Gaskets
Description
Gaskets are mechanical seals that are used to seal empty spaces, to prevent fluid or gas leaks, by providing a physical barrier in between the two mating surfaces that are under compression. Once the mating components are assembled, the gasket spreads, fills the gap and surface irregularities preventing any leakage of gases or liquids. Gaskets are used for performing major functions such as
Creating a seal between two objects
Maintains the seal without failure
Being resistant to fluid flows without any leak paths
Being compatible chemicals and to environmental conditions like vibration, heat etc
Materials used for the construction of gaskets include rubber, beryllium copper, paper, butyl, silicone, EDPM, fluoroelastomer, cork, steel, foam, urethane or polyurethane, graphite, metal, felt, fiberglass, silicone rubber, non-asbestos, nitrile rubber, plastic polymer, PTFE, or neoprene.
Types
Based on application and designs, gaskets can be classified as follows:
Spiral wound gaskets
Sheet gaskets
Ring joint gaskets
Composite gaskets
Flange gaskets
Solid metal gaskets
Corrugated gaskets
Die cut gaskets
Envelope gaskets
Encapsulated gaskets
Laminated gaskets
Specifications
The important specifications to be considered for selection of gaskets are given below:
Applications
Gaskets have a broad range of industrial applications in automotive, chemical and pharmaceutical, oil and gas, piping, mining, food and beverages, pulp and paper, electrical and electronics, transportation, military, and steel industries and also in power plants, water treatment plants, and for fluid processing applications. Some specific applications of gaskets include compressors, elevators, valves, meters, turbines and airframes for providing tight sealing between the parts.