Rubber Gate Seal Guidelines & Material Options

Our rubber gate seals are used around the world in the hydro and power generation industries. These products, particularly our Huntington Brand rubber gate seals, are respected for their performance and durability. With extensive on-site tooling, we’re able to respond quickly and cost effectively in most applications. Our hydro specialists will help you design the gate seal needed for your application.

Molded vs. Extruded Profiles

Molded profiles are the preferred choice of manufacturing for the larger profiles typical of hydraulic gate seals, and are the only manufacturing choice for cladded or fabric reinforced seals. With molded profiles the crosssection uniformity can be controlled much easier. This control can translate into the crosssection of the long strips matching the crosssection of transitioning corners.

Extruded profiles are often used in cases where the profile is fairly small and the size variation can be compensated by equipment design.

Materials Options/Rubber Coumpounds

Seals Unlimited has many uniquely formulated rubber coumpounds used in hydraulic gate sealing applications. Our compounds meet US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Bureau of Reclamation, and the Tennessee Valley Authority specifications. All materials are tested in accordance with applicable ASTM standards.

Compounds will not include reclaimed polyermers, but will include the following:

  • Reinforcing Carbon Black
  • Zinc Oxide
  • Accelerators
  • Antioxidants
  • Vulcanizing Agents
  • Plasticizers

Please contact a member of our Technical Sales team at 800.423.6644 for a complete list of compounds, or for specific application needs.

Field Splicing

Splices done in the field can be hot or cold vulcanized. Field spliced joints should be prepared with a 90° cut relative to the crosssection, and buffed square for what is called a buttsplice. Hot vulcanized splices provide the best bond, but are not usually practical due to field conditions. Therefore, cold vulcanized splices are most commonly completed in the field. An adhesive or caulk should be selected for the appropriate rubber compound being used.

NOTE: Seals Unlimited compiled the information on field splicing from experience and past application specifications. We believe it to be true and accurate, but we cannot guarantee the results.