Machinery and various pieces of equipment have done their part in improving the lives of many industrial projects and how we’re able to work easier and better with them. But all of this wouldn’t be possible without the little parts that allow them to operate seamlessly, like the gasket.
Speaking of, this humble piece has seen a lot of improvements given how there are now a variety of gasket sheet materials on the market. In recent years, we’ve seen increased versatility and enhanced durability that answer the needs of various industrial applications. Today’s article will tackle the latest innovations in gasket sheet materials and how these technological advancements are revolutionizing the sealing industry.
What are the traditional gasket materials and their limitations?
Back then, the only available materials for gasket sheets were rubber, asbestos, and cork. Compared to the new materials we have today, these three have a lot of limitations, which include the following:
Chemical compatibility concerns. Because they were the only materials available then, there were many instances wherein the equipment failed to operate because these traditional materials weren’t compatible with certain chemicals. Another worst-case scenario because of this limitation is the occurrence of leaks.
Pressure and temperature limits. Of the three materials, two of them—namely cork and rubber—have a short lifespan because they’re not the right medium for high pressure and extreme temperatures.
Environmental and health concerns. Asbestos has long been considered a health hazard, especially its fibers. Prolonged exposure to these fibers can lead to several serious illnesses, such as lung cancer, asbestosis, and even mesothelioma.
Despite their limits, these three materials did their part in operations as best as they could. It’s also because of their limitations that they led to the innovation of advanced gasket sheet materials.
What are the latest gasket material innovations?
The latest gasket material sheets boast a lot of improvements that work to the benefit of many industries, and here are some of them:
Expanded graphite (EG). Aside from withstanding high-temperature applications, the EG is also fire-resistant and flexible, making it the ideal material to conform to uneven surfaces.
Flexible Graphite with Metal Inserts (FGMI). This material more than makes up for the cork and rubber’s weakness to high pressure and extreme temperature; it’s durable and chemical resistant, plus it also has the flexibility of the graphite packed with metal inserts.
Aramid fiber gaskets. Like the two materials mentioned above, the Aramid fiber gaskets are also heat-resistant and are the best choice for high-pressure uses and flange connections. It makes them the ideal gasket sheet materials in a setting where there are potential fire hazards.
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). PTFE has many uses thanks to the fact that it has a pretty high chemical resistance and low friction, which makes it ideal for an environment where harsh chemicals are involved.
Silicone rubber gaskets Lastly, this material is an all-rounder and can be used in any setting. It also offers elasticity and has improved temperature resistance, which makes it one of the best choices to use in high-heat settings.
As impressive as these advanced gasket sheet materials are, it’s good to know that technological advances and innovations are still being made as we speak. With that said, the future of gaskets is pretty bright, offering the promise of quality materials and peak performance in years to come.
