A gasket is a fundamental component used in industrial engineering, mainly in the oil and gas (petrochemical) and other heavy industries. It’s used to seal two or more surfaces tightly. The primary purpose of this seal is to prevent any sort of leakage of air or liquids. In some manufacturing procedures, the two surfaces can be protected without using any sort of gasket. However, if the surfaces are faulty or under pressure, the need for a gasket can become integral in creating a tight seal.
Usually, most automotive engines are comprised of a gasket. For example, a gasket between a cylinder block and a cylinder head is called a head gasket. It is to prevent the leakages of combustion gases, oil, and coolant. Typically, overheating of the vehicle occurs when the gasket is leaked; it happens when the head gasket is ruptured or damaged, combustion gases formed in the engine would start leaking into the cooling system; hence a heated up vehicle.
What a Gasket Is Made Of?
Gaskets are made of several different materials. Although steel is the most commonly used material in making head gasket, other gaskets are mostly made of rubber, cork, felt, nitrile, and fiberglass. Some uncommon ones are made of even silicone and Teflon. However, fiberglass is often preferred for of it has the ability to endure extreme pressure. Fiberglass gaskets can withstand up to 2,000 pounds per square inch (PSI) pressure very easily.
The Different Types of Gaskets:
There are many different types of gaskets, each of which is used for a precise purpose.
· sheet gasket – made of punched-out metal or composite materials, not very costly
· solid material gasket – made of heavier, more vital metals, more robust, and more durable spiral-like design of irregular metals and materials
· flange gasket – installed between two pieces of flared pipe
· RTJ or Ring Type Joint RTJ Gaskets is a forged ring that fits into the machined groove gasket made of durometer rubber, used for heavy industrial applications
Gaskets, as discussed above, are an essential component in flanges. These leak-proof sealing are of many types – let’s read about a few very efficient ones, such as:
Soft Gasket
Soft gaskets are most useful in general service and applications that tend to corrode. This type of gasket is appropriate for application in several temperature ranges, such as low, medium, and high. The suitability of this particular gasket depends on the materials used in its making. soft gasket are also called non-metallic gaskets, as rubber is typically used to make them. They are just suitable for both the temperature and the pressure under the conditions they are in operation. These gaskets usually have a larger diameter and bolting dimensions, making them apt for higher-pressure flanges. Elastomer, glass fiber, Teflon (PTFE), and flexible graphite are some materials the gasket is made of; these are all non-asbestos materials.
Ring Type Joint Gaskets:
A ring-type joint or RJT gasket deals with a tough and persistent metal-to-metal seal among two RTJ flanges. The bendable material of the ring joint gasket is compressed into the grooves of the flanges, and it seals the joints firmly, as when the flanges are secured. RJT gasket are available in different styles and shapes, such as oval and octagonal, R, RX, and BX. Ring joint gaskets offer a durable and strong seal in many components like flanges, vessels, and valves. These are quite suitable to use at high pressure and temperatures.
For the arches’ surface, oval-type gaskets attach the flange face to give a tight seal. In contrast, the curved shape makes it difficult to get a precise measurement and finish on the surface. To have one straight face for perfection and accuracy, octagonal-type gaskets are just perfect.
Spiral Gasket
As the name suggests, the Spiral Gasket is made by a putty on the edges of metal winding bars and binding a metal strip. Spiral gaskets are equipped with an adjustable band. These rings help place the gasket in the center of the circle of the bolt to control compression. Internal buckling is handled by the material used for the inner. This inner ring confines the buildup of any substance between the mouth of the pipe and the inner diameter of the gasket.
A spiral gasket usually lessens the circular flow properties of a thick gasket and gives durability to adjust changing service requirements. Spiral wound gaskets are generally made with different filler materials like Grafoil and Teflon, which suit solution flexibility. Spiral Gasket are used with high-face flanges with an outer centering ring and an inner metal ring.
It is always advisable to select a high-quality gasket for thorough protection and endurance from SWBM. If, in a case, a gasket – if low quality – fails, it can cause severe issues for the surface to which it is linked. For instance, a failed gasket can cause massive damage to the engine, which can be a financial blow for sure. In other applications, if it fails, it can cause the product to perform as programmed or bring its function to a halt. Hence, the most reliable place to buy gaskets would be SWBM Fittings.