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.