What is a Gasket?
Gasket is a mechanical seal which its primary function is to seal the irregularities or space between 2 or more in-contact surfaces to prevent leaks and spills from or into the surfaces while being compressed.
Gaskets come in many different shapes and forms. Fortunately, there are many ways to classify them into different categories. Below are the 3 categories that we use to classify gaskets:
These classifications are important factors to consider when it comes to choosing the right gasket.
*Disclaimer: our method of classification might differ from other people. We recommend you use classification method that best suits you.
Gasket by Material
Gasket properties are inherited from the materials they are manufactured from. Below are the common types of gaskets based on its materials:
Rubber is a tough elastic polymer made from natural or synthetic resources. It comes in different properties and applications based on its monomer. Below are some of the common rubber types used for gasket:
1.1. Nitrile Rubber
Nitrile Rubber is very popular in petroleum, automotive and other related industry for its fuel/oil resistance. Nitrile does not swell when reacted with oil.
1.2. EPDM Rubber
EPDM rubber is one of the toughest rubbers that suits outdoor environment because of its UV and environmental resistant. EPDM Rubber also has good resistance to nitrogen, potassium and sodium.
1.3. Natural Rubber
Natural rubber has an outstanding physical property and is suitable for bulk material handling.
Silicone (polysiloxanes) is a popular gasket in food and pharmaceutical industry due to its bacterial inhibition property. It can be supplied in different shapes and forms and has excellent heat resistance property.
Cork has excellent flexibility and compressibility and is usually combined with elastomer bindings to enhance its properties. In addition, combining cork with rubber material, such as silicone or neoprene will result in good oil, solvent and fuel resistance.
PTFE (Poly Tetra Fluoro Ethena) is a high-performance polymer with excellent chemical resistance, non-stick, hydrophobic properties that make it applicable for wide range of industries. One special PTFE gasket that we are supplying is Task-Line® gasket. Check out why Task-Line® gasket is different here.
Similar to PTFE gasket, Viton gasket is also suitable for a wide range of aggressive and corrosive chemical, making it a hard contestant to PTFE. While viton gasket is a more economical choice than PTFE, their chemical resistance properties are not as exhaustive as PTFE.
Solid material gasket utilizes solid material such as metal that seals tightly. It can withstand higher pressure and temperature.
Other materials that can be used as gasket are fiberglass, paper & non-asbestos.
Gasket by Function
Gaskets can be categorized by their functions. Below are some common types of gaskets based on its functions:
1.1 Liquid Seal
This gasket should be able to seal and prevent liquid spill. Gasket and fluid compatibility check is important to properly seal the connection.
1.2 Environmental Seal
Gasket as environmental seals will guard against dust and other contaminants. Generally, this seal is used in enclosures such as electrical enclosure to protect control equipment from contamination.
As an Anti-vibration, this gasket is made to reduce sound frequency and vibration energy for moving equipment.
Mounting gasket is made to protect sensitive display units from shock, ingress of dust or other particles that may include liquids.
Gaskets by Design
Gasket comes in many different designs. Below are some common types of gaskets based on its designs:
Full-face gasket is a gasket that covers the entire flange.
Inner Bolt Circle gasket is a ring type gasket that sits within the circle of the bolts.
Segmented gasket covers gasket with unusual shape and sizes. It is formed by joining 2 or more gaskets so that if it is compressed it will provide a continuous seal.
Spiral wound gasket is a metal strip gasket that is sandwiched between layer of non-metallic filler. Spiral Wound gasket has alternative spiral layers of thin metal sheet and filler material.
Sheet gasket is made by shaping a sheet of material into the shape of the gasket. Sheet gasket is cheap and easy to make.
Constant seating stress gasket is made from 2 components: a solid carrier ring and two sealing elements. The sealing elements are made from materials that are suitable to the process fluid and application.
Double-Jacketed gasket is formed by bending a sheet of metal into a “C” form and fills its inner part with filler material.
Kammprofile is a gasket with solid corrugated core and a flexible covering layer. Kammprofile has an expensive capital cost but has a long lifespan and high compression rate especially on its ridges.
Fishbone gasket is a replacement for Kammprofile and Spiralwound gasket with a better design. It does not unwind in storage or in the plant and does not damage the flange.
Thank you so much for reading till the end. If you have any enquiries for us, please contact kingflex@wahjooseng.com or call (65) 6298 3211. If you are enquiring for something else, visit our main website here.
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