Gaskets have been very beneficial for industries that require perfect assembly and mating of two or more objects. Typically, these mechanical seals allow the surfaces to stay intact throughout the lifespan of products and components. And through these seals, any elements that are surrounding or are already inside the components will be prevented from leaking in or out.

While a lot of gaskets are intended to last for a long time, others tend to fail inevitably. Once the gaskets deteriorated and failed, any elements that are inside the mating surfaces will leak, which can be harmful to the people around them. These elements might even cause issues and damages to the surrounding areas. Power can also be minimised once the gaskets fail to carry out their purposes. Ultimately, products and components that rely heavily on gaskets will cease operating.

There are three main reasons behind gasket failures.

Compatibility Issues

One of the most common reasons behind gasket failures is the existence of compatibility issues. Every application that requires gaskets has variables that may be different from one another. Some of them are intended to be exposed to extreme temperatures, while others can already operate at room temperatures. Some applications likewise have stronger pressure requirements than others. Even the elements present during the operations will be different from one application to another. All these variations of requirements only mean that a gasket should be picked based on the very nature of an application. And if a gasket is not truly compatible with a certain application, it will certainly fail very quickly.

Installation Mishaps

Gaskets are typically installed to ensure that surfaces will be joined and assembled effectively. However, there are times where the gaskets are not installed properly, which would then cause gasket failures along the way. One root cause of problematic gasket installations is that the applied sealing load to the gaskets is not sufficient. Additionally, the problems that are present with incompatible gaskets may be transferred to their installation themselves. Gaskets can be installed perfectly if the gasket type, flange type, and other factors are considered thoroughly. Additionally, if the components are tightened based on recommended specifications, then the gaskets will not fail prematurely.

Surrounding Factors

Another reason behind common gasket failures is the failure to check the surrounding factors. Even though the gaskets have been chosen perfectly for certain applications, the elements that are present in the surroundings can still have a significant impact on these sealing devices. If the environment of the application has corrosive elements and has high temperatures, then the gaskets must be made from materials that can withstand these elements and situations. The vibration of the components must also be considered as some gaskets tend to become loose easily. Other factors of applications that must be assessed first before getting some gaskets are the presence of flange damages and gasket reuse.

If you need to buy new gaskets for your applications, feel free to call us at Gasketech. We are a manufacturer and supplier of gaskets and sealing washers, extrusions, and mouldings for all industries.

Gaskets, in general, are mechanical seals that fill up the spaces and any irregularities between two or more mating objects. They are often installed to prevent leakage from or into these objects during their use. Most of the time, gaskets are utilised in connecting flanges that are often found in pipes, valves, pumps, and other similar equipment pieces.

Many industries utilise gaskets due to their accompanying benefits. They are known for their flexibility, ensuring that the flanges will be extremely secured from any leakage instances. Gaskets are likewise strong and durable, given that the materials used in creating them can resist weather elements and other variables present during their use and application. They can also fit any flanges, as long as the correct type and material of gaskets are installed and utilised.

As previously stated, a lot of industries utilise gaskets for their applications. Some industries that take advantage of gaskets are as follows:

Automotive Industry

The automotive industry often utilises gaskets within the combustion areas of the engines. The industry likewise maximises gaskets as the primary sealing for seat fillers. For this specific industry, the gaskets that are being used are often resistant to fuel and oil. They are likewise resistant to heat and combustion as automotive parts typically operate at extreme temperatures. The gaskets used for the automotive industry are normally made from silicone, nitrile, Viton, and cork composite.

Chemical Industry

Another industry that maximises gaskets is the chemical industry. Since this industry typically conducts various chemical processes, it must utilise gaskets that can withstand the effects of gases and liquids. The gaskets that the industry maximises must also be durable enough to prevent spillage or leakage, ensuring that the chemical plants and laboratories will remain safe throughout their operations. Some gasket materials that they use include nitrile, Viton, silicon, and polytetrafluoroethylene.

Food Processing Industry

Since food and beverages will be consumed by people, the industry that processes them must utilise gaskets that will not allow bacteria to grow. The industry must also use gaskets that can resist harmful environmental elements from damaging the food products as well as prevent these products from sustaining unpleasant taste and odour. Rubber and industrial gaskets are often used in equipment pieces that are involved in food processing, ensuring that the food products will be safe to consume.

Oil and Gas Industry

Since liquids and gases are common in the oil and gas industry, gaskets must be used to prevent them from leaking and causing catastrophic damages. They are also used to ensure that liquids and gases will not cause any harmful effects to the environment. Since the processes of the oil and gas industry often yield high temperature and high pressure, the gaskets used for the industry should be able to withstand these elements. Gaskets made from composite materials are often maximised in this industry.

If you need to gain access to long-lasting and quality gaskets, feel free to reach us at Gasketech.