Gaskets are designed to stop the escape of gas, air, water, or other fluids. This escape may be from one engine part to another or the external. Every property of a gasket plays an important role in its ability to deliver premium and satisfactory results. If you plan to purchase a gasket, you need to understand how the size, materials, types, and uses play a distinct part in delivering a perfect outcome. This article discusses some of the important factors that can help you select the best Viton FKM gaskets from Gorilla Gasket.
Key Factors In Selecting The Right Gasket
Selecting the right gasket is not as simple as walking into a clothing store and selecting any dress; Instead, it can be a lot harder. Below are some of the factors that can aid in selecting the right gasket for your specific needs;
- The degree of unevenness of the surfaces – this affects how thick or thin your gasket will be
- The compressibility of the gasket material
- The fluids to be used and ambient contaminants
- The amount of force between the surfaces
If you can figure out these details, the chances are high that you’ll be able to make the right gasket decision. However, not many people have all of this information at their fingertips. This brings us to explore an in-depth analysis of each gasket’s materials, types and uses. Remember that the material choice will determine whether your choice of gasket can withstand contaminants and chemicals like alkaline chemicals, acids, water, oxidation, or others. Considering the factors discussed below will help you select the right gasket with the perfect malleability, longevity, and thickness.
Choosing The Right Gasket Material
There are different kinds of gasket materials in the market. They include;
Metallic Gaskets – These are perfect for extreme high-pressure conditions. Metal gaskets can be used to wedge the space between two connecting surfaces while holding the fluids contained within in place. Also known as ring gaskets, they commonly have an octagonal or oval cross-section. Ring gaskets with octagonal cross-sections offer a high level of strength and can withstand a higher degree of pressure (as high as 20,000 psi). Metal or ring gaskets are made from stainless steel, Monel, low carbon steel, and Inconel. They are frequently used in oil and gas industrial systems and are secured in place using high-tension bolts.
Non-Metallic Gaskets – These gaskets are commonly made from Teflon, rubber polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), graphite, and compressed non-asbestos fiber (CNAF) are perfect for any two surfaces requiring low pressure or tension. Non-metallic gaskets are also known as soft gaskets and are affordable, easy to find in different specifications and materials.
Soft gaskets made from graphite have a particularly high threshold for high temperature. This material can withstand as high as 500-degrees and are available in different full-face varieties designed to cover the entire connecting surface.
Semi-Metallic or Composite Gaskets – Are made from metal and non-metal materials and offer a reliable seal in different temperature and pressure environments. Composite gaskets are commonly used in raised faces, male-female faces, and tongue-and-groove flanges.
Gaskets can also be made from other materials like
Fibrous Materials – Gaskets made from fibrous materials are known as fibrous gaskets and have distinct properties based on the material from which they are made. Common materials used for making fibrous gaskets include mica, glass fibers, carbon, aramid, cork, and more.
Elastomeric Gaskets – These gaskets are made from elastomers. Elastomers are polymers that share the same flexibility and stretch as rubbers. These gaskets are commonly used in utility applications, similar to non-metallic gaskets. One major disadvantage of this type of gasket is that it can’t withstand high temperatures.
Choosing The Best Type Of Gasket Structure
After selecting the right kind of material for your gasket, you can then choose the best one based on the structure. Some of the common options include;
Jacketed Gaskets – These are designed with a metallic coating over a soft non-metallic interior. They are available in different options, including single and double gaskets, corrugated gaskets, and others.
Solid Gaskets – These are designed to be extremely durable and long-lasting. A major disadvantage is that creating a seal requires a lot of compression force.
Spiral Wound Gaskets – This gasket material offers a soft, no-metallic gasket on the outside but with metallic windings on the inside. The setup helps with resistance and increases gasket flexibility.
Kammprofile Gaskets – These are non-metal materials surrounding a metal core. They are great for extra reinforcement as they create a seal along the edges of the gasket. Kammprofile gaskets are easily repaired compared to other types of gaskets.