Things You Need to Know About Non-Metallic Gaskets
23 January 2020Industrial sectors have been maximising the use of flange gasket on their tools and equipment. Flange gaskets create a static seal between two flanges faces and fill the spaces and irregularities of these flange faces. Sections of pipes predominantly utilise these flange gaskets since they can effectively prevent liquids and gases from leaking.
Flange gaskets come in a lot of sizes, inside and outside diameters, and materials. When it comes to the material, flange gaskets have three categories, namely, non-metallic gaskets, semi-metallic gaskets, and metallic gaskets. The one that is always used in low temperature and pressure applications is the non-metallic gaskets.
Properties of Non-Metallic Gaskets
Non-metallic gaskets are composite sheet materials that are commonly used with low-pressure flat-face and raised-face flanges. They can be made up of graphite, rubber, PTFE, and reinforced fibre. These gaskets can easily compress with low tension bolting. To date, these gaskets are the most affordable gasket in the market.
Non-Metallic Gaskets Classification
The classification of non-metallic gaskets is based on the material used for their production. The following are the materials used to create different types of non-metallic gaskets as well as their characteristics.
Graphite Gaskets
Graphite gaskets only use graphite with a purity of 99% elemental carbon. This material composition preference is crucial so that the performance of the gasket is maximised. Usually, graphite gaskets are used and reinforced with stainless steel inserts. Expanded metals are one of the most common inserts for these gaskets since they optimise surface pressure distribution. These expanded metal graphite gaskets can ultimately replace metallic gaskets and resist a wide range of chemical exposure.
Rubber Gaskets
Rubber gaskets, on the other hand, are cut or punched to shape from industrial manufactured rubber sheets. This type of gasket has a lot of variations that can resist different elements. There are silicone gaskets that have excellent temperature properties. Another variation is the acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber that can resist chemicals, hydrocarbons, and oil. A natural rubber variation is known for its excellent recovery properties. If you are looking for a rubber gasket that has excellent resistance to oil, ozone, and weathering, then the achlorobutadiene rubber is for you.
PTFE Gaskets
PTFE gaskets have excellent anti-stick and dielectric properties that are helpful in industrial applications. This type of gasket has low leak rates and can effectively resist different types of chemicals. PTFE gaskets have very dense sealing materials and can adapt perfectly to the flanges.
Fibre Reinforced Gaskets
The fibre reinforced gaskets are cut or punched to shape out fibre reinforced sheet materials, which usually consists of fibres, fillers, and binders. This gasket’s properties rely on the quality and composition of the aforementioned materials. Fibre gaskets can be made from different types of fibres, such as aramide fibre, carbon fibre, cellulose fibre, glass fibre, and mineral fibre. These gaskets are fairly affordable and are easy to cut or punch to size.
Non-metallic gaskets have a different type of materials used that are suitable according to your needs. If you want to enquire about the availability of these gaskets, you can contact us now at Gasketech so that we can help you out.
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