AED Orings

Anti Explosive Decompression (AED) Or Rapid Gas Decompression (RGD) is a phenomenon that can occur with a rubber sealing device when large pressure gradients exist between its interior and exterior sections. A very common example is when an elastomeric seal such as an O-Ring is exposed to high pressure gas. The gas is ultimately absorbed by the elastomer causing the elastomer to swell.

This type of swelling may not be necessarily destructive to the O-Ring, however, if the system pressure on the O-Ring is rapidly reduced, the gas that had been absorbed will rapidly expand within the O-Ring causing it to rupture and fail catastrophically.

One of the few common gasses where these elastomers are used for are Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) which is a colorless chalcogen hydride gas with the characteristic foul odor of rotten eggs. It is very poisonous, corrosive, and flammable.

Elastomeric Compound Chart for the Oil and Gas Industry The AED/RGD Resistant compounds listed in the Chart below have all been independently tested. The specific NORSOK M-710 / ISO 23936, NACE TM0297, API6A and TOTAL GS EP PVV 142, standards that each compound meets are identified within the table.