Gaskets are one of the most common components that can be found inside assemblies, devices, and equipment. One of the reasons behind the use of these things is they can seal any gap between surfaces. Some of them can also retain their forms and shapes despite being exposed to high pressure and heavy loads. 

Tons of materials can be used to produce gaskets. Some of these materials include silicone, foam, neoprene, and ethylene propylene diene monomer or EPDM. Silicone gaskets are known for their excellent resistance to chemicals, while foam gaskets maximise superior thermal conductivity and sound absorption. Neoprene gaskets, alternatively, are highly elastic and flexible. Ultimately, EPDM gaskets can resist heat for a long time.

One more material that can be maximised by industries for their applications is polytetrafluoroethylene or PTFE. PTFE gaskets boast many features that make them very useful in a lot of applications.

PTFE Gaskets Major Features

PTFE is a fluoropolymer material that works best when used in producing gaskets. While the material can be expensive to process, the features this material can provide to the gaskets make it a great investment for many industries.

One main feature of PTFE gaskets is they have high melting point temperatures. Even being exposed to temperatures of around 260 degrees Celsius for a long time, these gaskets can carry out their main functions without getting destroyed. PTFE gaskets also possess good electrical properties and astonishing dielectric strength.

PTFE gaskets can also be used in a wide array of applications without obtaining damages thanks to their nonporous and inert nature. These qualities allow them to deter chemicals, substances, and even bacteria from infiltrating and damaging the gaskets. Other key features of PTFE gaskets include high resilience to surface wear and outstanding flexibility.

Applications of PTFE Gaskets

All the major features of PTFE gaskets make them useful in a lot of industries.

The food processing industry, for instance, utilises PTFE gaskets as the main components of food processing equipment. They are utilised in the said industry as they can conform to the food safety standards of the authorities. The medical and pharmaceutical industry also uses PTFE gaskets in assembling manufacturing tools for drugs and other similar products. Their resistance to high temperatures and chemicals makes these gaskets suit the said industry.

Another industry that can take advantage of PTFE gaskets is the electrical industry. PTFE gaskets have a long service life and heat resistance that make them useful in sealing electrical components of appliances, devices, and other instruments.

Even the petrochemical industry utilises these gaskets as they have high resistance to chemicals and corrosive fluids. They can also withstand high temperatures and pressures, which other gaskets cannot provide. Most of the time, the industry utilises these gaskets in assembling the components of chemical handling devices.

One more application of PTFE gaskets has to do with compressors. The high-temperature resistance of PTFE gaskets makes them compatible with the components found inside the compressors, which are typically used by many industrial plants.

To purchase quality PTFE gaskets for your applications, you can contact us at Gasketech.

Gaskets are popular mechanical seals being utilised by many industries today. They are often installed to provide effective sealing of two mating surfaces. As they seal the surfaces, gaskets can easily prevent leakage between them. They can also maintain their properties even under compression. These qualities make them very useful in many applications.

But industries still have to pick the right type of gasket before they could maximise their functionalities. One type of gasket that they can use is the ring gasket. Ring gaskets are often installed alongside raised face flanges. They also do not maximise any bolt holes. These qualities make them perfect for pipework assemblies, offshore and onshore petrochemical applications, and oil-field drilling and completion equipment.

Many materials can be used in producing ring gaskets. They can, however, boast damages that can lead to their failure. Here are some ways ring gaskets can deteriorate and be damaged.

1. Infiltration of Moisture

The continuous exposure of ring gaskets to moisture can damage them in the long run. Sometimes, moisture can accumulate in the parts where ring gaskets are installed. Without eradicating the said element or fixing system leaks, it can gradually affect the surface of the ring gaskets until they corrode. Corrosion ultimately occurs whenever water and moisture infiltrate the gasket joint. Gaskets affected by corrosion should be replaced right away to prevent mould growth and structural damage to the affected system and property.

2. Exposure to High Heat

Another way ring gaskets can deteriorate and be damaged is their prolonged exposure to high heat. Most ring gaskets are made from metals as they are known to resist almost all elements. However, they can still get damaged once they are exposed to high heat for a long time. As time passes, the heat or elevated temperature of the surroundings can introduce permanent changes to the structure of the gaskets, making them brittle and weak. The components of the affected gaskets would then start to break away, requiring them to be replaced immediately.

3. Improper Installation

The installation and general application of ring gaskets should be done optimally to prevent losing their effectiveness. When installed wrongly, ring gaskets may only obtain damages that can be difficult to repair or fix. One installation mistake that can damage the ring gaskets is over-tightening them. Failure to clean the areas where the gaskets will be installed can also lead to damage to the mechanical sealing products. Of course, choosing the wrong ring gasket material can also cause early deterioration.

4. Exceeding Normal Age

Ring gaskets are rated to last for a specific number of years. And while many of these gaskets can truly last for a long time, they could eventually attain issues that can already affect their performance. Even though their problems can still be fixed, opting for very old ring gaskets will only lead to their failure later on. They can even affect the performance of the products or systems they intend to seal, which may only cost a lot more money when replaced entirely. Replacing old ring gaskets can help prevent these things from happening.

To gain access to new ring gaskets, you can contact us at Gasketech.

Fuel-powered vehicles rely on engines to move from one point to another. Once an engine fails to run or stops operating, car owners do not have any choice but to have them checked, serviced, or replaced by professionals.

Car engines boast numerous components so they can operate optimally. One of their components is the cylinder. It has a cylindrical piece inside known as the piston, which moves up and down for combustion purposes. Engines also have intake and exhaust valves, allowing the air and fuel to enter while pushing exhaust out. The ignition of the air/fuel mixture is then carried out by the spark plug. Other components of engines are the crankshaft and the sump.

Since these components interact continuously during their operations, some of their substances should not leak and generate issues with one another. By installing gaskets, the fuel and other substances inside the engines are separated from one another effectively. Here are some of the most common gaskets used in automotive engines.

Camshaft Gaskets

Camshaft gaskets are small, round gaskets that are often made from long-lasting rubber materials. They are often used in sealing the end of a camshaft or camshafts located between the valve cover gasket and the top of the cylinder head. These gaskets are smaller compared to other gaskets used in automotive engines, but they can already help prevent oil from leaking out and travelling towards the camshafts, valves, and other engine components.

Head Gaskets

When sealing the area between the cylinder head and the engine block, the automotive industry would often turn to the head gasket. Automotive engines often maximise an engine block on the bottom, while a cylinder head can be located on top. Since these components maximise passages for coolant, combustion gases, and oil, they should be sealed effectively. Head gaskets, fortunately, can be installed between these components, making the sealed areas leak-proof. Some head gaskets right now are made from steel and copper. Others, alternatively, can be created out of carbon, fibreglass, and composite materials.

Manifold Gaskets

The cylinder head is comprised of cylinders that play a pivotal role in the engine’s combustion. But another part of an engine that is also crucial to the said process is the intake manifold. The intake manifold is responsible for the even distribution of the combustion mixture to each intake port in the cylinder head. To ensure that the interaction between these components will be seamless, their mating surfaces should be protected by manifold gaskets. These gaskets prevent coolant and air from leaking and affecting the efficiency of other engine parts.

When it comes to maintaining automotive engines, their gaskets should be replaced whenever leaks are present. Gaskets that have worn out due to overuse should also be replaced to retain engine performance and efficiency. Of course, the gaskets should be made from materials that can withstand the operating conditions of the engines. They should also come from reputable manufacturers or suppliers so that they are guaranteed to work for a long time. 

To gain access to gaskets for your automotive engines, you can contact us at Gasketech.

Many components of machines may still possess some gaps despite being manufactured with optimal dimensions. Fortunately, they can be paired with gaskets to effectively seal any gap they may possess.

Gaskets, after all, are intended to close the gap between the surfaces of machine components and other similar things. Once installed, they can effectively prevent leakage of solid particles, liquid, and other media while being under compression. They can likewise retain their shape and form factor despite being subjected to various operating conditions. 

Most gaskets today have been made from rubber thanks to their excellent sealing properties, chemical resistance, and low purchase costs. They can, however, fail once they have been exposed to too much friction and heat.

Engineering Plastics as the Alternative 

Given the weaknesses of rubber, some industries may want to utilise different materials. One great alternative to rubber is engineering plastics. 

Engineering plastics are plastic materials that have been modified to become stronger than base or commodity plastics like polyethylene, polystyrene, and polypropylene. They can even exceed the qualities usually found on more expensive and more popular gasket materials, making them useful in a lot of industries.

Common Types of Engineering Plastics

When creating some gaskets and other products, manufacturers can opt for various types of engineering plastics. Some types of engineering plastics are as follows.

• Polyethylene Terephthalate: This type of engineering plastic is known for its high hardness, rigidity, and strength. These qualities allow this material to be utilised in products with complex parts. It can also generate products that prioritise surface quality and dimensional accuracy. 

• Polyamide: Polyamide is another engineering plastic that slowly replaces the materials used in crafting car engine components, industrial valves, and other automotive parts. It is being utilised in many industries due to its high strength, high-temperature resistance, oil resistance, and chemical compatibility.

• Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene: Another engineering plastic that can be utilised by industries is acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. This plastic type can resist physical impact and corrosive chemicals. It can be used in electronic products, protective headgear, musical instruments, and other similar things.

• Polycarbonate: Polycarbonate is a type of engineering plastic that is 200% stronger than glass and 30% stronger than acrylic. The high-impact strength of polycarbonate, matched with great flexibility, makes this engineering plastic great for tons of household and industrial applications like sunglasses, roofing, and glazing.

• Polyvinyl Chloride: One more engineering plastic that can be useful for many industries is polyvinyl chloride. This plastic material can become either flexible or rigid, allowing manufacturers to process it into various forms. It can also blend with other materials. 

Gaskets Made from Engineering Plastics

Gaskets made from engineering plastics generally have great impact resistance, chemical resistance, and heat resistance. They also boast excellent mechanical strength and fire retardancy. And since these gaskets can be generated in a short time, industries tend to acquire them without costing too much money. 

Aside from these benefits, engineering plastic gaskets are likewise lightweight and eco-friendly. They can also absorb shock and vibration. To purchase high-quality engineering plastic gaskets, you can contact us at Gasketech.

Industrial buildings have to utilise piping systems to ensure that their workspaces and toilets can obtain their needed water supply. These systems are likewise installed so that wastewater can be transported out of these buildings.

The effectiveness of industrial piping systems can be determined by various factors. One of these factors is the materials used for the pipes. Pipes for industrial purposes should be durable enough to handle the volume of water they will be transporting in and out of the buildings. Another factor is their sealing. The absence of proper sealing will only lead to leak problems, which can be devastating for industrial buildings if left unresolved.

If you are currently managing an industrial building, your industrial piping systems should be sealed optimally with gaskets. Gaskets are seals that can fill the space between the mating surfaces of your piping systems. Here are some things you need to consider when choosing the best gaskets for your industrial piping systems.

Compatibility

One of the things you should consider when choosing gaskets for your industrial piping systems is their compatibility with various piping elements. Tons of materials can be used to produce and manufacture gaskets. And since you will be sealing your piping systems, you must only opt for gasket materials that are compatible with the media that flow through these systems.

When choosing your gasket materials, they should be inert to the effects of potable water and wastewater so they can retain great performance and long service life throughout the operations of both the gaskets and the pipes. Your gasket materials should likewise be compatible with the properties of your piping materials. Pairing the right gasket materials with your pipes ensures that the latter will not attain any cracks and fractures in the long run.

Lubrication

Another element to consider when choosing and selecting gaskets for your industrial piping systems is their lubrication. Gasket lubrication is necessary in some cases as it can help improve its sealing within a joint. Without proper lubrication, it would only promote damages and issues to your industrial piping systems and the gaskets themselves.

Physical Qualities

Your gaskets may be compatible with your pipes, but without considering their physical qualities, they might only end up causing some problems to your industrial piping systems. When selecting your gaskets, you must match their physical qualities to the demands of your piping systems. You must also maximise full-faced gaskets so they can fill the entire surface of the flange with holes. Your gaskets should likewise maximise a hardness of 55 to 80 durometer A so they can handle enough compression. Their thickness must also be at least 1/8. Inches.

Upon choosing the gaskets of your industrial piping systems, you must make sure that they will be installed properly and maintained regularly. Applying the right torque and tightening the bolt in the correct order make sure that even pressure will be applied to the gaskets. Doing these things can then prevent leaks and structural integrity issues.

To help you choose the perfect gaskets for your industrial piping systems, you can contact us at Gasketech. We are a manufacturer and supplier of gaskets and sealing washers, extrusions, and mouldings for all industries.