length

Ring circumference

Pi tape

Per production

Within ±0.5% of specified

Standard Ring Code

Nominal Inside Diameter

Diameter Tolerance

Cross-section

Typical Door Diameter

RUB-RE-1700

1,700 mm

±8.5 mm (±0.5%)

As specified

1,700-1,720 mm

RUB-RE-2000

2,000 mm

±10 mm (±0.5%)

As specified

2,000-2,020 mm

RUB-RE-2300

2,300 mm

±11.5 mm (±0.5%)

As specified

2,300-2,320 mm

RUB-RE-2500

2,500 mm

±12.5 mm (±0.5%)

As specified

2,500-2,520 mm

RUB-RE-2700

2,700 mm

±13.5 mm (±0.5%)

As specified

2,700-2,720 mm

RUB-RE-3000

3,000 mm

±15 mm (±0.5%)

As specified

3,000-3,020 mm

RUB-RE-3200

3,200 mm

±16 mm (±0.5%)

As specified

3,200-3,220 mm

RUB-RE-3500

3,500 mm

±17.5 mm (±0.5%)

As specified

3,500-3,520 mm

Section 1.3: Performance Under Operating Conditions

Table 3.1: Pressure-Temperature Operating Envelope

Pressure (bar g)

Saturated Steam Temp (°C)

Continuous Rating

Intermittent Rating (hours)

1.0 bar

120°C

Excellent (unlimited)

Excellent (unlimited)

1.5 bar

127°C

Excellent (unlimited)

Excellent (unlimited)

2.0 bar

134°C

Excellent (unlimited)

Excellent (unlimited)

2.5 bar

139°C

Excellent (unlimited)

Excellent (unlimited)

3.0 bar

144°C

Excellent (unlimited)

Excellent (unlimited)

3.5 bar

148°C

Good (continuous)

Excellent (unlimited)

4.0 bar

152°C

Good (limited life)

Good (up to 100 hrs)

4.5 bar

156°C

Fair (reduced life)

Good (up to 50 hrs)

5.0 bar

159°C

Not recommended

Fair (up to 24 hrs)

Table 3.2: Service Life Prediction Model

Parameter

Capability

Notes

Diameter Range

500 mm - 4,500 mm

Any size within range

Diameter Increment

Any (no tooling restrictions)

No minimum step size

Tolerance

±0.5% of specified diameter

Tighter tolerances available on request

Cross-section Profiles

All standard (8.5, 9.5, 10.0mm)

Custom profiles available

Minimum Order Quantity

1 ring (for standard sizes)

2 rings for custom sizes

Lead Time (Standard Sizes)

2-3 working days

Stock items

Lead Time (Custom Sizes)

5-7 working days

Based on production schedule

Joint Type

Vulcanized endless

No visible joint

Pressure (bar g)

Saturated Steam Temp (°C)

Continuous Rating

Intermittent Rating (hours)

1.0 bar

120°C

Excellent (unlimited)

Excellent (unlimited)

1.5 bar

127°C

Excellent (unlimited)

Excellent (unlimited)

2.0 bar

134°C

Excellent (unlimited)

Excellent (unlimited)

2.5 bar

139°C

Excellent (unlimited)

Excellent (unlimited)

3.0 bar

144°C

Excellent (unlimited)

Excellent (unlimited)

3.5 bar

148°C

Good (continuous)

Excellent (unlimited)

4.0 bar

152°C

Good (limited life)

Good (up to 100 hrs)

4.5 bar

156°C

Fair (reduced life)

Good (up to 50 hrs)

5.0 bar

159°C

Not recommended

Fair (up to 24 hrs)

Table 3.3: Compression Force vs. Deflection

Compression (%)

Force (kN/m of seal length)

Sealing Pressure (MPa)

Application

5%

1.2 - 1.8

0.07 - 0.11

Light contact, low pressure

10%

2.5 - 3.5

0.15 - 0.21

Minimum recommended

15%

4.0 - 5.0

0.24 - 0.30

Optimal range

20%

5.5 - 6.5

0.33 - 0.39

Optimal range

25%

7.0 - 8.5

0.42 - 0.52

Maximum recommended

30%

9.0 - 11.0

0.55 - 0.67

Over-compression risk

Table 3.4: Pressure Activation Factor (Self-Energizing Effect)

System Pressure (bar)

Base Mechanical Force

Pressure Activation Factor

Total Sealing Force

0 bar

100%

1.0×

100%

1.0 bar

100%

1.8×

180%

1.5 bar

100%

2.2×

220%

2.0 bar

100%

2.6×

260%

2.5 bar

100%

3.0×

300%

3.0 bar

100%

3.4×

340%

3.5 bar

100%

3.8×

380%

4.0 bar

100%

4.2×

420%

*Note: Activation factor based on L-shaped geometry effective area of 3.2 cm² per linear cm*

PART 2: COMPREHENSIVE APPLICATIONS DATABASE

Section 2.1: Primary Application - Palm Oil Mill Sterilizers

2.1.1 Horizontal Sterilizer Applications

Application Description:
Horizontal sterilizers are the most common type in Malaysian palm oil mills, typically ranging from 2,000mm to 3,500mm in diameter and 20-30 meters in length. These vessels process 20-30 tonnes of Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) per cycle .

Sealing Requirements:

• Door Type: Hinged or sliding pressure doors

• Operating Pressure: 2.5 - 3.5 bar g

• Operating Temperature: 135 - 150°C

• Cycle Frequency: 80-120 cycles per week

• Seal Compression: 15-20% of original height

RUBASIA Solution:

Operating Conditions

Expected Service Life

Maintenance Interval

Standard: 3.0 bar, 140-145°C, 100 cycles/week

18-24 months

Inspect quarterly

Mild: 2.5 bar, 135-140°C, 80 cycles/week

24-30 months

Inspect semi-annually

Severe: 3.5 bar, 145-150°C, 120 cycles/week

12-18 months

Inspect monthly

Extreme: >3.5 bar, >150°C, continuous operation

6-12 months

Inspect weekly

With Oil Contamination

3-6 months

Immediate replacement recommended

Compression (%)

Force (kN/m of seal length)

Sealing Pressure (MPa)

Application

5%

1.2 - 1.8

0.07 - 0.11

Light contact, low pressure

10%

2.5 - 3.5

0.15 - 0.21

Minimum recommended

15%

4.0 - 5.0

0.24 - 0.30

Optimal range

20%

5.5 - 6.5

0.33 - 0.39

Optimal range

25%

7.0 - 8.5

0.42 - 0.52

Maximum recommended

30%

9.0 - 11.0

0.55 - 0.67

Over-compression risk

System Pressure (bar)

Base Mechanical Force

Pressure Activation Factor

Total Sealing Force

0 bar

100%

1.0×

100%

1.0 bar

100%

1.8×

180%

1.5 bar

100%

2.2×

220%

2.0 bar

100%

2.6×

260%

2.5 bar

100%

3.0×

300%

3.0 bar

100%

3.4×

340%

3.5 bar

100%

3.8×

380%

4.0 bar

100%

4.2×

420%

Installation Locations (Sabah):

• Palm oil mills in Lahad Datu (POIC area)

• Sandakan industrial zone

• Tawau plantation region

• Keningau interior mills

• Kinabatangan district plantations

Installation Locations (Sarawak):

• Bintulu industrial park mills

• Miri plantation operations

• Sibu region palm oil processors

• Kuching area mills

Installation Locations (Brunei):

• Kuala Belait agricultural areas

• Tutong district plantations

2.1.2 Vertical Sterilizer Applications

Application Description:
Vertical sterilizers are increasingly common in newer mills and space-constrained installations. These units have smaller diameters (1,500-2,500mm) but similar pressure requirements .

Sealing Requirements:

• Door Type: Top-loading or bottom-discharge pressure doors

• Operating Pressure: 2.5 - 3.0 bar g

• Operating Temperature: 135 - 145°C

• Cycle Frequency: 60-100 cycles per week

• Special Considerations: Gravity assists sealing but may cause uneven compression

RUBASIA Solution:

Parameter

Specification

Benefit

Recommended Profile

RUB-L8.5 (8.5mm leg)

Better for smaller grooves

Preferred Format

Joint Endless Ring

Prevents sagging during installation

Ring Sizes

RE-1700, RE-2000, RE-2300

Matches vertical sterilizer diameters

Material Grade

EPDM-75 or EPDM-80

Options for different compression needs

Installation Locations:

• Modern mills across Sabah and Sarawak

• Space-constrained facilities in Kota Kinabalu industrial areas

• High-throughput operations requiring rapid cycling

2.1.3 Cage Sterilizer Applications

Application Description:
Some mills use cage-type sterilizers where multiple cages are loaded into a horizontal vessel. Door sealing requirements are similar to standard horizontal units but may involve more frequent door operations .

Sealing Requirements:

• Door Type: Quick-opening mechanisms

• Operating Pressure: 2.8 - 3.2 bar g

• Operating Temperature: 140 - 148°C

• Cycle Frequency: 100-150 cycles per week

• Special Considerations: Higher cycle count requires superior compression set resistance

RUBASIA Solution:

Parameter

Specification

Benefit

Recommended Profile

RUB-L9.5 or RUB-L10.0

Extra material for high-cycle applications

Preferred Format

Joint Endless Ring or Bulk Roll

Based on maintenance preference

Material Grade

EPDM-75 (peroxide-cured)

Superior compression set resistance

Special Feature

Enhanced antioxidant package

Extended life under high-cycle conditions

Section 2.2: Secondary Applications

2.2.1 Palm Oil Kernel Plant Operations

Application Description:
Kernel plants process palm kernels from the nuts separated during milling. While conditions are less severe than sterilization, steam is still used in conditioning and drying processes.

Sealing Requirements:

• Application: Kernel conditioning vessels, driers

• Operating Pressure: 1.0 - 2.0 bar g

• Operating Temperature: 100 - 130°C

• Environment: Lower humidity, some oil exposure

• Seal Type: Similar L-shape or modified profiles

RUBASIA Solution:

Parameter

Specification

Benefit

Recommended Profile

RUB-L8.5 or RUB-L9.5

Based on equipment design

Preferred Format

Bulk Roll (100 ft)

Cost-effective for multiple small units

Material Grade

EPDM-75

Standard grade suitable

Alternative

NBR (if oil contact significant)

Consult technical team

2.2.2 Biogas and Biofuel Plant Applications

Application Description:
Increasingly, palm oil mills incorporate biogas capture and biofuel production. These facilities have vessels requiring steam-tight seals.

Sealing Requirements:

• Application: Digesters, steam lines, access doors

• Operating Pressure: Low to moderate (0.5 - 2.0 bar)

• Operating Temperature: 70 - 120°C

• Environment: May contain biogas (methane, H₂S)

• Special Considerations: H₂S resistance may be required

RUBASIA Solution:

Parameter

Specification

Benefit

Recommended Profile

Custom based on groove design

Engineered to fit

Material Grade

EPDM-75 (standard)

Good general resistance

Special Grade

EPDM with enhanced H₂S resistance

For high-sulfur environments

Certification

Biogas compatibility data available

On request

2.2.3 Industrial Autoclave Applications

Application Description:
Beyond palm oil, autoclaves are used in:

• Rubber vulcanization

• Timber treatment

• Composite curing

• Food processing

Sealing Requirements:

Industry

Pressure

Temperature

Special Considerations

Rubber Vulcanization

3-10 bar

150-180°C

Higher temperature, may require FKM

Timber Treatment

2-5 bar

80-120°C

Chemical preservatives

Composite Curing

3-7 bar

120-160°C

Clean environment

Food Processing

1-3 bar

100-135°C

Food contact grades available

RUBASIA Solution:

Parameter

Specification

Benefit

Recommended Profile

RUB-L9.5 (9.5mm leg)

Accommodates door movement

Preferred Format

Joint Endless Ring

Fast installation, no field splicing

Ring Sizes

RE-2300, RE-2700, RE-3200

Fits standard sterilizer diameters

Material Grade

EPDM-75 (75 Shore A)

Optimal balance of flexibility and strength

Parameter

Specification

Benefit

Recommended Profile

RUB-L8.5 (8.5mm leg)

Better for smaller grooves

Preferred Format

Joint Endless Ring

Prevents sagging during installation

Ring Sizes

RE-1700, RE-2000, RE-2300

Matches vertical sterilizer diameters

Material Grade

EPDM-75 or EPDM-80

Options for different compression needs

Parameter

Specification

Benefit

Recommended Profile

RUB-L9.5 or RUB-L10.0

Extra material for high-cycle applications

Preferred Format

Joint Endless Ring or Bulk Roll

Based on maintenance preference

Material Grade

EPDM-75 (peroxide-cured)

Superior compression set resistance

Special Feature

Enhanced antioxidant package

Extended life under high-cycle conditions

Parameter

Specification

Benefit

Recommended Profile

RUB-L8.5 or RUB-L9.5

Based on equipment design

Preferred Format

Bulk Roll (100 ft)

Cost-effective for multiple small units

Material Grade

EPDM-75

Standard grade suitable

Alternative

NBR (if oil contact significant)

Consult technical team

Parameter

Specification

Benefit

Recommended Profile

Custom based on groove design

Engineered to fit

Material Grade

EPDM-75 (standard)

Good general resistance

Special Grade

EPDM with enhanced H₂S resistance

For high-sulfur environments

Certification

Biogas compatibility data available

On request

Industry

Pressure

Temperature

Special Considerations

Rubber Vulcanization

3-10 bar

150-180°C

Higher temperature, may require FKM

Timber Treatment

2-5 bar

80-120°C

Chemical preservatives

Composite Curing

3-7 bar

120-160°C

Clean environment

Food Processing

1-3 bar

100-135°C

Food contact grades available

Section 2.3: Application by Mill Type and Size

Table 4.1: Rubber Sizing Guide by Sterilizer Type

Mill Capacity (FFB/hr)

Sterilizer Type

Typical Diameter

Recommended Profile

Recommended Ring Size

30-45 tonnes/hr

Horizontal

2,100-2,300 mm

RUB-L9.5

RE-2300

45-60 tonnes/hr

Horizontal

2,500-2,700 mm

RUB-L9.5

RE-2700

60-90 tonnes/hr

Horizontal

3,000-3,200 mm

RUB-L9.5 or RUB-L10.0

RE-3200

20-30 tonnes/hr

Vertical

1,700-2,000 mm

RUB-L8.5

RE-1700 or RE-2000

30-45 tonnes/hr

Vertical

2,100-2,300 mm

RUB-L9.5

RE-2300

Variable

Cage

2,300-2,700 mm

RUB-L9.5

RE-2300 or RE-2700

Section 2.4: Application-Specific Technical Considerations

2.4.1 New Mills vs. Retrofit Applications

Parameter

Specification

Benefit

Recommended Profile

Custom engineered

Optimized for each application

Material Options

EPDM, FKM, Silicone

Based on temperature/chemical requirements

Design Service

Full engineering support

We design for your specific autoclave

Testing

Prototype available

Validate before full production

Mill Capacity (FFB/hr)

Sterilizer Type

Typical Diameter

Recommended Profile

Recommended Ring Size

30-45 tonnes/hr

Horizontal

2,100-2,300 mm

RUB-L9.5

RE-2300

45-60 tonnes/hr

Horizontal

2,500-2,700 mm

RUB-L9.5

RE-2700

60-90 tonnes/hr

Horizontal

3,000-3,200 mm

RUB-L9.5 or RUB-L10.0

RE-3200

20-30 tonnes/hr

Vertical

1,700-2,000 mm

RUB-L8.5

RE-1700 or RE-2000

30-45 tonnes/hr

Vertical

2,100-2,300 mm

RUB-L9.5

RE-2300

Variable

Cage

2,300-2,700 mm

RUB-L9.5

RE-2300 or RE-2700

2.4.2 High-Altitude Mill Locations

Locations Affected:

• Mills in Ranau, Sabah (elevation ~1,000m)

• Interior Sarawak locations

• Highland plantations

Technical Considerations:

Factor

Sea Level

High Altitude

Impact

Atmospheric Pressure

1.013 bar

0.9 bar (at 1,000m)

Slightly lower

Boiling Point

100°C

96.7°C (at 1,000m)

Minor difference

Steam Pressure

Same gauge pressure

Same gauge pressure

No impact

Cooling Rate

Baseline

Faster

May affect cycle timing

RUBASIA Solution:
Standard EPDM formulation performs identically at altitude. No special modifications required.

2.4.3 Coastal Mill Locations

Locations Affected:

• Kota Kinabalu industrial areas

• Sandakan port area

• Bintulu coastal mills

• Labuan facilities

• Brunei coastal operations

Technical Considerations:

Factor

New Mill Installation

Retrofit/Replacement

Groove Condition

As-manufactured, clean

May have wear, corrosion, damage

Measurement Required

Design specifications

Actual field measurement recommended

Profile Selection

Standard per design

May need +0.5mm for worn grooves

Installation

Straightforward

May require groove cleaning/prep

First Seal

Will set baseline performance

Compare to previous seal life

RUBASIA Recommendation

Standard profile per door size

Measure groove depth and width; consider 9.5mm for worn 8.5mm grooves

Factor

Sea Level

High Altitude

Impact

Atmospheric Pressure

1.013 bar

0.9 bar (at 1,000m)

Slightly lower

Boiling Point

100°C

96.7°C (at 1,000m)

Minor difference

Steam Pressure

Same gauge pressure

Same gauge pressure

No impact

Cooling Rate

Baseline

Faster

May affect cycle timing

RUBASIA Solution:
Standard EPDM formulation provides excellent resistance to all coastal environmental factors. No special modifications required .

Section 2.5: Integration with Mill Maintenance Programs

2.5.1 Preventive Maintenance Scheduling

Maintenance Level

Frequency

Activities

Responsible Party

Level 1: Operator Check

Daily

Visual inspection for steam leaks; note any unusual signs

Shift operator

Level 2: Weekly Inspection

Weekly

Check door closing pressure; inspect seal visible condition; clean seal surface if accessible

Maintenance technician

Level 3: Monthly Inspection

Monthly

Partial door opening for seal inspection; check for cuts, abrasion, compression set; verify bolt torque

Maintenance supervisor

Level 4: Quarterly Inspection

Quarterly

Full seal inspection; measure compression set; check door alignment; verify all bolts at spec

Maintenance engineer

Level 5: Annual Replacement

Annually (or based on condition)

Complete seal replacement; groove inspection and cleaning; door alignment verification

Maintenance crew

2.5.2 Spare Parts Inventory Recommendations

Mill Size

Number of Sterilizers

Recommended Stock (Rolls)

Recommended Stock (Rings)

Small (20-30 t/hr)

2-3 sterilizers

2 rolls (various sizes)

1 set per sterilizer size

Medium (30-60 t/hr)

3-5 sterilizers

3-4 rolls (all sizes used)

2 sets per common size

Large (60-90 t/hr)

5-8 sterilizers

5-6 rolls (all sizes)

2-3 sets per common size

Very Large (>90 t/hr)

8+ sterilizers

8-10 rolls + blanket order

3-4 sets per size + blanket

Stocking Strategy:

• Emergency Stock: 1 roll of most common size always available

• Scheduled Replacement: Order rings 2-3 weeks before planned change

• Bulk Purchasing: Consider annual contract for volume discounts

PART 3: COMPARATIVE TECHNICAL ANALYSIS

Section 3.1: RUBASIA EPDM vs. Competitor Materials

Table 5.1: Direct Comparison - Physical Properties

Property

RUBASIA EPDM

Standard EPDM

Competitor A

Competitor B

Hardness (Shore A)

75 ±5

70 ±10

73 ±8

72 ±9

Tensile Strength (MPa)

13.5 (min 12)

10-12

11.5

10.8

Elongation (%)

400 (min 350)

300-350

320

310

Tear Strength (kN/m)

40

28-32

30

28

Compression Set (%)

15

25-30

22

28

Abrasion (mm³ loss)

135

160-180

155

175

Heat Aging Retention

90% @7d/125°C

75-80%

82%

70%

Price Index

1.0×

0.8×

0.95×

0.75×

Value Rating

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

⭐⭐⭐

⭐⭐⭐⭐

⭐⭐

Table 5.2: Direct Comparison - Service Life (Typical Mill Conditions)

Factor

Impact

Mitigation

Salt Air/Spray

Potential corrosion of door components

Stainless steel door components recommended

High Humidity

Constant moisture exposure

EPDM unaffected (excellent water resistance)

Temperature

Warm, stable

Within EPDM operating range

UV Exposure

Intense tropical sun

EPDM has excellent UV resistance

Maintenance Level

Frequency

Activities

Responsible Party

Level 1: Operator Check

Daily

Visual inspection for steam leaks; note any unusual signs

Shift operator

Level 2: Weekly Inspection

Weekly

Check door closing pressure; inspect seal visible condition; clean seal surface if accessible

Maintenance technician

Level 3: Monthly Inspection

Monthly

Partial door opening for seal inspection; check for cuts, abrasion, compression set; verify bolt torque

Maintenance supervisor

Level 4: Quarterly Inspection

Quarterly

Full seal inspection; measure compression set; check door alignment; verify all bolts at spec

Maintenance engineer

Level 5: Annual Replacement

Annually (or based on condition)

Complete seal replacement; groove inspection and cleaning; door alignment verification

Maintenance crew

Mill Size

Number of Sterilizers

Recommended Stock (Rolls)

Recommended Stock (Rings)

Small (20-30 t/hr)

2-3 sterilizers

2 rolls (various sizes)

1 set per sterilizer size

Medium (30-60 t/hr)

3-5 sterilizers

3-4 rolls (all sizes used)

2 sets per common size

Large (60-90 t/hr)

5-8 sterilizers

5-6 rolls (all sizes)

2-3 sets per common size

Very Large (>90 t/hr)

8+ sterilizers

8-10 rolls + blanket order

3-4 sets per size + blanket

Property

RUBASIA EPDM

Standard EPDM

Competitor A

Competitor B

Hardness (Shore A)

75 ±5

70 ±10

73 ±8

72 ±9

Tensile Strength (MPa)

13.5 (min 12)

10-12

11.5

10.8

Elongation (%)

400 (min 350)

300-350

320

310

Tear Strength (kN/m)

40

28-32

30

28

Compression Set (%)

15

25-30

22

28

Abrasion (mm³ loss)

135

160-180

155

175

Heat Aging Retention

90% @7d/125°C

75-80%

82%

70%

Price Index

1.0×

0.8×

0.95×

0.75×

Value Rating

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

⭐⭐⭐

⭐⭐⭐⭐

⭐⭐

Operating Condition

RUBASIA EPDM

Standard EPDM

Competitor A

Competitor B

Standard (3.0 bar, 140°C)

18-24 months

10-14 months

14-18 months

8-12 months

Mild (2.5 bar, 135°C)

24-30 months

14-18 months

18-22 months

12-16 months

Severe (3.5 bar, 148°C)

12-18 months

6-10 months

10-14 months

4-8 months

With Oil Exposure

3-6 months

1-3 months

2-4 months

1-2 months