subject: Taking a look at the flange gasket [print this page] Taking a look at the flange gasket Taking a look at the flange gasket
It is well know that a gasket is a mechanical seal that mainly used to fill the space between two mating surfaces, generally to prevent leakage from or into the joined objects while under compression. And a flange gasket is a particular kind of the gasket which is to fit between two sections of pipe that are flared to provided higher surface area. Or it can be said the gasket for flanges of pipes. In fact, it holds a wide range of sizes available under the consideration of the various applicable fields. Generally speaking, it is divided into four different categories.
The first kind is called the sheet gasket. Actually, it is simple as it is cut to size either with bolt holes for standard sizes or not. The material to make this term is from the compressed asbestos in early times to the graphite and such material nowadays. It can fill many chemical requirements based on the inertness of the material used and fit many budgetary restraints.
The second one is the corrugated metal gasket, called solid material gasket as well, is to use metals which can not be punched out of sheets. Though it is still cheep in production cost, it can withstand much higher temperature and pressure. In this case, the chosen metal of the gasket should be softer than the flange in case of the wrap.
The third kind is the ring gasket which is generally employed in offshore oil and gas pipelines. Thus, it is required to bear under extremely high pressure. But the cross sections are optional, like oval, round or octagonal etc.
And the last one to introduce is the spiral would gasket which is applicable for high pressure pipelines. It is given the name as a result that it is made with outer and inner rings and a center filled with spirally wound tape to form in V shape. The proper material of this gasket is stainless steel, together with graphite and Teflon.
Above all, it is certain that each type holds its strength and weakness. Actually, the manufacturers and designers should keep going on to take measures to increase lifespan or acceptable operating conditions for each type of the flange gasket.
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