Many manufacturers utilise gaskets in sealing spaces and preventing leakage from or into the said spaces during operations. Through these mechanical seals, equipment pieces and machines exposed to various elements can maintain their operations without expecting any leaking issues. They are also prevented from getting damaged due to exposure to gas, liquid, and other volatile substances.

But for gaskets to be effective, they must be installed correctly. Gaskets that are installed properly certainly allow them to fulfil their functions. Alternatively, installing them wrongly will only generate consequences that can affect the overall operations of equipment pieces and machines. 

Here are some of the most common gasket installation mistakes that you should avoid.

Choosing the Wrong Material

Gaskets can be made from different materials. Some of these materials are rubber, cork, asbestos, metal, and fibreglass. While these materials can all carry out primary gasket functions, they still have unique properties that can only work in certain conditions and applications. Choosing a gasket that cannot tolerate specific elements would only damage it right away. It might even damage the equipment.

Contaminating the Surface

Another installation mistake that industries might commit is the contamination of the gasket surface. People who are assigned to install the gaskets must ensure that their hands are clean so that they can handle the said mechanical seals without transferring any dirt particles. They must also make sure that any grease and tiny particles on the gaskets’ surface will be removed before their installation. Failure to ensure their cleanliness will only result in irregular sealing and contamination of surfaces.

Disregarding Visible Flaws

Not all gaskets are created equal. While most gaskets are produced perfectly, others might have some noticeable defects and flaws. These defects and flaws should be identified right away so that the gaskets will not be used anymore. Some notable defects and flaws include cracks, ridges, and signs of corrosion. Disregarding these flaws would only cause the gasket operations to fail.

Using Damaged or Old Bolts

Bolts that have contaminated or damaged threads should not be used again. Even bolts that have been used for a long time should be replaced for the gaskets to be effective. The continuous use of damaged bolts would only generate false torque readings and can affect their clamping force. Old bolts likewise tend to over-stretch, which can compromise their clamping force. When installing gaskets on damaged or old bolts, the overall sealing can be compromised.

Skipping Vital Bolt Inspections

The overall length of the bolt must be measured first before the installation of gaskets. Additionally, the bolt holes must be checked to see if they correspond to the correct length of the bolt. Another element that must be checked is the condition of the bolt holes. Skipping these vital inspections will only make the gasket installation fail significantly.

To know more about gasket installation, feel free to contact us at Gasketech. We are a manufacturer and supplier of gaskets and sealing washers, extrusions, and mouldings for all industries.

There are a bunch of materials today that can be very effective when it comes to sealing applications. One of these materials is foam. Foam is generally a type of material that can effectively trap elements, particularly gas, in a solid or a liquid. Solid foam or sponge is typically comprised of expanded rubber products that can be effective in domestic, commercial, and industrial applications.

To date, there are two types of solid foam that one can maximise. These types are open cell and closed cell foams. They boast unique characteristics and qualities that make them beneficial for specific applications. Here is a quick comparison between the two foam types.

Open Cell Foam

Open cell foams, as their name implies, have cells that are not entirely closed. Most of the time, foam products that have around 50% of open cells can be considered open cell foams, and they often have certain qualities that make them beneficial for some uses. 

For one, open cell foams can boast lower density compared to their counterpart. This quality signifies that they can allow liquid or gas to pass through, which can be great for retaining and releasing products. Sealing applications, however, cannot utilise open cell foams as elements will only pass through freely. Nevertheless, they can be economical since they do not require a lot of materials. 

These qualities make them perfect for providing comfort, which is often needed by car seats, sofas, pillows, mattresses, and internal cushions. Their ability to hold and release water likewise makes them great for sponges, mop heads, and other cleaning products. Filtration, acoustic, and support applications can also maximise products that are comprised of open cell foams. Applications that have damaging surrounding elements, however, cannot utilise products out of open cell foams.

Closed Cell Foam

Closed cell foams, on the other hand, are foams that have closed cells. The composition of these foams allows them to be effective in terms of sealing surfaces and insulating spaces. And once they are compressed, they can become water and airtight.

These foams, unlike open cell foams, can boast a wide array of densities. They can also be durable, making them applicable for protective use. And since they do not allow liquid or gas to pass through, they can be effective in resisting water degradation and mould formation. All these qualities allow these foams to be very effective in terms of domestic, commercial, and industrial sealing and repair.

The water and airtight qualities of closed cell foams allow them to be effective in sealing and gasketing applications. They can even be used for waterproofing electrical boxes, cabinetry, and other spaces that can be damaged by water. Dust, draught, and other elements can likewise be prevented from entering once closed cell foam products are utilised. Doors, windows, air conditioning units, and HVAC system can all maximise the capabilities and qualities of closed cell foam products.

To obtain closed cell foam products for sealing applications, feel free to call us at Gasketech.