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Gaskets, which are often made out of metal or a combination of the two, create a seal between two surfaces to prevent the leakage of fluids or gases. The selection of high-temperature gasket materials is crucial when exposed to extreme temperature conditions.
Here are the most popular types:
Graphite gaskets
Thanks to its thermal resilience, flexibility, and sealing ability, graphite is a common high-temperature-resistant material. Graphite gasket material can sustain up to 550°C, making it perfect for use in high-temperature situations.
Metal gaskets
Metal gaskets are preferred when a stable and rigid material is needed under high temperature and pressure. They can withstand brutal temperatures and pressures. Metal gaskets are often made of copper, aluminum, and stainless steel, which are resistant to corrosion.
Viton (FPM) gaskets
Viton is a fluoropolymer elastomer that performs well in corrosive settings at high temperature. It can withstand temperatures up to 230°C and is often employed in the oil and gas, chemical processing, and aerospace industries. Viton gasket material is resistant to many chemicals and offers superior durability and flexibility in extreme environments.
Ceramic gaskets
Ceramic gaskets are suitable for the most demanding applications, gaskets made of ceramic material are specialized components used in environments where extremely high temperatures (often above 1000°C) and thermal shock resistance are required. Porcelain is often confused with ceramics because they are both high-temperature-resistant materials.
Spiral wound gaskets
As the name suggests, this type of high-temperature gasket material combines the advantages of compressibility and sealability of softer materials and the rigidity and resilience of metal, spiral-wound gaskets are versatile and commonly used in high-temperature applications.
Gaskets serve critical functions in diverse industrial applications, making them essential for the smooth and safe operation of machinery and equipment.
Refinery's and chemical processing's application
High-temperature gasket materials are used for such jobs as routine sealing in refineries or chemical processing plants, which expose gaskets to aggressive chemicals, high pressure, and elevated temperatures. These industries usually use metal, graphite, and spiral-wound gaskets, which are resistant to both chemical and thermal degradation.
Aerospace application
The aerospace industry employs gaskets in extreme temperature and pressure conditions. Gasket material for high temperature must be lightweight yet able to withstand intense heat during engine operation and aerodynamic friction. In this industry, gaskets made of ceramics, Viton, and pure metals are often used in such critical components as engines, fuel systems, and nozzles.
Power generation application
In power plants, such as nuclear, gas, or geothermal power plants, gaskets seal high-pressure steam systems or other hot fluids. Spiral-wound and ceramic gaskets are commonly used to maintain integrity in these high-temperature environments. All these make them ideal for sealing turbine casings, heat exchangers, and reactor vessels.
Automotive application
Engine gaskets must withstand brutal temperature cycles, combustion gases, and exhaust fumes. Metal, graphite, ceramics, and Viton gaskets are used in automotive engines, exhaust systems, and turbochargers.
Pharmaceutical's and food and beverage's application
The pharmaceutical industry employs gaskets that can survive elevated temperatures during sterilization and are chemically resistant. In food and beverage industries, they are used in applications that require sanitation standards where cleaning chemicals and high heat are present.
Gasket materials perform critical functions in sealing applications, featuring specific characteristics and technical details that help them perform optimally, especially under challenging conditions.
Key features
The key features of high-temperature gaskets make them ideal for high temperature and pressure
Compressibility and recovery: Many high-temperature gaskets compress easily during installation to create a tight seal, even under high pressure. After compression, they recover to their original thickness to maintain sealing over time. Chemical resistance: To withstand exposure to aggressive chemicals, high-temperature gaskets are resistant to acids, alkalis, and other corrosive substances used in the refinery, chemical processing, and other industries. Elastomeric gasket sealant provides excellent chemical resistance, particularly in the automotive and aerospace industries. Thermal stability: The main function of gaskets is to withstand elevated temperatures, often exceeding 500°C, without degrading or losing their sealing properties. Viton adhesive, graphite, and ceramic gaskets exhibit exceptional thermal stability. Flexibility: This feature allows gaskets to conform to surface irregularities, ensuring a tight seal across uneven mating surfaces. Even at high temperatures, flexible gaskets maintain this ability. Durability: High-temperature gaskets have to last under extreme conditions, including heat, pressure, and chemical exposure, for long periods. This durability is critical in such critical applications as aerospace and power generation.
Specification
Important parameters include thickness, material, and temperature rating, as well as the application it will be used for.
The most common ones include: Thickness: High-temperature gaskets commonly found in the market vary in thickness from 0.5 mm to 3 mm, depending on the application. Generally, thicker gaskets provide better compression and sealing, while thinner ones are suited for higher pressures. Temperature rating: Such gaskets usually have a temperature rating between 500°C and 1000°C. This rating indicates the maximum operating temperature the gasket material can withstand without degrading. Material composition: Common materials used include metal (typically stainless steel, copper, or aluminum), graphite, ceramic, and Viton. Each material has unique properties that make it suitable for specific high-temperature environments.
High-temperature gasket sealer usually comes in such common size as 1/8 to 1/32 inches in thickness. They are usually made from flexible graphite or copper.
These are some of the important factors to consider for choosing high-temperature gasket material:
Nature of application
Gasket material should have a temperature experience for the nature of the business. Materials like graphite and spiral-wound gaskets can tolerate higher temperatures than others, making them more appropriate for high-temperature applications.
Chemical resistance
Gaskets often come into contact with various chemicals, including corrosive substances, acidic or alkaline solutions, and oxidative agents. Evaluate the gaskets' material for a high-temperature chemical resistance to ensure it doesn't degrade or lose effectiveness when exposed to these elements.
Sealant compatibility
Different gaskets require different types of sealants. Some may work well with all kinds of sealants, while others will only work well with particular ones. For instance, Viton glue is typically used with high-temperature gaskets, especially when a more intense seal is needed.
Compression and recovery
This helps to determine how much the gasket will compress during installation and how well it returns to its original shape after the compression ends. This will be ideal for ensuring a good seal, especially between fluctuating temperatures.
Mechanical strength and durability
The materials to be used should have the strength to resist separation, torn or squeezed out, or chemical attacks, which will enhance their durability. Such qualities make them ideal for extreme operational conditions.
A1. They are used for sealing oven ducts, insulating glass, and hot air balloons, to mention but a few.
A2. No, many variations of gaskets have different sizes based on the applications they serve.
A3. Gasketing using liquid adhesives is by far the easiest because they can be customized to fit any application.