For this reason, each item must be designed and extruded in order to carry out its function in the best way.
The choice of an item is not an accidental, rather a precise decision that follows exact technical and quality needing, as well as the specific function of the part. For this reason, each item must be designed and extruded in order to carry out its function in the best way.
The mechanical characteristics and the level of performance of each category vary greatly depending on the type of material and gasket.
Various studies have shown that in many plants the majority of pollution comes from losses that are not controlled or monitored, generally focusing on flanged coupling, valves, etc. These losses are called fugitive emissions. In recent years the attention towards the environment has risen considerably and the problem of fugitive emissions has become big. |
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The natural consequence is that technicians require more efficient and high performance sealing systems. A key element in sealing systems is of course the gasket. Sealing systems are used for the containment of fluids, gasses or liquids, in a circuit or a plant, to avoid leakage of materials. The fluids can be non-toxic or toxic. In the first case there is only one loss in plant efficiency, while in the second case there is also the danger to personnel and the surrounding environment. The gasket is a deformable element made with different materials which, secured between two pieces (the flanges), limits and prevents fluid loss. This action is carried out by establishing a tensional state, generated by a prior deformation that occurs in the tightening phase. |
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Gasket Features |
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One of the features of a gasket is its deformability in that it makes up for the superficial imperfections and any differences in tolerance of the elements that come into contact. |
The requirements of a gasket are many, such as a good elastic return, the ability to maintain its properties over time, etc., in addition to its chemical and physical compatibility with the process fluid.
In the light of observations made we can summarize below the basic parameters for choosing the type of seal:
• Temperature and pressure of fluid
• Chemical nature of the process fluid.
• Mechanical load on the gasket
To meet all of these requirements, different types of gaskets were developed according to different working conditions, which can be divided into three basic groups:
• Flat gaskets
• Semi-metallic gaskets
• Metallic gaskets
The mechanical features and the pressure level of each category vary widely depending on the type of material and different arrangements of production used.
Flat gaskets are made with both composite materials and mono-produced sheet materials and are adapted for a wide range of applications; - average pressure – high, medium and low - temperatures up to 600 °C - compatibility with any type of acid and base, even at high concentration - where required, maximum deformations under load. |
Among the production materials, we would like to point out the asbestos-free compressed fibres with a base of Aramid fibre, graphite, armoured smooth graphite and armoured perforated graphite, rubber and PTFE. |
These are constructed winding a tape of ferrous material that is pre-formed (generally V) together with a filler. The winding of the two elements continues until the desired diameter is reached. Generally the shape is circular but it can also be oval with or without crosses according to the specific needs of the customer. These gaskets are quite versatile, with a strong adaptation to the different working conditions of the sealing system. In fact, they have optimal elastic return compared to metallic gaskets. The spiral wound gaskets therefore pose as a bridge between the smooth plastic gaskets and the metallic gaskets. These represent a strong innovation in that they allow in many cases for substitution of the metallic gaskets, with the advantage of having reduced tightening loads.
Semi-metallic gaskets are made in metallic and non-metallic materials, which give the gasket resistance and elasticity. Adapted for high temperature and pressure. The types are varied.
Plastic smooth gaskets with metallic reinforcement on the external and internal burners, metal-plastic gaskets, spiral wound gaskets, and lenticular and lamellar gaskets.
These gaskets can be composed of just one metal or a combination of metals, and they present a certain variability of shapes and sizes. They are suitable for systems with very high pressure and temperatures. Belonging to this group are lenticular gaskets, oval and octagonal Joint rings, Rx, Bx, and ribbed gaskets.