ISO 4633 - What requirements should rubber gaskets for pipelines meet?

Rubber gaskets are specially designed elements made of elastomeric materials that are intended to provide hermetic sealing for connections in piping systems. They are used in water and sewage installations to prevent liquid leaks and the ingress of external contaminants into the system.

The selection of appropriate rubber gaskets should be adapted to environmental conditions, including pressure, temperature fluctuations, presence of chemicals, vibrations, or mechanical forces. Rubber gaskets for pipelines must meet the requirements standardized in ISO 4633:2023. This standard precisely defines the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties that gaskets must meet.

What is ISO 4633:2023?

ISO 4633:2023 specifies requirements for materials used in vulcanized (cured) rubber gaskets in applications such as:

• cold drinking water installations (up to 50°C);
• drainage, sewerage, and rainwater systems (continuous flow up to 45°C and intermittent flow up to 95°C)

The standard applies to piping systems made of iron, steel, clay, concrete, reinforced concrete, plastics, and glass-fiber reinforced plastics. It is applicable to rubber components of composite seals (made from a combination of rubber with another material) and non-composite seals (made from a single type of rubber).

What requirements must rubber gaskets for pipelines meet according to ISO 4633?

Rubber gaskets used in piping systems, in accordance with the requirements of ISO 4633, must be made of materials that do not react with water, do not contaminate it, or degrade its quality. This means that the rubber compound used must not contain any substances that could negatively affect the transported fluid or have a harmful effect on the installation components (water pipe fittings, pipes, sealing rings, valves).

As mentioned earlier, the assessment of product conformity with ISO 4633:2023 includes both the physical and chemical properties of the material and its impact on the transported medium. Below are some of the more important requirements that a rubber gasket must meet; here are a few of them:

• impact on water quality - in the case of cold water applications, the material must not degrade its quality under conditions of use. Moreover, the composition of the rubber compound must comply with applicable national sanitary regulations in force at the place of product application.
• microbiological resistance - if required by the application, the gasket material should be resistant to microbiological degradation, which ensures a longer service life and proper, trouble-free functioning of the system. The material must comply with national standards.
• dimensional tolerances - gasket dimensions must fall within permissible limits determined on the basis of appropriate tolerance classes according to ISO 3302-1, which directly affects the proper fit of the seal and the hermetic tightness of the connection.
• defects and imperfections - each product must be free from defects and imperfections (e.g., cracks) that could negatively affect the proper functioning of the seal. The assessment of the surface appearance of products should comply with ISO 9691.

ISO 4633 also requires rubber gaskets to have appropriate hardness, tensile strength, or elongation at break. The material should be resistant to permanent deformation under compression at +23°C and +70°C and retain its elasticity at low temperatures down to -10°C.

Thermal aging of the material, stress relaxation under compression, and resistance to ozone and aggressive media (in sewage systems, rubber gaskets are exposed to contact with hydrogen sulfide, detergents, and chemicals, among others) are also evaluated.

Where to buy rubber gaskets compliant with ISO 4633?

If you are looking for high-quality rubber gaskets for pipelines designed for water supply, wastewater drainage, and sewerage, we invite you to take advantage of our Power Rubber store's offer.

We offer a wide range of rubber gaskets adapted to specific operating conditions. They meet demanding quality standards for water supply and sewage installations. The products are available in various dimensions and hardnesses, with the possibility of fulfilling individual orders for specific customer requirements.

A properly selected gasket is a guarantee of reliable and durable sealing, as well as trouble-free operation of piping systems. Rubber gaskets from Power Rubber ensure the sanitary safety of drinking water and meet the requirements for mechanical parameters, durability, and chemical resistance.

Feel free to contact us by phone: +48 222 924 024 or +48 505 160 303, or by email (power|powerrubber.com| rel="nofollow"|Power|PowerRubber.com) or via our contact form

We will be happy to help you choose the right solution for your installation.