Elastomer Seal & Non-Metallic Material Qualification for High-Pressure Oil & Gas Service
When pressurized gas dissolves into an elastomeric seal and the surrounding pressure is released too quickly, the trapped gas expands faster than it can diffuse out — blistering, cracking, and rupturing the seal from within. This is Rapid Gas Decompression (RGD), and it is one of the leading causes of seal failure in oil and gas production, subsea systems, and high-pressure gas equipment. As a leading RGD testing laboratory in UAE, METS Lab qualifies elastomeric and non-metallic sealing materials against the decompression, ageing, and sour service conditions they will face in the field — before they are put into service.
Our ISO-accredited laboratory evaluates O-rings, seals, and non-metallic components under cyclic pressure at controlled High Temperature/High Pressure (HT/HP) conditions, using methane, carbon dioxide, and sour (H₂S-containing) gas mixtures to replicate real production and subsea environments. Testing is performed in strict accordance with NORSOK M-710 and ISO 23936-2, giving manufacturers and operators in the UAE and wider GCC region the qualification data required for wellhead, valve, subsea, and flowline equipment approval.
We deliver detailed, clause-referenced test reports covering damage classification, chemical compatibility, and mechanical property retention — the data needed for material qualification files, vendor approval submissions, and equipment certification.
Our Core RGD Testing Services Include
- Rapid Gas Decompression (RGD) Resistance Testing
- Explosive Decompression (ED) Testing
- Sour Service (H₂S) Exposure & Compatibility Testing
- Chemical Compatibility & Accelerated Ageing Testing
- Elastomer & Thermoplastic Material Qualification (NORSOK M-710 / ISO 23936-2)
Why RGD Testing is Important?
Rapid Gas Decompression (RGD) Resistance Testing
RGD resistance testing determines how an elastomeric seal responds to cyclic pressurization and rapid depressurization in a test gas environment. Seals used in wellheads, subsea connectors, and downhole tools are routinely exposed to fast pressure drops during production upsets, well interventions, or planned depressurization — conditions that can cause internal blistering and catastrophic seal failure if the material has not been properly qualified. As a leading RGD testing laboratory in UAE, METS Lab provides comprehensive RGD testing in compliance with the following standards:
- Petroleum, petrochemical and natural gas industries — Non-metallic materials in contact with media related to oil and gas production — Part 2: Elastomers — ISO 23936-2:2011
- Qualification of non-metallic sealing materials and manufacturers — NORSOK M-710 Rev. 3
Explosive Decompression (ED) Testing
Explosive Decompression (ED) testing evaluates the same underlying failure mechanism as RGD but is applied specifically to O-rings and seals used in downhole, wellhead, and process equipment where extremely rapid pressure release can occur. The test exposes samples to a saturating gas atmosphere at elevated pressure and temperature, followed by a controlled rapid decompression, with resulting damage classified against a defined rating scale. Our ED testing is performed in accordance with the following standards:
- Non-metallic materials in contact with media related to oil and gas production — Part 2: Elastomers, Annex B (Explosive Decompression Test) — ISO 23936-2:2011
- Qualification of non-metallic sealing materials and manufacturers — NORSOK M-710 Rev. 3
- Rubber, vulcanized or thermoplastic — Determination of the effect of liquids — ISO 1817
Sour Service (H₂S) Exposure & Compatibility Testing
Elastomers used in sour oil and gas fields must resist not only rapid decompression but also long-term exposure to hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), which accelerates ageing and can significantly reduce a seal’s resistance to gas decompression damage. METS Lab conducts sour service qualification testing to determine whether sealing materials retain adequate performance in H₂S-containing environments, giving operators direct, comparative data between sour and non-sour gas conditions. Sour service testing is conducted with reference to:
- Petroleum and natural gas industries — Materials for use in H₂S-containing environments in oil and gas production — NACE MR0175 / ISO 15156
- Qualification of non-metallic sealing materials and manufacturers — sour service exposure requirements — NORSOK M-710 Rev. 3
Chemical Compatibility & Accelerated Ageing Testing
Long-term exposure to production fluids, completion chemicals, and process media can degrade elastomer performance well before a seal is subjected to decompression. METS Lab performs static immersion and accelerated ageing testing across the full range of media specified in NORSOK M-710 Annex A, measuring volume swell, mass change, hardness shift, and retained mechanical properties. Chemical compatibility testing is performed in accordance with the following standards:
- Standard Test Method for Rubber Property — Effect of Liquids — ASTM D471
- Rubber, vulcanized or thermoplastic — Determination of the effect of liquids — ISO 1817
- Qualification of non-metallic sealing materials and manufacturers — Annex A media/temperature exposure matrix — NORSOK M-710 Rev. 3
Key Parameters in RGD Testing
METS Lab provides comprehensive RGD and explosive decompression testing across all major evaluation categories. As a leading RGD testing laboratory in UAE, we follow NORSOK M-710 and ISO 23936-2 test protocols and strictly control pressure, temperature, gas composition, and decompression rate to ensure repeatable, clause-accurate qualification data.
Industries We Serve
Our facility provides specialized RGD, explosive decompression, and material qualification testing across the energy sector. By ensuring compliance with international standards, we help partners qualify sealing materials, support vendor approval submissions, and meet operator and regulatory requirements. We regularly serve the following industries for RGD testing services:
- Oil & Gas Exploration & Production Operators
- Subsea & Deepwater Equipment Manufacturers
- Wellhead & Christmas Tree Component Manufacturers
- Valve & Connector Manufacturers
- Offshore Platform & FPSO Operators
- Pipeline & Flowline Equipment Suppliers
- Oilfield Elastomer & Seal Manufacturers
Why Choose METS Lab?
With extensive experience in the region’s oil and gas industrial landscape, Middle East Testing Services (METS Lab) is a leading RGD testing laboratory in UAE. We combine technical expertise with advanced HT/HP pressure testing infrastructure to deliver reliable, clause-accurate results that support your material qualification, vendor approval, and equipment certification goals:
Comprehensive Reporting:
Our detailed reports include damage rating photographs, pressure-cycle logs, and mechanical property retention data to support material qualification files and vendor approval submissions.
Expert Technical Team:
Our scientists are experienced in interpreting NORSOK M-710 and ISO 23936-2 requirements and can provide tailored guidance on test matrix selection, standard applicability, and sour service qualification strategy.
FAQ Section
What is Rapid Gas Decompression (RGD) and why does it matter?
RGD occurs when gas that has dissolved into an elastomeric seal under pressure expands rapidly as the surrounding pressure is released, causing internal blistering, cracking, or rupture. It is a critical failure mode for O-rings and seals in wellheads, subsea equipment, and any system subject to fast pressure drops. Manufacturers must demonstrate RGD resistance to ensure seals remain leak-tight throughout their service life.
Which standard should I use — ISO 23936-2 or NORSOK M-710?
The choice depends on your target market and the equipment specification. NORSOK M-710 Rev. 3 is widely specified for Norwegian Continental Shelf and North Sea projects and provides a detailed qualification and sour service framework. ISO 23936-2:2011 is the internationally recognized base standard for elastomer material testing and is commonly referenced by API 6A and subsea equipment specifications. Our technical team can advise on the most appropriate standard, or combination of standards, for your project.
How long does RGD and ED qualification testing take?
Turnaround depends on the qualification matrix — number of pressure cycles, gas types, and ageing conditions required. A single-condition RGD or ED test series typically completes within 2 to 4 weeks, while a full NORSOK M-710 qualification programme covering multiple media, temperatures, and sour/non-sour conditions may take several weeks to months. We provide a realistic timeline at project initiation based on your test matrix.
Can you test both elastomeric and thermoplastic sealing materials?
Yes. Our test programs cover both elastomeric compounds and thermoplastic sealing materials, following the distinct qualification routes set out in NORSOK M-710 for each material class. We can advise on the appropriate test matrix based on your material type and intended service conditions.