Graphite Gaskets

Graphite has become one of the main, asbestos-free materials to be employed in the manufacture of gaskets. Because of these material´s characteristics, graphite gaskets are universally used under high pressure and temperature conditions due to high resistance to steam. They cover most requirements, providing and unbeatable seal for long periods of time and at various operating temperatures. They are fireproof and possess high breaking strength and resistance to high temperature fracture, together with maximum chemical resistance to most chemical agents and solvents, with the exception of strong oxidants (concentrated nitric and sulphuric acids etc.)

Technical data

Graphite content: 98%-99%-99,8%(nuclear grade)
Extractable chloride : <50 ppm
Sulphur content: <800 ppm
Density: 1.0 +0,1 g/cm3
Compressibility: 40% (ASTMF-F36)
Recovery: 5% (ASTMF-F38B)
Sealing capacity: 0,5 ml/min. (ASTM F37B)
Operating temperature
- Neutral Atmosphere: 200ºc a + 3.000ºc
- Oxidante Atmosphere: 200º a 450ºc
- Sublimation point: +3.300ºc

Qualities

Expanded laminated graphite. Universal use

The especial fragility of graphite during handing has lead to its use with various type of insertion la particular:

Graphite reinforced with flat metal plate: this may be AISI 316 or AISI 316L, 0.05mm, thickness. Recommended for use with steam.
Graphite reinforced with perforated metal plate: this may be AISI 316 or AISI 316L, 0, 1 mm. thickness. Recommended for use with high pressure and temperature.

All of these forms of graphite products may be available in either industrial or nuclear qualities.

Heat exchangersPipingOther applications

grqafico16

All the characteristics of those classic materials used in the manufacture of flat heat exchanger gaskets are covered by properties of graphite which, due to its excellent environmental resistance, is suitable for chemical and petrochemical plants. However, the difficulties in handing of these gaskets due to their fragility should be stressed, together with the dimensional limits imposed on the manufacture of gaskets in a single piece. However, these gaskets may be manufacture in a single piece or in sections an d in any shape or size.

grafico17

Graphite is a material that covers all the characteristics of those classic materials that are employed in the manufacture of flat gaskets for piping, and they improve the characteristics of the former as far as storage is concerned, since they are permanently resilient, they do not harden nor age, so that they do not have any expiry date.

In addition, since this is a self-lubricating material, it is easier to remove the gasket after it has been in use.

These gaskets are manufactured in accordance with current standards or n order, in thickness starting at 0.5 mm.

grafico18

Graphite, which is mainly employed in valves and pumps, may be supplied in flat rings or shaped (cup-cone), which when combined with graphite packing, permit controlled radial expansion, which translates into an effective seal, in both interior and exterior diameters, with minimum torque.