Gaskets

Gaskets are materials that seal between two different surfaces, under compression. 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 gasket 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 and 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 gasket 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 for gaskets 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.  In-House tooling speeds manufacturing of custom gaskets & seals

Call us at 800-727-3257 to determine your the correct compressed sheet gasketing material for your next gasket sealing project.