Ring-Type vs. Full-Face Gasket Differences
09 January 2020There are specific components that must be installed when connecting pipes, valves, pumps, and other types of piping systems. Flanges and gasket are commonly found in different types of piping systems, and that they provide easy access for maintenance, inspection, and alteration. Flanges are usually welded or screwed with the help of a gasket in between to thoroughly seal them together.
Not all flanges and gaskets are created equal. In fact, there are certain differences that flanges and gaskets possess. These differences make these components suitable for a specific situation. Flanges can be divided into two types. This division also applies to the gaskets most commonly available in the market right now.
Faces of the Flanges
The differences of gaskets lie on the type of face a flange has. There are two types of flange faces, namely, raised face flanges and flat face flanges. From the name itself, the raised face flanges have a specific part that is somehow raised on the surface. The gasket surface of the raised face flanges is slightly raised above the bolting circle face. This raised surface allows the installation of different gasket designs, including flat ring sheet types and metallic composites.
Raised face flanges are frequently used in process plant applications. The purpose of these flanges is to concentrate more pressure on a smaller gasket area, and consequently, increase the pressure containment capability of the joint.
The flat face flanges, on the other hand, have the gasket surface and the bolting circle face positioned in the same plane. This positioning means that the flat face flanges are entirely flat, making these flanges never to be bolted to a raised face flange. One type of gasket, the full-face gasket, takes advantage of this type of flange to ensure that the flanges are tightly sealed together.
The Gasket Differences
As mentioned, gaskets are extremely important since they fill the space between two or more mating surfaces. They prevent any type of leak from or into the combined objects while under compression. The most common types of gaskets are ring-type gaskets and full-face gaskets.
A ring-type gasket is placed and installed inside of the flange bolts and around the pipe bore. It has no bolt holes and is typically used on raised face flanges since it can easily sit right on top of the flange. Due to its composition, it can be installed without disassembling the joint. When buying ring-type gaskets, a supplier only requires three measurements: the inside diameter that matches the pipe bore, the outside diameter that matches the raised flange face’s outside diameter, and their thickness.
Conversely, a full-face gasket covers the entire face of the flange and is normally used on flat face flanges. Full-face gaskets are easier to install since they have bolt holes, making the insertion and alignment to the flange bolts more convenient. The only downside of using these gaskets is that the joint must be dissembled first when installing the full-face gaskets. Ordering full-face gaskets requires the following specifications: the inside and outside diameter, the bolt circle diameter, and the number of the bolt holes. Gasket thickness and the preferred pressure tolerance are also asked by the supplier.
If you want to know more about these types of gaskets, then give us a call now at Gasketech. We manufacture and supply gaskets, washers, extrusions, and mouldings for all types of industries.
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