Sealing Elements
In industries where chemical and similar substances and process fluids are processed, transported or stored, sealing problems may be encountered. These gaskets, which are often not noticed, have a critical importance in the chemical industry, energy production-conversion, refineries, as well as in the food industries. Gaskets are exposed to very different pressures and temperatures in various application areas. For this reason, many different materials with different properties are used in the production of gaskets. By choosing the right sealing material, it is possible to eliminate leaks that may occur later, the risk of disruption of work processes and repair costs.
What are Sealing Gaskets?
Gaskets, which are used for sealing, are used to prevent any kind of fluid from leaking out between industrial parts (flange, manol and tank cover, etc.).
Gaskets are one of the important sealing elements in many production processes and products. Once it has been decided that the sealant is suitable for a particular application, several different factors must be considered in order to select the appropriate gasket type and material.
Gaskets are divided into three main categories according to their materials; non-metallic, semi-metallic and metal gaskets. Non-metal gaskets are mostly used in low and medium pressure systems. Semi-metallic gaskets, a combination of metallic and non-metallic materials, are considered suitable for both low and high pressure and temperature applications. Metal gaskets recommended for use in high pressure and temperature applications can be manufactured in various shapes and sizes.
What Do Sealing Gaskets Do?
In industries where chemical and similar substances and process fluids are processed, transported or stored, sealing problems may be encountered. For this reason, flat gaskets that are invisible or even invisible to the naked eye have a critical importance in the chemical industry, power generation and conversion, refineries and the food industry. Because gaskets are subjected to a wide variety of loads in various fields of application, a wide variety of materials are used in the manufacture of gaskets. One of the most important application parameters for sealing gaskets is resistance to aggressive environments, high or low temperatures or high pressure loads. In addition, the determining factors for material selection can be counted as a good price/performance ratio in addition to the sealing strength and ease of installation required by the customer. By choosing the right sealing material, it is possible to avoid the risk of sealing damage, downtime and repair costs that may occur in the future.
What are the Types of Sealing Gaskets?
Gaskets come to the fore as sealing elements that enable the creation of connections resistant to very high pressures in order to prevent unwanted gas or liquid leaks between all types of fixed components. Gaskets are in a softer structure than the elements they combine because they provide sealing by compression. And it is possible for them to take shape according to the surfaces in which they are placed. Gaskets are generally intended to be resistant to temperature fluctuations, pressure and in some cases to electrical and electromagnetic forces. Selecting the appropriate gasket specification is considered the most important step in the manufacturing process. Correct combination of gasket materials and designs can be achieved depending on the application area where the gasket will be used and the cost of the project.
Spiral wound gaskets are produced by helically joining metal with softer plastics or synthetic rubber. Often reinforced with additional layers of metal without fillers. Its unique design offers flexibility as well as high thermal and physical stress resistance. Generally spiral gaskets are used in piping, pumping and heat exchange systems.
What are Sealing Gaskets?
Before choosing the materials and types of gaskets, the sealing system should be planned in general. The gasket seals by compression. However, the compression of the gasket depends on the other parts of the system. Gaskets working with all the components in the system contribute to the optimization of the cost with the compatibility of the parts in the system.
The compression of the gaskets can be achieved by the clamping force of the fastener and the flange design. The surface area of the flange determines the flange pressure distributed across the gasket surface. The dimensions of the fasteners, the spacing between the fasteners and the force provided by the fasteners tightened; generates the flange pressure applied to compress and seal the gasket. In addition, the load required for sealing has the feature of being affected by the surface quality of the machine elements. Any uncalculated surface imperfection or roughness on the flange surface may result in flange pressure variation across the gasket surface and possible leaks. It is extremely important that the gasket resists crushing under the applied load, maintains its integrity in static and dynamic conditions and has sufficient resistance to creep.
Where Are Sealing Gaskets Used?
Sealing gaskets; in the machinery manufacturing industry, pneumatic, hydraulic systems, fuel oil, gas, hot water, steam, hot oil, cooling and heating systems, combi boilers, small household appliances, shipbuilding industry, pharmaceutical factories, detergent factories, liquid and gas transportation facilities and It is often used in high pressure steam plants.
It can be said that one of the most important features of industrial gaskets is their capacity to tolerate the loads on them. Tests such as the hot compression test can be used to measure the ability of a particular gasket to withstand various weights and temperatures. Such tests plays an important role in choosing the gasket to be used or in deciding on a particular material or design configuration.