Viton for the Oil and Gas Industry
Viton™ (FKM) fluorocarbon elastomers are widely used throughout the oil and gas industry. Canyon Components offers high‑performance O‑rings, gaskets, seals, and custom molded parts designed to withstand extreme pressures, aggressive chemicals, and elevated temperatures. Viton™ materials are especially valued in upstream, midstream, and downstream applications where exposure to hydrocarbons, sour gas, drilling fluids, and high‑pressure media demands long‑term sealing reliability.
Viton™ O‑rings, gaskets, and custom molded parts exhibit excellent resistance to fuels, oils, lubricants, aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons, ozone, weathering, and aging. When properly specified, Viton™ compounds can be formulated to meet NACE, NORSOK, and API 6A requirements, including resistance to rapid gas decompression (AED/RGD) in high‑pressure service. These characteristics make Viton™ a critical sealing material for valves, wellheads, pumps, compressors, and pressure‑containing equipment used across oil and gas operations.
The engineers and consultants at Canyon Components take pride in supporting oil and gas customers with material selection, compound qualification, and custom sealing solutions. Contact our expert staff for assistance with Viton™ O‑rings, gaskets, and custom molded parts for oil and gas applications.
Common names include: FKM (Fluorocarbon), Fluorocarbon Rubber
Trade names include: Viton™, Fluorel®, Technoflon®, Dai‑El®
Features of Viton™ in Oil and Gas Applications
- Viton™ O‑rings, gaskets, and custom molded parts provide excellent resistance to crude oil, natural gas, fuels, and drilling fluids
- Viton™ compounds maintain sealing performance at elevated temperatures and under pressure cycling
- Viton™ O‑rings, gaskets, and custom molded parts offer low gas permeability for pressurized systems
- Viton™ materials exhibit excellent resistance to ozone, weathering, and long‑term aging
- Viton™ compounds are available in high‑durometer grades (85A and higher) for improved extrusion resistance
- Viton™ materials can be formulated for AED/RGD resistance in high‑pressure gas service
Limitations of Viton™ in Oil and Gas Service
- Viton™ O‑rings, gaskets, and custom molded parts have poor resistance to hot water and superheated steam
- Viton™ materials are not recommended for strong amines, ketones, or highly polar solvents unless specialty grades are used
- Viton™ compounds are not compatible with ammonia gas or strong inorganic bases unless specialty grades are used
- Viton™ service temperature range varies by compound, with a typical maximum of 437°F (225°C)
Please consult a Canyon Components Engineer about your specific application and we will use our decades of experience to formulate a solution that fits your need.
FKM & Viton™ High Performance Polymer Types
There are many types of FKM Polymer Types that Canyon Components offers.
This includes FKM Types A, B, F, GLT, GFLT, XLT, ULT, ETP, & TBR.
The table below is a Viton™ selection guide that lays out the pluses and minuses of each variation.
Key: 1 = Excellent 2 = Good 3 = Poor 4 = Not Recommended
| Types of FKM | A | GF | GLT | GLT ED | GFLT | XLT | ETP | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canyon Compound Number | VT75BK00 | VT75BK20 | VT75BK30 | VT90BK31 | VT75BK40 | VT75BK50 | VT75BK60 | |||||||
| Description | General Purpose | General Purpose High Fluorine |
Low Temp | Low Temp Resistant to Explosive Decompression |
Low Temp High Fluorine |
Extreme Low Temp High Fluorine |
Viton® Extreme High Fluorine FEPM |
|||||||
| Cure Type | Bisphenol | Peroxide | Peroxide | Peroxide | Peroxide | Peroxide | Peroxide | |||||||
| Typical Fluorine Content | 66 | 69.5 | 64 | 64 | 66.5 | 66.5 | 67 | |||||||
| Typical High Temp Range °F (°C) | 437 (225) | 437 (225) | 437 (225) | 437 (225) | 437 (225) | 437 (225) | 437 (225) | |||||||
| Typical Low Temp Range °F (°C) | -15 (-26) | -15 (-26) | -40 (-40) | -40 (-40) | -35 (-37) | -54 (-48) | -6 (-21) | |||||||
| TR-10 °F (°C) | 1 (-17) | -6 (-21) | -22 (-30) | -22 (-30) | -11 (-24) | -40 (-40) | 12 (-11) | |||||||
| Oxygenated Automotive Fuels (containing MeOH, EtOH, MTBE, etc.) | 4 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | |||||||
| Reciprocating Engine Lubricating Oils (SE-SF Grades) | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | |||||||
| Aliphatic Hydrocarbon Process Fluids,Chemicals | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | |||||||
| Aromatic Hydrocarbon Process Fluids, | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | |||||||
| Aqueous Fluids: Water, Steam, Mineral Acids (H2SO4, HNO3, HCl, etc.) | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | |||||||
| Amines, High pH Caustics | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 1 |
FKM (Viton™) Materials Available for Oil and Gas Service
This table shows many of our standard materials and links out to our O-ring store. Get in touch with us if you need a custom gasket, custom molded part, or non-standard geometry!
Filter by
Temperature Search (°C)
Please consult a Canyon Components Engineer about your specific application and we will use our decades of experience to formulate a solution that fits your need.
What Are Oil and Gas Grade Elastomer Materials?
Oil and gas grade elastomer materials are sealing compounds specifically engineered to withstand the extreme mechanical, chemical, and environmental stresses found in oilfield and energy applications. These materials are commonly used for O‑rings, gaskets, and custom molded parts in pressure‑containing equipment where seal failure can result in leaks, safety hazards, or catastrophic downtime.
Common Considerations for Oil and Gas Elastomers
- Chemical Compatibility: Materials must resist hydrocarbons, sour gas (H₂S), CO₂, drilling fluids, lubricants, and production chemicals.
- Pressure Resistance: Elastomers must maintain integrity under high differential pressures and rapid pressure changes.
- AED/RGD Performance: Materials must resist blistering, cracking, or explosive decompression when exposed to high‑pressure gases.
- Thermal Stability: Elastomers must perform across wide temperature ranges, including high‑temperature downhole environments.
- Traceability: Materials must be fully traceable for quality control, batch tracking, and compliance documentation.
- Regulatory Compliance: Materials frequently must meet industry standards such as NACE, NORSOK, and API 6A for critical service applications.
Key Standards for Viton™ in the Oil and Gas Industry
- NACE standards define material requirements for resistance to sour gas environments containing hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) and AED resistance. Viton™ O‑rings, gaskets, and custom molded parts used in sour service applications are often formulated and tested to meet NACE requirements for chemical resistance, mechanical stability, and long‑term durability.
- NORSOK M‑710 is a stringent qualification standard used primarily in offshore oil and gas operations. It evaluates elastomers for rapid gas decompression (AED/RGD), thermal aging, fluid exposure, and mechanical performance. Viton™ compounds qualified to NORSOK M‑710 are commonly used in high‑pressure sealing systems where reliability is critical.
- API 6A specifies requirements for wellhead and Christmas tree equipment. Elastomers used in API 6A applications must demonstrate compatibility with hydrocarbons, high pressure, and elevated temperatures. Viton™ O‑rings and gaskets are frequently specified for API 6A equipment due to their chemical resistance and availability in high‑durometer, extrusion‑resistant compounds.
- Anti‑explosive decompression (AED) or rapid gas decompression (RGD) testing evaluates an elastomer’s ability to withstand sudden pressure drops without cracking or blistering. Viton™ compounds designed for oil and gas service are often tested and qualified for AED/RGD performance in high‑pressure gas environments.
Please consult a Canyon Components Engineer about your specific application and we will use our decades of experience to formulate a solution that fits your need.
Oil Field & High Pressure
API 6A Materials
Discover API 6A materials for oil and gas, ensuring compliance and reliable performance in extreme conditions.
NORSOK M-710 Materials
Explore NORSOK M-710 anti-explosive decompression materials for oil and gas, ensuring reliability and compliance in harsh environments.
NACE TM0297 Materials
Discover NACE TM0297 anti-explosive decompression materials for sour gas applications, ensuring corrosion resistance, durability, and compliance.
Oil Field Materials Available
Click here to see some of our most commonly served industries!
Canyon Components supports oil and gas customers with material selection, compound qualification, and custom sealing solutions designed for the most demanding environments. Whether your application requires a Viton™ compound qualified to NORSOK, NACE, or API 6A—or an alternative elastomer for specialized service—our engineering team is ready to help you design the right solution.
Canyon Components strives to meet all customer service requests. Feel free to contact Canyon Components engineering and let our knowledgeable staff help you design the perfect part for your needs.
Canrez® FFKM Perfluoroelastomer
Extreme temperatures and aggressive chemicals require extreme solutions. CanRez™ FFKM O‑rings, gaskets, and custom molded parts provide exceptional resistance to heat, sour gas, and aggressive chemicals where standard FKM materials may not perform.
Aflas® (TFE/P)
AFLAS® elastomers provide superior resistance to amines, bases, and sour gas environments where standard FKM compounds may be limited.
Fluorosilicone (FVMQ)
Fluorosilicone O‑rings and gaskets combine low‑temperature flexibility with improved fuel resistance, making them suitable for specialized oil and gas sealing environments depending on the pressure of the application.
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene)
Certain EPDM compounds are used in oil and gas applications where steam resistance, water compatibility, or specific chemical resistance is required.
HNBR (Hydrogenated Nitrile)
HNBR O‑rings, gaskets, and custom molded parts offer excellent mechanical strength, oil resistance, and outstanding AED/RGD performance, making them a popular choice for high‑pressure oil and gas applications.
Spring Energized Seal (SES)
The harshest environments require specialized solutions. Often times, a Canyon Components Spring Energized Seal (SES) will be needed. SES are typically formatted in a multi-piece assembly consisting of a polymeric sealing component that is wrapped around a spring energizer.
Please consult a Canyon Components Engineer about your specific application and we will use our decades of experience to formulate a solution that fits your need.
All Other FKM (Viton™) Types Available
Viton™ Type A – General Purpose FKM
Viton™ Type A FKM O-rings, gaskets, and custom molded parts provide balanced heat and chemical resistance. This general purpose fluorocarbon elastomer is widely used in industrial sealing applications involving fuels, oils, and hydrocarbons.
Viton™ Type B – Improved Chemical Resistance FKM
Viton™ Type B FKM offers enhanced resistance to aggressive fuels, aromatics, and chemical blends compared to Type A. This high-fluorine fluorocarbon elastomer is commonly specified in demanding fuel systems.
Viton™ Type F – Improved Chemical Resistance FKM
Viton™ Type F FKM provides superior resistance to oxygenated fuels, solvents, and aggressive chemical environments. This fluorocarbon elastomer is frequently used in automotive and industrial fuel sealing applications.
Viton™ Type GF – High Fluorine FKM
Viton™ Type GF FKM features increased fluorine content for improved resistance to fuels, biodiesel, and harsh chemicals while maintaining strong mechanical properties and sealing reliability.
Viton™ Type GLT – Low Temperature FKM
Viton™ Type GLT FKM delivers improved low-temperature flexibility compared to standard fluorocarbon elastomers, supporting sealing performance in colder climates without sacrificing chemical resistance.
Viton™ Type GFLT – Low Temperature and Chemical Resistant FKM
Viton™ Type GFLT FKM combines enhanced low-temperature flexibility with improved resistance to aggressive fuels and chemical blends, making it suitable for demanding fluorocarbon sealing applications.
Viton™ Type ETP – Specialty Chemical Resistant FKM
Viton™ Type ETP FKM provides exceptional resistance to aggressive chemicals, steam, and amines. This specialty fluorocarbon elastomer is often used in oil, gas, and chemical processing systems.
Viton™ Type ULT – Ultra Low Temperature FKM
Viton™ Type ULT FKM is engineered for ultra-low temperature environments while maintaining fluorocarbon chemical resistance, making it suitable for extreme cold industrial and aerospace sealing systems.
Viton™ Type XLT – Extreme Low Temperature FKM
Viton™ Type XLT FKM extends low-temperature sealing capability beyond GLT grades, offering reliable fluorocarbon elastomer performance in severe cold and aerospace environments.
Back to Industries Hub
Get A Quote Now!
Groove Design References
Learn More
Coatings, Packaging, & Other Services
Learn More
Custom Parts & Custom O-rings
Learn More