Investigation and Recommendation of Material Tests for Fuel Related Seal Applications

The advent of low emission regulations on fuel systems has made original equipment manufacturers (OEM) revise old material specifications and create new material specifications to stipulate the use of less permeable materials for fuel sealing applications. These material specifications vary widely among the different OEMs even if the application requirements are essentially the same. This study examines a large battery of tests that are included in OEM material specifications as well as variations in test methods and fuel mixtures. Testing recommendations are provided for OEMs to consider when revising or creating a material specification for rubber fuel seals.