One of the most critical last-step checks when working with heavy machinery is checking seals. Broken seals can be dangerous, that’s why. Seals like gaskets prevent leaks in engines and other types of heavy machinery. Because of their importance, it is essential to pick a suitable gasket material for your repair and maintenance projects.
So, let’s go through the service of gaskets.
The Uses of Gaskets
Gaskets can be used for many industrial purposes like plumbing, machinery, and even food processing. Most people tend to think that stainless steel or metal gaskets are only used in cars, but there is, in fact, a whole range of use for them.
- At home, we unknowingly use gaskets every day. Refrigerators can keep cold air in because of gaskets. Our faucets and windows are also sealed with gaskets.
- Office building administrators use gaskets for plumbing, pipes, and valves in the workplace.
- In the automotive industry, gaskets are used in a vehicle’s combustion engine. They’re used to prevent gas, coolant, and other fluids from leaking to ensure road safety and optimal performance levels.
Indeed, gaskets cover a plethora of uses in various environments. However, different applications require different types and materials of gaskets. For instance, using a general-purpose rubber gasket for extreme temperature applications is a recipe for disaster, as the rubber can become brittle and crack (at low temperatures) or melt and deform (at high temperatures). Either way, the sealing property of the gasket is compromised.
You need to choose the right material based on your intended application to make sure your gasket works effectively for a long time. Here are some factors to consider, so you can avoid common gasket mistakes.
Gasket Material Selection Guide
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Dimension and size
Dimension and size are major considerations when choosing a gasket. You need a gasket with the correct thickness, outer diameter, inner diameter, and pipe size. Failure to choose a gasket with the right size can lead to a catastrophic failure of the application, an easily broken seal, or worse, a useless buy.
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Degree of surface unevenness
This dictates how thick the gasket should be. Generally, “thin” gaskets will minimize compressibility, while in some cases, thicker gaskets are required to accommodate surfaces that are rough or non-flat.
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Amount of pressure between the two surfaces
Gaskets provide a seal between two surfaces. If the pressure from these surfaces exceeds what your gasket can withstand, the seal could become deformed or even break.
For example, non-metallic gaskets cannot provide adequate resistance if the contained material is highly pressurized. Another example is that synthetic rubber usually has a cap of 60 psi. Meanwhile, metallic gaskets are well-matched to extremely high pressures in processing plants (both oil and gas).
Simplex’s Permatex Ultra Copper Max. Temp. RTV SIL. Gasket Maker is three times more oil resistant than conventional silicone gaskets and is eight times more flexible than the cut gasket. It’s also sensor-safe, low odor, and non-corrosive with superior adhesion.
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Fluid temperature
Not all gaskets are made the same. They differ in use depending on the material that comprises them. The material that makes up the gasket has to suit the temperature at the joint that needs to be sealed.
Simplex’s Permatex Water Pump & Thermostat RTV SIL. Gasket Maker is formulated specifically for water pumps and thermostat housings. It has a temperature range of -65 to 500°F.
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Compressibility of the gasket material
How hard or soft is the material? How much will the gasket compress when put between pressures? These are questions you need to ask yourself before applying a gasket.Soft-sealing non-metallic materials like rubber, foam, and cork compress in large amounts. In contrast, denser materials like hard metals and fibers require more load to achieve a seal and only compress by a small amount.
Your chosen gasket materials should have sufficient compressibility to overcome flange imperfections, internal pressure, and deflection.
Simplex’s Weicon Gasketing of Flange, Orange 50ml, Adhesive and Sealant is perfect for flanges, motor houses, and even gearboxes. It’s also high temperature-resistant, making it ideal for motors and automobiles.
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Resistance against corrosion and chemical damage
Gaskets that aren’t aligned to the application environment’s temperature, pressure, or materials increase the failure rate. Here, you should factor in pH levels, oil or water content, oxidation properties, and other factors that can corrode or destroy gasket materials during exposure.
Simplex’s Permatex Ultra Black Max. Oil Resistance RTV SIL. Gasket Maker is a fast-curing, low odor, non-corrosive formula that retains high flexibility and oil resistance properties.
Knowing Your Gasket Matters
Gaskets provide a crucial role in various applications, from domestic to automotive and industrial. Failure to choose and apply the right gasket can lead to costly issues. The best way to prevent sealing accidents is to know which one to use where.
Simplex is a premier distributor of rubber gaskets in the Philippines, as well as sealants and premium industrial and engineering parts. We offer gaskets in a wide array of materials suitable for various applications and environments. If your project has unique requirements, Simplex can fabricate custom, made-to-order gaskets just for you.
Browse our online shop to see our list of products, or contact us and let us know how we can help.
