Flat gaskets cut from a soft material are probably the most well-known type due to their multiple applications depending on the actual material from which they are manufactured. Among the most commonly used materials may be found the compressed materials based on aramid and organic fibres etc, mixed with various binders in order to obtain a wide range of properties. When making use of these gaskets, the fluid pressure-temperature relationship should be taken into account. In general, this type of gasket provides a good level of sealing at low temperatures and pressures. Since these materials contain polymers and due their ageing, the following conditions should be taken into consideration with regards to storage.
- Covered storage to prevent adverse weather effects
- They should not be exposed to sunlight
- The relative air humidity should not be allowed to exceed 70% during more than 75% of the year.
- The gaskets themselves should be turned upside-down approximately once every ten weeks.
- Contact should be avoided with any element than can cut, scrape, break, scratch or knock etc
Additionally, this type of gasket may be used with other materials such as: oiled paper, presspan cardboard, ceramic fibres, felt, leather and PVC etc.
PipingIntercambiadoresOther applications
STANDARDS
Non-metallics gaskets may be used in piping installations, in other words, in unions between flanges. The fluid-pressure-temperature relationship should be taken into account when they are used.
The following should be taken into consideration when a new gasket is fitted:
- The removal of all traces of the previous gasket
- Any flanges that show signs of corrosion should be treated
- Flanges holes and edges should be smooth in order to prevent any distribution of pressures.
- The gaskets should not be allowed to enter the pipe during installation.
These gaskets are manufactured according to standard or on order. Standard sizes may be divided into two groups: RF (without holes) and FF (with holes).
FIGURES
Due to the demanding conditions under which heat exchangers operate, this type of seal os mainly employed in their hydraulic testing.
The most frequently used thickness is 1,5 or 2 mm. always remembering that the gasket crown should not be less than five times the gasket thickness. However, it should also be taken into account that the minimum crown should be 12 mm.
Depending on size, these gaskets are produced in a single piece or in loose or united sector. Depending on size, these gaskets are produced in a single piece or in loose or united sector. They are manufactured in accordance with each individual customer’s specific requirements.
These flats gaskets are cut from soft material and produced in a wide range of materials, shapes and sizes, and find application throughout industry in general, such as: machine-tools, motors, naval and car industries, household electrical good, heating, ovens etc.
