Sealing Solutions for Drinking Water and Service Water Systems

Article re-posted with permission from Parker Hannifin Sealing & Shielding Team.

Original content can be found on Parker’s Website and was written by Dr. Stefan Reichle, Market Unit Manager, Engineered Materials Group Europe.

Wherever drinking water is obtained from any of its sources, pumped and processed, materials with low extraction levels and without any harmful ingredients are required. Sealing compounds for use in drinking water and heating applications are subject to diverse approval regulations. These regulations serve to assure the safety of water from the time of intake, via treatment, processing and transportation through to the consumer. Practically every country in the world has its own drinking water regulations specifying particular tests and including lists of approved ingredients. These regulations are complemented by physical and microbiological examinations.

The Parker Engineered Materials Group has developed a number of compounds, each of which meets a wide range of the required approvals, thus permitting the global utilization of sealing systems.

New universal compound combines excellent compression set and improved resistance against autoxidation

The peroxide-crosslinked plasticizer-free EPDM compound EJ820 was specifically developed for use in drinking water applications. The material conforms to all standard national and international drinking water approvals such as KTW, W270, W534, EN681-1 including the supplementary requirement, W534, NSF61, KIWA, WRAS, ACS. The material’s low compression set guarantees long life and thus permanent and reliable sealing of all fittings, valves and pipe systems. In addition, EJ820 exhibits enhanced resistance against autoxidation.

Parker materials cover a broad range of drinking and service water applications

• Seals for solar thermal energy systems
• Bathroom taps and shower heads
• Press fittings
• Heater valves and valve blocks
• Drinking water applications
• Heater pumps

Below are Parker material compounds and associated specifications:

For more information about Parker products that are applicable for drinking water and service water systems, contact Gallagher's engineering department.