EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) extrusions are widely used in shipyards, mainly due to their excellent weather resistance, corrosion resistance, water resistance and elasticity. The following are typical application scenarios and advantages of EPDM extrusions in shipyards:
Sealing system
Door and window seals
EPDM extrusions are often used to seal ship doors and windows to prevent seawater, rainwater, and humid air from penetrating the cabin. Their UV resistance and salt spray resistance ensure that they will not age or deform after long-term use.
Hatch cover seal
Ship hatches require tight, waterproof, and dustproof seals. EPDM extrusions can adapt to extreme temperature changes (-40°C to +120°C), maintain elasticity, and are not easily compressed and permanently deformed.
Advantages:
High resilience, ensuring that it can still return to its original shape after long-term compression.
Ozone and chemical corrosion resistance, suitable for marine environments.
Pipeline system seal
Pipeline penetration seal
Ship pipelines need to be waterproof and sealed when passing through the bulkhead. EPDM extrusions (such as sealing rings and gaskets) can effectively isolate oil, water and corrosive media.
Ventilation system seal
Used for sealing at the connection of ventilation ducts to prevent air leakage and moisture intrusion.
Advantages:
Acid and alkali resistant, fuel and lubricating oil, compatible with various media.
Flame retardant performance meets ship safety standards (such as IMO FTPC).
Shock absorption and buffer components
Equipment shock pad
Ship engines, pumps and other equipment need to reduce vibration and noise. EPDM extrusions can be used as buffer gaskets to absorb vibration and reduce noise transmission.
Deck anti-skid strips
EPDM extrusions can be processed into anti-skid strips or fenders to improve deck safety.
Advantages:
High damping characteristics to reduce mechanical vibration.
Wear and tear resistance, extended service life.
Electrical insulation protection
Cable gland
EPDM extrusions are used for waterproof sealing of cable entry to prevent short circuits or corrosion.
Advantages:
Good insulation performance, high and low temperature resistance, suitable for ship’s electrical environment.
Other applications
Lifesaving equipment seal: such as waterproof sealing of lifeboat hatch cover.
Decorative strips and edge guards: EPDM extrusions can be used as decorative or protective edge strips to prevent direct contact and corrosion of metal parts.
Core advantages of EPDM in shipyard applications
Weather resistance: UV, ozone and extreme temperature resistance, suitable for long-term outdoor exposure.
Corrosion resistance: Resistant to seawater, salt spray, oil and detergents.
Environmental protection: Non-toxic, in compliance with ship environmental protection regulations (such as RoHS).
Economic: Long life, low maintenance cost, and reduced replacement frequency.
Selection considerations
Material formula: The vulcanization system and additives (such as flame retardant EPDM) need to be selected according to the specific environment.
Installation process: The extruded parts need to be precisely matched with the ship structure to avoid sealing failure caused by installation stress.
Certification standards: Ensure compliance with ship industry standards (such as ISO 8099, ASTM D2000).
EPDM extruded parts have become an indispensable functional material in shipbuilding due to their comprehensive performance, especially in the fields of sealing and shock absorption. With the improvement of ship lightweighting and environmental protection requirements, the application of EPDM will be further expanded.
Real Case if Yutung Marine/Yutung Industrial Parts
For details, please Check Here
