In fluid sealing applications, gasket selection plays a critical role in ensuring operational safety, process integrity, and cost efficiency. Whether in initial commissioning, maintenance, or field testing scenarios, having a gasket that provides a reliable seal under varying conditions is non-negotiable.
Durlon® SE-4000 is engineered specifically for low to moderate pressure service, including hydrotesting—a high-priority application in industries such as oil & gas, chemical processing, and power generation. SE-4000 balances performance, reliability, and cost, making it a smart choice for both temporary and permanent use cases.
Why SE-4000 Excels in Hydrotesting Applications
Hydrostatic testing, or hydrotesting, is a widely used method for verifying the integrity and leak resistance of piping systems, vessels, and tanks. It involves pressurizing the system with water or another incompressible fluid to check for leaks and structural stability. In these test environments, gasket materials must meet several demanding criteria to ensure accuracy and repeatability without introducing new risks.
SE-4000 offers the following advantages:
- Resilience Under Pressure: Rated for pressures up to 750 psi, SE-4000 maintains its integrity under hydrotest conditions. This pressure resistance ensures a consistent, reliable seal throughout the duration of the test.
- Superior Fluid Compatibility: Designed to perform effectively with water and other common hydrotesting fluids, SE-4000 resists swelling, chemical degradation, and material delamination, which are common failure modes in low-quality gaskets.
- Cost-Effective Performance: Because hydrotesting is typically a temporary process, using high-end or specialty gaskets can drive up costs unnecessarily. SE-4000 offers a balanced solution—delivering excellent sealing properties at a fraction of the cost of premium materials.
- Low Creep Relaxation, High Recovery: In sealing applications, creep relaxation and recovery are key performance indicators. SE-4000 has <35% creep relaxation and >40% recovery, enabling it to maintain surface contact and sealing force over time. This is particularly important for detecting small leaks or flaws during pressure tests.
Key Technical Specifications of SE-4000
Understanding the performance characteristics of SE-4000 highlights its versatility beyond hydrotesting:
- Temperature Range: -100°F to 400°F
- Maximum Pressure: 750 psi
- Compressibility: 7–17%
- Recovery: >40%
- Creep Relaxation: <35%
These values make SE-4000 a well-rounded performer in systems operating within moderate pressure and temperature envelopes, where reliability and ease of use are top priorities.
Additional Application Areas
While SE-4000 is an excellent choice for hydrotesting, its utility extends to a wide range of low to moderate service industrial applications. It performs reliably in systems involving:
- Oils and Fuels
- Mild Acids and Alkalis
- Solvents
- Non-aggressive Process Media
This makes SE-4000 suitable for light-duty chemical processing, utility systems, secondary containment piping, and general industrial maintenance.
A Practical, Dependable Gasket for Everyday Applications
Choosing the right gasket doesn’t always mean choosing the most expensive material. In many cases, a purpose-engineered solution like SE-4000 can deliver consistent sealing performance where it matters most—without over-engineering the application.
Whether you’re performing hydrostatic pressure testing or sealing moderate systems in utilities or processing plants, SE-4000 delivers a smart blend of value, reliability, and versatility.
Contact the Sealing Experts
For more information about Durlon® SE-4000 or to determine if it’s the right solution for your application, reach out to the team at Gasket Resources Inc.
Gasket Resources Inc.
280 Boot Road, Downingtown, PA 19335
Phone: 866-707-7300