BS EN 681-1:1996

What is BS EN 681 - Material requirements for vulcanized rubber seals about?  

BS EN 681 is a series on elastomeric seals. Elastomeric seals are a polymer with viscoelasticity (i.e., both viscosity and elasticity) and with weak intermolecular forces, generally low Young's modulus and high failure strain compared with other materials. BS EN 681-1 specifies requirements for materials used in vulcanized rubber seals for: 

• Cold potable water supply (up to 50 degrees C) 
• Hot potable and non-potable water supply (up to 110 degrees C) 
• Drainage, sewerage, and rainwater systems (continuous flow up to 45 degrees C and intermittent flow up to 95 degrees C) 

The different designations of seals specified are defined according to their type, application, and requirements. General requirements for finished joint seals are also given; any additional requirements called for by the particular applications are specified in BS EN 681-1 considering that the performance of pipe joints is a function of the seal material properties, seal geometry and pipe joint design. BS EN 681-1 should be used where appropriate with product standards which specify performance requirements for joints. 

Who is BS EN 681 - Material requirements for vulcanized rubber seals for? 

BS EN 681-1 on material requirements for vulcanized rubber seals is useful for: 

• Rubber manufacturing industries 
• Design engineers 
• Rubber seal manufacturers 
• Quality control personnel 

Why should you use BS EN 681 - Material requirements for vulcanized rubber seals?  

Elastomers are usually thermosets (requiring vulcanization) but may also be thermoplastic (see thermoplastic elastomer). The product (in accordance with BS EN 681-1) which is in permanent or temporary contact with water, intended for human consumption, does not adversely affect the quality of the drinking water and does not contravene the EC Directives and EFTA Regulations on the quality of drinking water. BS EN 681-1 is applicable to joint seals for all pipeline materials, including iron, steel, clay, fibre cement, concrete, reinforced concrete, plastics, and glass-reinforced plastics. 

BS EN 681-1 is applicable to elastomeric components of composite or non-composite seals. In the case of composite seals for materials of hardness ranging from 76 IRHD to 95 IRHD the requirements for elongation at break, compression set, and stress relaxation applies only when the material is participating in the sealing function or the long-term stability of the seal. Joint seals made with an enclosed void as part of their design are included in the scope of BS EN 681-1. Using BS EN 681-1 you can specify requirements for materials used in vulcanized rubber seals.