Gaskets are mechanical seals that are often used in closing the gap between two or more mating surfaces. In any given operating conditions, filling the space between surfaces or connecting flanges is crucial to prevent leakages. Fortunately, the overall properties of gaskets allow them to seal the irregularities of each surface without worrying about the disastrous effects of leakage and even vibration.

Several parameters are often considered in manufacturing gaskets. For one, different gaskets are designed to withstand a certain temperature range. Additionally, their capability to handle pressure, specific types of fluid, and corrosion is also considered in making the gaskets. Another element that affects the overall properties of gaskets is its material.

All About Non-Asbestos Gaskets

One of the simplest types of gaskets today is non-asbestos gaskets. These gaskets can be further grouped as either full-face type for full-face flanges or flat ring type for raised face flanges. They are normally manufactured by cutting graphite, organic or inorganic non-asbestos sheets through water jet cutting machines. Non-asbestos gaskets are normally suited for low pressure, low temperature, non-critical piping, and plumbing applications.

Asbestos gaskets have been proven to demonstrate health risks whenever they are produced, used, and disposed of. For this reason alone, health experts hugely recommend and endorse the use of non-asbestos gaskets in different applications since these gaskets do not pose danger to human health. The production, application, and disposal of non-asbestos gaskets are way safer than their counterpart.

Materials of Non-Asbestos Gaskets

In selecting the right material for non-asbestos gaskets, one must consider multiple factors that include fluid, temperature, pressure, laws of fugitive emissions, and mechanical issues. The ASME B16.21 specification can also help you determine some features of non-asbestos sheet gaskets as it covers the types, sheet materials, dimensions, dimensional tolerances, and marking requirements of non-asbestos gaskets.

Some of the most common materials in manufacturing non-asbestos gaskets include aramid fibres, glass fibres, elastomers, Teflon, graphite, and neoprene. These materials are often mixed with various binder materials like nitrile rubber, carbon graphite reinforced, glass reinforced, biaxially oriented PTFE, styrene-butadiene, ethylene propylene, fluorocarbon, graphite, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, ceramic fibre, and mica sheet.

Coating non-asbestos gaskets with graphite are also possible so that they obtain non-stick and steam resistance. A non-asbestos gasket coated with polytetrafluoroethylene ensures the gasket’s excellent chemical resistance. As for potable water applications, a non-asbestos gasket must be coated with Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer. If you want to know more about non-asbestos gaskets, feel free to ask us at Gasketech. We are a manufacturer and supplier of gaskets and sealing washers, extrusions, and mouldings for all industries. Moreover, we are always ready to solve sealing and leakage problems and service you with a supply of gaskets for imported and local machinery working in local conditions.

A lot of industries utilise gaskets in preventing leakage of liquid and gases between two or more parts. These gaskets are typically used in different assemblies since they can easily fill the gap between two or mating surfaces. Their ability to hold and withstand high compressive loads without leaking and breaking makes them suitable for numerous industrial applications. 

One of the assemblies that maximise the abilities of gaskets is heat exchangers. 

Definition and Common Use of Heat Exchangers

A heat exchanger is a device that transfers heat between two or more fluids without mixing them or subjecting them into direct contact. The fluids on this device may be separated by a solid wall so that they do not get mixed up. Some applications of heat exchangers include refrigeration, air conditioning, automobile engines, power stations, chemical plants, energy production facilities, space heating, sewage treatment, and many more. 

Factors to Consider for Heat Exchanger Gaskets

Heat exchangers can be difficult to seal since they require special gasketing attention for proper safety and maximum efficiency. Some factors that could affect the application of gaskets are the following:

Best Shape and Materials for Heat Exchanger Gaskets

Heat exchanger gaskets can be manufactured in different sizes, shapes, and materials. Most of the time, heat exchanger gaskets are made from metal or alloy that has a thickness of 0.4 mm. Other materials that can be used in creating heat exchanger gaskets are synthetic rubber, metal-jacketed asbestos, and graphite foil.

Gaskets for heat exchangers can be manufactured with or without bars. Double-jacketed heat exchanger gaskets are created with integrated bars. A radius can be found between the bars and an internal diameter of the gaskets. Gaskets with welded bars, on the other hand, are created to eliminate the crack problems in the radius area.

With the right shape and materials for your gaskets, your heat exchanger can perform well without worrying about any problems and issues during its operations. For more information about heat exchanger gaskets, feel free to contact us at Gasketech. We are a manufacturer and supplier of gaskets, sealing washers, extrusions, and mouldings for all industries.