In food and beverage processing, every seal must protect product integrity, ensure cleanliness, and stand up to rigorous regulatory inspections. Durlon® gasket and sealing materials are purpose-built for this demanding environment. At R/W Connection, we distribute and support Durlon solutions to help processors minimize leaks, reduce changeovers, and meet hygiene standards with confidence.
The Challenges of Sealing in Food & Beverage Environments
Sealing in food and beverage operations is complex due to:
- Strict regulatory standards (FDA, USP, WRAS)
- High cycles of clean-in-place (CIP), sterilization, and high temperatures
- Exposure to aggressive chemicals (alkaline, acids)
- Need for zero contamination risk
- Frequent maintenance and gasket replacement
Standard industrial gaskets often fail to meet these challenges: they may degrade, delaminate, or contaminate product streams under harsh conditions.
Durlon Sealing Solutions for Food & Beverage Applications
Durlon addresses these challenges through a purpose-engineered product suite. Key features include:
- Certifications and compliance: FDA 21 CFR 177.2600, USP Class VI, WRAS, API 6FB fire test ratings
- Wide product line:
• Durlon LT200 / LT300 — PTFE-based materials for general sanitary service
• Durlon 9645, 5000 — specialty compounds for demanding chemical or temperature use
• Durlon 8400, 8500, 8600 — high-performance rubber/elastomeric options
• Durlon 9000 / 9000N, 9200, 9400 — expanded options for extreme conditions - Custom gasket fabrication and shapes to match your specific flanges
- Support for installation best practices (torque, surface finish, gasket stress)
- Long lifecycle, reducing downtime and inventory overhead
R/W Connection can help you select, size, and specify the right Durlon sealing solution for your application, and support you through installation and maintenance.
Key Benefits & Applications
Primary benefits of Durlon in food and beverage settings:
- Regulatory confidence — materials that pass FDA, USP, WRAS, and API tests
- Reduced downtime — durable materials resist fatigue, delamination, and chemical attack
- Less inventory complexity — one supplier, broad portfolio
- Lower total cost of ownership — longer gasket life, fewer failures
- Better traceability — manufacturer support, documentation, and material batch records
Typical applications include:
- Sanitary piping, tanks, heat exchangers
- Clean-in-place (CIP) loops, sterilization systems
- Liquid food transfer, brewing, dairy, beverage filling
- Chemical dosing lines, CIP chemical supply
- Tank manways, instrumentation flanges
Why Partner with R/W Connection & Durlon
When you choose R/W Connection as your sealing partner:
- You get technical support for selection, sizing, and installation
- We provide local availability, fast delivery, and stocking
- We back you with documentation support (material specs, certifications)
- You gain a single trusted source for industrial-grade sanitary sealing
Our mission: to help you keep running safely, efficiently, and in full compliance.
FAQs — Sealing in Food & Beverage with Durlon
Q1: Are Durlon seals FDA-compliant and safe for food contact?
A: Yes — Durlon materials used in the food and beverage portfolio conform to FDA 21 CFR 177.2600 for rubber articles intended for repeated use, and many also meet USP Class VI standards and are WRAS approved.
Q2: Can Durlon gaskets handle clean-in-place (CIP) and steam sterilization cycles?
A: Yes — Durlon’s compounds are engineered to resist chemical exposure, repeated temperature cycling, and steam. Their stability under these rigorous conditions is a key differentiator in food and beverage environments.
Q3: How do I choose the right Durlon product (e.g., LT200 vs 9000)?
A: Selection depends on the operating temperature, chemical exposure, pressure, and flange geometry. R/W Connection can assist with application consultation to recommend the appropriate grade for your system.
Q4: What is the typical lifespan of a Durlon gasket in food service use?
A: While actual life depends on operating conditions, many users report that Durlon gaskets outperform standard materials by 2–3× under comparable cycles. Regular inspection, proper installation, and matching material to conditions extend service life.
Contact Us Today
Food and beverage processors demand sealing solutions that combine hygiene, durability, and regulatory compliance. Durlon’s product line offers precisely that. When you partner with R/W Connection, you gain guidance, support, and local availability to implement these high-performance seals in your systems.
Contact us today to evaluate which Durlon sealing solution fits your process — and schedule a no-cost application consultation.