Collection: Gaskets

A gasket is a flat or shaped mechanical seal placed between two mating surfaces to prevent the escape of fluids or gases under pressure. When compressed, it fills surface irregularities, creating a tight, leak-proof joint.

Common Materials:

Rubber Elastomers (Nitrile, EPDM, FKM/Viton®): Flexible, good for low-pressure and dynamic applications.
Compressed Non-Asbestos Fibre (CNAF): Durable and oil-resistant, often used in automotive and industrial flanges.
PTFE (Teflon®): Chemically inert, excellent for aggressive media and high-purity applications.
Graphite: High-temperature resistance, ideal for steam and heat-exchanger service.
Metal & Composite: Spiral-wound, kammprofile or metal jacketed gaskets for extreme pressures and temperatures.
Cork, Rubber-Cork, Paper: Low-cost, low-pressure sealing in cabinetry, plumbing and general maintenance.

Common Types & Examples:

Flat Cut Gaskets: Die-cut from sheet material to match flange profiles.
Spiral-Wound Gaskets: Metal and filler layers wound into a resilient seal for high pressure/temperature.
Kammprofile Gaskets: Machined metal core with a serrated surface and soft facing for cyclic service.
Ring Type (RTJ) Gaskets: Solid metal rings for pipe flanges in high-pressure oil & gas.
Die-Formed & Molded Gaskets: Custom shapes for pump housings, gearboxes and instrumentation.

Key Characteristics to Consider:

Temperature & Pressure Ratings: Match gasket grade to operating conditions (e.g. –40 °C to +500 °C, up to several hundred bar).
Chemical Compatibility: Ensure material resists oils, acids, solvents or steam.
Compressibility & Recovery: Ability to conform under load and maintain seal after pressure cycling.
Thickness & Tolerance: Correct cross-section to fit flange gap and bolt-up torque.
Blow-Out Resistance (for RTJ): Safety factor against extrusion under high pressure.