RGD is known as Rapid Gas Decompression, AED is known as Anti-Explosive Decompression.

RGD (Rapid Gas Decompression) or AED (Anti-Explosive Decompression) is a failure mechanism of O-rings and elastomer seals which is caused by the rapid reduction in pressure of the gaseous medium. When the pressure is released, the gas penetrating into the elastomer seal will expand violently, which in turn will rapidly lead to cracking and seal failure.

RGD O-ring and Seals are commonly used in high pressure applications encountered in the oil and gas industry.

International standards for testing elastomers under explosive decompression conditions include the following:

• NORSOK Standard M-710 Edition 3 “Qualification of non-metallic sealing materials and manufacturers – Polymers”

• International Standard ISO 23936-2 First Edition “Petroleum, petrochemical and natural gas industries: Non-metallic materials in contact with media related to oil and gas production – Part 2: Elastomers”.

• NACE TM0297 “Effects of high temperature, high pressure carbon dioxide decompression on elastomeric materials”.

• TOTAL General Specification GS PVV 142, Appendix 8 “Elastomer O-ring seals explosion decompression type testing procedure”.

JST Seals supplies wide range of approved RGD/AED O-rings & Seals. Our seals have been qualified to the strict NORSOK M-710 rapid gas decompression (RGD) and API 6A 21st Edition according to Annex F.1.13.5.2 immersion testing for material class FF/HH 10% H2S design validation procedures meeting ISO 23936-2:2011 sour aging acceptance criteria.

Please contact us to find out more information on RGD/AED seals or to place your order.