PRODUCT SELECTION
The suitability of a gasket or gasket material in a given application is dependant on a
number of factors:
Chemical resistance – consider process medium and
cleaning agents;
Temperature – continuous and peak upper and lower
limits;
Pressure
Flange material – configuration and bolt load;
Material Specifications and Approvals – for use with
‘Fire-safe’ applications, WRAS/WRC Potable Water,FDA Compliance, etc.
Choosing the right product for the application can be a difficult and confusing task,
indeed some materials may be suitable, but only in certain thicknesses with given flange
configuration. Some gaskets or materials will cover a wide selection of sealing duties,
but price constraints may necessitate the use of several types
Some designers may have specified a ‘brand name’ rather than a specification,
the reason for this must be established before equivalents/alternatives can be proposed.
Information solely gained from technical brochures can be misleading as, for example,
maximum temperatures and pressures of sheet materials may not necessarily be used
simultaneously. Pressure/Temperature charts are more accurate, but they are related to the
thickness of the material – thinner materials give better temperature and pressure
properties.
This brochure offers designers and end users accurate information regarding a materials
general properties and behaviour for reference of existing products and an overview to
assist specification of new materials or devices; however should you have any doubt which
product to select, please consult our Technical Team for advice.
Materials
Rubber – Natural, Neoprene, Nitrile, EPDM, Silicone,
Viton, Specification Rubber Gaskets cut from moulded sheet,Topog E (moulded boiler door
gaskets)
Sponge – Varying types and densities, including Natural,
Neoprene, Nitrile/Vinyl, Silicone
Cork – Neoprene and Nitrile bonded
Impregnated Paper – Cellulose-based fibre impregnated
with a glue glycerine composition or plasticised gelatine
Felt – Wool and Synthetic types of various
densities
Glass & Ceramic Textiles – High Temperature
Applications
Compressed Synthetic Fibre – Glass, Aramid, Carbon
filled; Novus, Klingersil, Flexitallic
PTFE
Modified/Expanded PTFE Sheet – Uniflon, Topchem, Sigma,
Gylon, Goretex
Expanded PTFE Spools – Varying sizes; Sealex, Goretex,
Uniflon
Graphite Laminate – Exfoliated graphite on plain or
tanged foil
Graphite/Stainless Corrugated Gaskets –
Elastagraph
Spiral Wound Gaskets
Metallic Gaskets – Ring Type Joints
Metal Clad or Double Jacketed Gaskets – Soft Iron,
Stainless, Monel, Copper
Camprofile Gaskets –
Graphite, PTFE, Mica Coated