Key Differences between Ring-Type and Full-Face Gaskets

28 September 2020

Sealing two mating surfaces is typically done by gaskets. These mechanical seals can easily prevent any type of leak from going in and out of the joined objects while under varying levels of compression. One of the objects that can be joined by gaskets is flanges.

Two gaskets that boast great features for sealing materials like flanges are ring-type and full-face gaskets. Each of these gaskets has its own set of features and advantages that can make one of them recommended for certain applications.

Ring-Type Gaskets

Ring-type gaskets do not have any bolt holes, making them suitable for raised face flanges. Raised face flanges are the most common type of flanges that are maximised in process plants. The gasket surfaces of these flanges are raised above the bolting circle face, allowing them to use a wide variety of gasket types and designs. This type of flange can effectively divert more pressure on a smaller gasket area. As the pressure increases in the given area, the pressure containment capability of the joint then increases.

The installation of the ring-type gaskets is simple. They are typically installed inside of the flange bolts and around the pipe bore. These gaskets can be effectively assembled right on top of the flange without taking the joint apart. The dimensions needed when purchasing ring-type gaskets are the inside diameter that matches the pipe bore, the outside diameter that complements the flange face’s outside diameter, and the thickness of the whole gasket.

One great thing about ring-type gaskets is that they require less material for them to be fabricated. Additionally, they require less cutting. 

Full-Face Gaskets

Most applications that utilise flat face flanges are related to the mating flange that is made from a casting. The positioning of the gasket surface and the bolting circle face of this flange type allows full-face gaskets to fully cover the entire face of the flange, which then eliminates the need for the flanges to be bolted to a raised face flange. The use of full-face gaskets for flat face flanges allows them to be sealed tightly.

Covering the entire face of the flange means that the full-face gaskets will certainly possess the flange’s outer diameter measurement. All necessary holes that will secure the bolts can also be found on this type of gasket, ensuring that the gasket positioning will be much easier. The number of the bolt holes, the bolt circle diameter, thickness, pressure tolerance, and the inside and outside diameters are often requested when requesting for full-face gaskets.

Full-face gaskets can be installed easily due to the presence of bolt holes. The joint, however, should be disassembled first before installing the gaskets. The interior and exterior diameters of the gaskets, as well as the spacing between bolt holes and the flange, must be correct to maximise these gaskets. If you want to know more about these types of gaskets, feel free to contact us at Gasketech. We manufacture and supply gaskets, washers, extrusions, and mouldings for all types of industries.

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