Geothermal Elastomer -- A Firm Reality

Abstract

In 1979, L'Garde, Inc. completed the development of four geothermal elastomer compounds for the then Geothermal Division of the U.S. Department of Energy. Over the last 6 years, one of the compounds, Y267 EPDM (ethylene propylene diene methylene) has proven time and again to be the answer to the geothermal elastomer questions. Y267 EPDM has performed beyond even the most optimistic expectations. Ironically, this technology that was fostered by the geothermal community is primarily being exploited by the oil, gas, and utility communities. This disparity seems to be caused by insufficient knowledge of the technology, commercial sources, and requirements for specifying it. The objective of this paper is to provide 1) information of supply, 2) sources of supply 3) information to help screen out counterfeits and 4) a summary of current developments in progress.