New boot material in Dresser Model 83 is swelling in sour service

[RandyRay]

Dresser has replaced its Viton boots in the Model 83 pressure regulator valve with a different elastimer material. We are experiencing severe swelling of the boot in sour crude pipeline service with failure of the valve in 7 months. Previous boots made of Viton performed well in the valve. We are not sure if this is an issue with our particular crude or if it is a general issue with with the new Dresser boot material in sour crude.

Has anyone else experienced this issue with the new boot material? Any thoughts on solutions?

 

[gr2vessels]

It appears that the fluid and the boot elastomer are incompatible. I wouldn't take for granted the manufacturer's recomendation over the replacement elastomer suitability. I would review the crude actual composition if anything has changed and the details of the elastomer. Look up in the Norsok for sour ageing and rapid gas decompression resistance of the elastomer and also NACE TM0187 ed 2011.
Cheers,
gr2vessels