API BULL 6J:1992 (R2000)

SCOPE 1.1 This document is a tutorial for the evaluation of elastomer test samples or actual elastomeric seal members intended for use in the oil and gas industry. In earlier times, most of the oil and gas production was from sweet, low pressure wells and oilfield equipment manufacturers could supply low durometer nitrile rubber for seal members and the customers could depend on the seal with reliability. With time, these oil reserves have been depleted and the search for oil and gas has led to the development of deep, high pressure reservoirs and/or sour (H2S), corrosive oil resources. In a prospective application, the customer and the oil-field equipment manufacturer may not really be sure of the performance of the seal materials and members in the equipment. Many tests exist which evaluate the performance of a seal material or member. It is the intent of this document to review testing criteria, environments, evaluation procedures, guidelines for comparisons, and effects of other considerations on the evaluation of elastomeric seal materials and members.