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Gaskets are important to the proper functioning of many machines, tools, and various other applications. That being said, it is imperative that your gaskets themselves are functioning properly. Gasket problems can cause severe and expensive damage depending on the use and the malfunction. Let’s take a look at the process of selecting and diagnosing gaskets.
OPERATING CONDITIONS
The first step in selecting a gasket material or diagnosing a gasket problem is to make sure that the gasket material is compatible with the media (material) and that the temperature and pressure that the gasket will be exposed to. This is essential because the gasket materials can be degraded by certain chemicals, and gasket materials come in a variety of temperature ranges. Fortunately, there are gasket materials available for almost any combination of exposures.
THICKER ISN’T NECESSARILY BETTER
It is a common assumption that thicker materials seal better than thinner materials. This is often not the case. Thicker gaskets are useful for sealing flange irregularities such as pitted surfaces or flanges that are not flat. Other than these conditions, thinner materials often seal with less leakage and more blow out resistance.
INADEQUATE LOAD
A common cause of leakage in flange gaskets is inadequate torque or bolt load. For conventional ANSI flange gaskets, torque tables are published with proven torque values. In the case of a custom design, formulas are available for estimating necessary torque values.
Lubrication is a huge factor in torque values for flanges. A higher torque value is needed for a dry bolt versus a lubricated bolt.
If inefficient lubricant is used, or the bolt is dry, there will be extreme friction in the tightening process. The tightening might not even be possible because the friction between bolts, nuts, and nut facings is greater than the tightening effort.
If adequate torque or bolt load is not met it may result in lower gasket load and improper levels of stress on the bolts, which can result in torque loss. Torque loss will eventually turn into leakage, and leakage can be a dangerous and serious problem.
Torque tables are available for different materials and flange types. Please contact us for assistance.
CUSTOM SEALING SOLUTIONS
A custom gasket can be created for most components . By creating a gasket specifically for your needs and applications, you know you are getting the right product for your project. Sealing a custom enclosure requires a different strategy than conventional piping gaskets.
Factors to consider when custom sealing:
- Material thickness
- Compressibility
- Load Retention
- Gasket Design
A variety of materials are available for various applications, including silicones, EPDM, Buna, neoprene, and various cellular materials. The beauty of waterjet cutting and CNC cut custom gaskets is that virtually any material can be used and no tooling is required.
We are happy to help recommend a sealing material or troubleshoot an existing application. We can quickly CNC cut custom gaskets of any design. Whatever your sealing needs, we’ve got you covered.
Pioneer Rubber and Gasket is the leading supplier of conveying and sealing solutions in Georgia. Since 1977, our company has provided the Southeast with assured quality and dependable service. No matter what the size of your project or order, we work with you to deliver your material needs. Get in touch with one of our expert team members and request a quote for your project today!