Different industry sectors will use different types of gaskets and different types of gasket materials.
And of course!
Different industrial gasket materials will be much better suited to some industrial processes and applications compared to others. As different tolerance levels, levels of resistance and more come into effect.
This post looks at different types of gasket materials and some specific sectors they are used in.
Types of gasket material
Graphite – now found to be an affordable option for various industries, graphite sheet gaskets perform well in extreme temperatures and chemical services. Some graphite gaskets also come with anti-stick coatings helping in easy gasket removal and cleaner flanges.
Expanded PTFE – used to seal flanges with minimal torque loads. Soft and conformable PTFE is ideal for glass-lined pipe flanges, making them suitable for most chemical applications and processes within the food and beverage industry.
PTFE – often cut from sheet PTFE, this material has endless benefits for applications. With outstanding insulation capabilities and a chemically inert material, PTFE also provides endurance in high-temperature applications.
Non-asbestos – ideal for steam, oil, and water sealing.
Rubber sheet – this is the most common type of gasket and is available in numerous styles. The most common is nitrile, neoprene, EPDM, and SBR. One of rubber’s biggest benefits is that it is quick to return to its original form once stress or load is removed.
Metal gaskets – manufactured from rugged metal components and controlled PTFE or graphite density. Depending on the application’s requirements and specifications, metals come in soft, hard, and semi-soft materials.
To check out the range of sealants to accompany your gasket of choice, make sure to check out our post on Gasket Sealants to find out more.
Gaskets and industry
Automotive
The gasket material of choice here is silicone.
Materials that are oil and fuel resistant are required in this sector so manufacturers will make use of materials such as Nitrile and Viton, and EPDM.
In, vehicle engines you will find graphite and non-asbestos gaskets to be most suitable as they are resistant to fuels and oil and perform well under high temperatures.
Oil and gas
Spiral wound gaskets are the most popular choice in this sector, including ring type joints, cam profile gaskets, and those manufactured using non-asbestos materials.
Sealing materials in this sector must be suitable for high temperature and high-pressure environments.
As such, manufacturers can also opt for composite materials such as graphite.
Food processing
Taste and taint-free products must be available for use in this sector. This is why you will find most applications using silicone gaskets, suitable to withstand high temperatures and prevent bacterial growth.
When operating in steam and high-pressure environments, Non-asbestos and graphite materials will also be suitable for steam applications and EPDM for water applications.
Drinking water/water
Those with good UV resistance will be best utilised in these sectors. Meaning materials such as EPDM, neoprene, and non-asbestos material gaskets will fit the bill perfectly.
Pumping
EPDM and neoprene are most commonly used for pipe gaskets. However, for those processes requiring corrosion-resistant materials, gasket manufacturers in the UK opt for nitrile, Viton, PTFE, and non-asbestos to be more than suitable.
Aerospace
This industry uses a wide variety of gasket materials; however, most will need to be accompanied by quality and compliance certification. Certification includes a certificate of conformity, allowing full traceability on all gaskets in use.
Rail
Approval on gasket materials for use in this sector is required, with materials such as silicone, EPDM, and nitrile often the materials of choice.
Those that require sealability against fuel, oil, and water will opt for manway gaskets in Viton, EPDM, and non-asbestos materials.
Petrochemical
Flange gaskets made from non-asbestos materials are those found in the petrochemical industry.
For those operating under high-pressure conditions, spiral wound gaskets will be used.
Quality and safety are the top leading priorities in this sector; hence, those fuel, oil, and corrosion-resistant materials are key.
Materials such as nitrile, Viton, silicone, and PTFE gaskets in this industry should be high quality to ensure an effective seal with PTFE offering excellent chemical resistance.
Pharmaceutical
Silicone rubber is the preferred choice in this sector; however, flange gasket PTFE seals are used as a low bacteria growth and clean liner to pipe gaskets.
Gasket manufacturers offering expanded PTFE help provide a sealing solution for uneven flanges and those subject to harsh chemicals.
At Specialist Sealing Products, we offer high-quality gaskets in a range of types, styles, and sizes, as well as various materials to suit all requirements and specifications.
Check our stock online or call us on 01535 274 776
Reference video: Technical Piping
