|
|
The sealing is a result of
the compressive forces created by sufficient bold load,
and also works to fill the imperfections on the mating
surfaces to be sealed.
Key factors involved
in choosing a suitable material for a given gasketing
application include:
1) Temperature - possibly
the most important factor in choosing a gasket material.
When higher temperatures at the gasketed joint need
to be sealed, the potential choices are quickly eliminated.
If the system operating temperatures approach a gasket
materials max. continuous operating temperature threshold,
the next best material should be chosen.
2) Chemical compatibility
to the media to be sealed against (including flushes
and system cleanouts). There are many different fluids
and gasses to seal against, and many different choices
of gasket materials to seal against them.
3) Pressure at the gasketed joint.
The internal pressure of the fluid should be a determining
factor in choosing a sealing material. If severe cycling
or pressures changes occur frequently, a more robust
material may be required.
4) Application - this
includes all factors such as the number, grade and size
of bolts to create compression, the surface areas of
the sealed joint.
Because pressure and temperature are so closely connected,
it is often effective to consider them together by measuring
Pressure x Temperature or PXT value. Review the specifications
of the material you are considering - if they are both
near the max. continuous operating limits of the application,
a more robust material should be used.
An important factor to consider in selecting materials
is that most testing for OEM products is conducted under
laboratory conditions. Actual field environments must
be considered before a recommendation for materials
can be made.
Call us at 800-727-3257 to determine
your the correct compressed sheet gasketing material
for your next sealing project.
|
Sealing Devices Inc.