Among other things, butterfly valves are used for industrial applications, e.g. in the chemical and petro chemical industries, water harvesting and water purification. It is the rubber on the inside of a butterfly valve that enables it to function correctly; this is because the rubber seal in a butterfly valve always reverts to its original shape, as well as being wear-proof. This type of seal is also known as a rubber seat. RIS Rubber produces 65,000 such seats per year in a variety of sizes, types and qualities. We can produce these as full-rubber seats, or vulcanise them directly to a metal housing.

Rubber qualities

The types of rubber used for rubber seals include EPDM, NBR and FKM (Viton); there are also additional qualities that meet the special requirements prevailing in the food industry. The appropriate type of rubber is ascertained in consultation with the customer, depending on the application of the rubber seat.

Rubber/metal connections

Butterfly valves are made from metal and rubber and these are not materials that bond readily. RIS production locations include dedicated rooms for the pre-treatment of metal that will allow the rubber seat to be securely bonded to the metal butterfly valve. After a process of de-greasing, blasting and the application of an adhesive primer, the rubber can be vulcanised directly onto the metal housing using a mould. These preparation steps are of paramount importance to achieving a solid bond between the rubber and metal. Read more here about rubber/metal connections.

Why rubber?

Rubber is often used in butterfly valves because of its perfect properties. One of the unique properties of rubber is that it will always return to its original shape, meaning it will contain fluids, gases or noxious odours at all times. Rubber is also very wear-resistant and durable, with a long life, and can withstand a wide range of temperatures.

If you are looking for a business that can produce your rubber seats or apply rubber to your butterfly valves please contact us. We would be delighted to help you to investigate the range of possibilities.

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