Designation: D3771 − 15

Standard Specification for

Rubber Seals Used in Concentrating Solar Collectors1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3771; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope D412 Test Methods for Vulcanized Rubber and Thermoplas-

1.1 This specification covers the general requirements for tic Elastomers—Tension
materials used in rubber seals of concentrating solar collectors. D865 Test Method for Rubber—Deterioration by Heating in
Particular applications may necessitate other requirements that Air (Test Tube Enclosure)
would take precedence over these requirements when speci- D1149 Test Methods for Rubber Deterioration—Cracking in
fied. an Ozone Controlled Environment
D1229 Test Method for Rubber Property—Compression Set
1.2 Design requirement pertains only to permissible deflec- at Low Temperatures
tions of the rubber during thermal expansion or contraction of D1349 Practice for Rubber—Standard Conditions for Test-
the seal in use and the tolerances in dimensions of molded and ing
extruded seals. D1415 Test Method for Rubber Property—International
1.3 This specification does not include requirements per- Hardness
taining to the fabrication or installation of the seals. D1566 Terminology Relating to Rubber
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as D2137 Test Methods for Rubber Property—Brittleness Point
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this of Flexible Polymers and Coated Fabrics
standard. D2240 Test Method for Rubber Property—Durometer Hard-
ness
1.5 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the D3182 Practice for Rubber—Materials, Equipment, and Pro-
test methods portion, Section 9, of this specification: This cedures for Mixing Standard Compounds and Preparing
standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, Standard Vulcanized Sheets
if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user D3183 Practice for Rubber—Preparation of Pieces for Test
of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health Purposes from Products
practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limita- G7 Practice for Atmospheric Environmental Exposure Test-
tions prior to use. ing of Nonmetallic Materials
G151 Practice for Exposing Nonmetallic Materials in Accel-
2. Referenced Documents erated Test Devices that Use Laboratory Light Sources
2.1 ASTM Standards:2 G155 Practice for Operating Xenon Arc Light Apparatus for
C661 Test Method for Indentation Hardness of Elastomeric- Exposure of Non-Metallic Materials
Type Sealants by Means of a Durometer 2.2 Other Standards:
C717 Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants RMA Handbook— Rubber Products: Molded, Extruded,
C719 Test Method for Adhesion and Cohesion of Elasto- Lathe Cut, and Cellular3
meric Joint Sealants Under Cyclic Movement (Hockman
Cycle) 3. Terminology
D395 Test Methods for Rubber Property—Compression Set 3.1 Refer to the definitions of terms in Terminology C717
and Terminology D1566.
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D11 on Rubber 4. Classification
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D11.37 on Coated Fabrics, Rubber
Threads and Seals. 4.1 Types:
Current edition approved June 1, 2015. Published August 2015. Originally 4.1.1 Type C, intended for use in cold climates (be-
approved in 1979. Last previous edition approved in 2007 as D3771 – 03 (2007). low − 10°C in winter).
DOI: 10.1520/D3771-15.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
3
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA), 444 Madison
the ASTM website. Ave., New York, NY 10022.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

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 D3771 − 15
4.1.2 Type W, intended for use in warm climates 5.1.2.5 The chamber air temperature shall be maintained at
(above − 10°C in winter). 48 6 2°C at the control point in equipment that uses water
4.2 Grades spray for wetting and provides for adjustment of the chamber
4.2.1 Grade designations represent differing degrees of air temperature.
hardness in accordance with Test Methods D1415 and D2240 5.1.2.6 The exposure duration shall be by agreement be-
as follows: tween the parties concerned. The exposure time shall be at least
4.2.1.1 Grade 2, hardness of 20 6 5. 1000 h, but long enough to produce a substantial change in the
4.2.1.2 Grade 3, hardness of 30 6 5. property of interest in the least stable formulation of the type of
4.2.1.3 Grade 4, hardness of 40 6 5. material being evaluated.
4.2.1.4 Grade 5, hardness of 50 6 5. NOTE 4—The specified set point is the target condition for the control
4.2.1.5 Grade 6, hardness of 60 6 5. sensor as programmed by the user. When a standard calls for a particular
4.2.1.6 Grade 7, hardness of 70 6 5. set point, the user programs the exact number. The tolerances (maximum
allowed operational fluctuations) specified with the set point do not imply
4.2.1.7 Grade 8, hardness of 80 6 5. that the user is allowed to program a set point higher or lower than the
NOTE 1—The grade to be used in a particular application depends on the exact set point specified. The operational fluctuations specified are the
design of the seal and must be specified by the designer. maximum deviations allowable from the set point at the control sensor
during equilibrium conditions. The machine variables determine the
4.3 Classes: operational fluctuations. If under equilibrium conditions they exceed those
4.3.1 Seals shall be classified as follows: allowed, stop the test and correct the problem before continuing.
4.3.1.1 Class PS, preformed rubber seal. 5.2 After exposure, slight surface chalking and dulling are
4.3.1.2 Class SC, sealing compound. permitted. Brittleness, cracking, tackiness, or other deteriora-
NOTE 2—Class SC material should not be used in designs where the tion affecting serviceability shall not be permitted.
seal is under mechanical stress.
6. Requirements
5. Materials and Manufacture
6.1 Class PS material shall conform to the requirements
5.1 Resistance to solar radiation can be determined by one given in Table 1.
of the following:
6.2 Class SC material shall conform to the requirements
5.1.1 Desert outdoor exposure, in accordance with recom-
given in Table 2.
mended Practice G7 using the exposure rack at an angle of 45°
for unbacked exposure of the specimens. Desert outdoor
7. Dimensions
exposure shall be for at least six months including at least one
month preceding and following the summer solstice. 7.1 The design of the seal shall not permit the rubber to
5.1.2 Xenon arc laboratory exposure, in accordance with deflect more than 25 % in any direction during thermal
recommended Practice G151 and G155 using daylight filters expansion and contraction of the solar collector.
and operating conditions as described below: NOTE 5—If the thermal coefficient of linear expansion for the rubber is
5.1.2.1 The irradiance level shall be maintained at 0.55 6 not known, a value of 0.0003/K may be assumed for design purposes.
0.02 W/(m2·nm) at 340 nm at the control point. For equivalent 7.2 The tolerances in dimensions shall conform to the
broad band irradiance levels and tolerances at 300 to 400 nm following designations in the RMA Handbook:
and 300 to 800 nm, consult the manufacturer of the apparatus. 7.2.1 Molded Seals:
5.1.2.2 The default exposure cycle shall be 102 min light 7.2.1.1 Commercial Dimensions—RMA-F3-T.032.
only followed by 18 min light plus either water spray on the 7.2.1.2 Critical Dimensions—RMA-F3-T.032.
front surface or immersion in water. The spray water can be 7.2.2 Extruded Seals:
fresh or recirculated from a holding tank. The temperature of 7.2.2.1 Commercial Dimensions—RMA-F3.
the spray water is uncontrolled and for fresh water typically
ranges between 16 and 26°C. Recirculated spray water can be
8. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
at a higher temperature. Immersion water is generally in a
holding tank for recirculation. The uncontrolled temperature of 8.1 Class PS seals shall be free of blisters, checks, cracks,
the recirculated immersion water during operation of the and other imperfections that can affect their ability to make or
weathering device typically ranges between 45 and 55°C. maintain a watertight seal.
NOTE 3—Water spray and immersion in water are different kinds of 8.2 Class SC material shall be uniform in composition and
moisture exposures and may produce different results. be free of defects that may affect serviceability, such as
5.1.2.3 The uninsulated black panel temperature (BPT) shall partially vulcanized lumps.
be maintained at 63 6 2.5°C at the control point during the dry
period of exposure to light. For the equivalent insulated black 9. Test Methods
panel temperature (black standard temperature (BST)), consult 9.1 Class PS Material—Prepare the specimens in accor-
the manufacturer of the apparatus. dance with Practice D3183 and test the specimens in accor-
5.1.2.4 Relative humidity shall be maintained at 60 6 10 % dance with the test methods given in Table 1. For control of
at the control point during the dry period of exposure to light production, specimens may be taken from standard test sheets
in xenon arc apparatus that uses water spray for wetting. prepared in accordance with Practice D3182, using the same

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 D3771 − 15
TABLE 1 Requirements for Class PS Material Used to Seal Solar Collectors
Grade
Property ASTM Method
3 4 5 6 7 8
Ultimate elongation, min, % 350 300 250 200 150 100 D412
Compression set, max, %:
after 70 h at MSTA 30 30 30 30 30 30 D395B
after 166 h at − 10°C 60 60 60 60 60 60 D1229C
Resistance to heating (for 166 h at MSTA ): D865
Hardness change, max 10 10 10 10 10 10 D1415 or D2240
Ultimate elongation change, max, % 30 30 30 30 30 30 D412
Tensile strength change, max, % 20 20 20 20 20 20 D412
Volatiles lost, max, % 1 1 1 1 1 1 see 9.3
Volatiles condensible, max, % 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 see 9.4
Resistance to ozone, 100 mPa,D for 166 h at no cracking D1149
40°C
Resistance to low temperature, Type C only, −40 −40 −40 −40 −40 −40 D2137
max, °C
Resistance to Outdoor or Xenon Arc Expo- G7 or G155
No brittleness, cracking, tackiness, or other deterioration affecting serviceability.
sure
A
The test temperature is based on the maximum service temperature (MST) which normally occurs when the collector is under stagnation conditions and is receiving the
maximum radiation flux to which it will be exposed. The test temperature listed in Practice D1349 that is between 25 and 49°C above the maximum service temperature
is used. These temperatures are: 150, 175, 200, 225, and 250°C.
B
Method B.
C
Set to be measured at 10 s after release. Lubricated plates or polytetrafluoroethylene film is recommended if the rubber adheres to the metal compression plates during
the test.
D
100 mPa of ozone partial pressure is equivalent to 100 pphm at standard atmospheric pressure (100 kPa). See new terminology on ozone content expressions described
in Test Methods D1149.

TABLE 2 Requirements for Class SC Material Used to Seal Solar Collectors

Grade
Property ASTM Method
2 3 4
Ultimate elongation, min, % 200 150 100 D412
Resistance to heating (for 166 h at MSTA ): D865
Hardness change, max 10 10 10 C661
Ultimate elongation change, max, % 30 30 30 D412
Tensile strength change, max, % 20 20 20 D412
Volatiles lost, max, % 1 1 1 see 9.3B
Volatiles condensible, max, % 0.1 0.1 0.1 see 9.4B
Resistance to ozone, 100 mPa,C for 166 h at 40°C no cracking D1149
Resistance to low temperature, Type C only, max, °C −40 −40 −40 D2137
Adhesion loss (max, − cm 2)D 9 9 9 C719E
Resistance to Outdoor or Xenon Arc Exposure No brittleness, cracking, tackiness, or other deterioration affecting ser- G7 or G155
viceability.
A
The test temperature is based on the maximum service temperature (MST) which normally occurs when the collector is under stagnation conditions and is receiving the
maximum radiation flux. The test temperature listed in Practice D1349 that is between 25 and 49°C above the maximum service temperature is used. These temperatures
are: 150, 175, 200, 225, and 250.
B
This test is not required if the design precludes condensing of the volatiles on the cover plate(s) of the solar collector.
C
100 mPa of ozone partial pressure is equivalent to 100 pphm at standard atmospheric pressure (100 kPa). See new terminology on ozone content expressions described
in Test Methods D1149.
D
The combined loss in bond and cohesion areas for the three specimens tested shall not exceed 9 cm2.
E
The temperature in 6.3 of Test Method C719 shall be modified to the MST (see footnoteA ).

unvulcanized material used to prepare the seals and vulcaniz- 9.3 Determine volatiles lost from the difference in mass of
ing the material at the same temperature used for the seals to an the specimens before and after heating for 166 h at the
equivalent state of vulcanization. temperature given in Table 1 or Table 2 and in accordance with
9.2 Class SC Material—Prepare five sheets approximately Test Method D865.
150 by 150 by 2 mm in accordance with the instructions 9.4 Determine volatiles condensible at 23°C from the dif-
supplied with the sealing material. Also, prepare five adhesion ference in mass of the outlet tubes before and after heating the
specimens in accordance with Test Method C719. Preferably, specimens for 166 h at the temperature given in Table 1 or
prepare each sheet and adhesion specimen from material in a
Table 2 and in accordance with Test Method D865. If
different container. Condition the sheets and adhesion speci-
necessary, cool the exposed portion of the outlet tube with a
mens for 14 days at a temperature of 23°C and relative
stream of air to maintain a temperature of 23 6 2°C. If any
humidity of 50 %. Test the material in accordance with the test
methods given in Table 2. volatiles condense on the inlet tube or other parts of the

3
 D3771 − 15
apparatus, add the mass of this condensed material to the mass not conform, an additional five sheets or adhesion specimens
of the material on the outlet tube. may be prepared and tested. If two or more of the ten sheets or
adhesion specimens do not conform, the lot may be rejected.
10. Inspection and Rejection
11. Product Marking
10.1 Class PS Material—Manufacturers of preformed seals
11.1 The following information shall be marked either on
may use their quality-control systems for production inspection
the seal, packaging, label, or tag:
to ensure the seals conform with this specification, provided
11.1.1 Name, brand, or trademark of the manufacturer,
appropriate records are kept. In case of dispute regarding the
11.1.2 Type and grade,
quality of a delivered product, a sample of five seals shall be
11.1.3 Compliance with Specification D3771, and
taken from the lot and tested for compliance with this specifi-
11.1.4 Other information required by the manufacturer or
cation. If one of the five seals does not conform, a second
purchaser.
sample of five seals may be taken and tested. If two or more of
the ten seals do not conform, the lot may be rejected. 12. Packaging and Package Marking
10.2 Class SC Material—Manufacturers may use their 12.1 Material shall be protected by suitable packaging to
quality-control systems to ensure production conforms with prevent damage during shipment or storage prior to installation
this specification. In case of dispute regarding the quality of a in the solar collector.
delivered product, five test sheets and five adhesion specimens
shall be prepared, preferably from five different packages, in 13. Keywords
accordance with the instructions supplied with the sealing 13.1 concentrating solar collectors; preformed seals; rubber;
material. If one of the five sheets or adhesion specimens does sealing compounds

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