When using a spiral wound gasket, there are many things you need to keep in mind. The most common issue we hear people discuss regarding gasket performance issues at high temperatures. If you are using a gasket for the first time at a new temperature and notice it overheating, you need to consider the other options on offer to make this operation safer. Here at SSP Ltd, we are committed to helping you find the safest solution for your business, so keep reading as we share the top things which impact gasket performance.
How Does Heat Impact Gasket Performance?
When used at a high temperature, you’ll notice that gaskets are impacted by this change in the environment. This could also include the use of hot water and hot steam, which are unable to exit the machine and cause the gasket to experience some issues. Gaskets are likely to swell, harden, or change in shape and form, which can destroy them too much to be able to complete their intended job. The material of the gasket will, of course, impact how much heat changes it, but when the material starts to bake, it will lose its elasticity and become harder. You’ll find that it may develop cracks and breaks, which lead to leaks in the gasket and machinery.
While this is certainly the worst-case scenario, you need to keep in mind that the material you use is the top consideration when working at a high temperature. Each material reacts differently to heat. Plastic is known to melt or deform, whereas setting materials are more likely to harden or shrink, which can result in cracks in the material. When the gasket begins to change, the tight flange will loosen and cause further issues with your work. The main result you’ll see when you use the wrong gasket at a high temperature is leakage, which none of us ever need when working at a high temperature.
What Type of Material Is Best for Excellent Gasket Performance at High Temperatures?
The good news is that the performance of gaskets depends on the material you use, and there are options that can help you to work at higher temperatures with no issues. To stop the head gasket from overheating, we recommend using engineering plastics or materials which are reinforced with metals. These will both stop the performance from weakening over time, and they are less likely to expand or harden. Thermally capable plastics or alloys that are resistant to deformation are the best options, as they won’t become brittle or contract in the heat. These materials can work at every temperature, so they are a great option for performance head gasket operations.
Different Types of Gaskets for Various Applications
You may opt to use various types of gaskets depending on the application you are carrying out. Firstly, metallic gaskets are made with a combination of metals that can be used at high temperatures or pressures. Common materials that are used include carbon steel, stainless steel, copper, aluminium, and nickel.
As the name suggests, non-metallic gaskets are made from easily compressible materials. They have more limitations to the temperatures you can use them in, and that will depend on whether you opt for nitrile, EPDM, or silicon. PTFE is another popular material that has good resistance to temperature.
For an in-between option that offers you more flexibility, consider semimetallic gaskets. They are between the two other categories, and they can be used for high pressure or high-temperature applications. You’ll find that these usually include stainless steel, which is mixed with graphite or asbestos.
It’s so important to think about the material you are using if you are going to work at high temperatures. Leaking is something that no one wants to experience, and it can cause delays to the operations within your business. You’ll find that when you test out various gaskets and choose ones that are designed for use at high pressure or temperature, you’ll be well on your way to success in the future with any type of application.
Are you looking for a new gasket solution for your business this year? Our team will be here to help you find the right option for any type of application. No matter what project you are working on currently, you’ll find that there are options for every type of business. We’ll be excited to partner with you to avoid the issues we shared above when working at a high temperature. We’ve seen how gaskets respond to different temperatures, and we know that we can find you the best solution for your needs. Contact our team today to discuss the best gasket material for your business and how we can help you to create a safe working environment. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have and find the right option for your company this year.
