Gaskets are mechanical seals designed to fill the unoccupied space between two or more surfaces, preventing process fluids or gases from leaking under pressure while blocking contaminants from entering sensitive areas.
At Custom Gasket Manufacturing, we offer a comprehensive selection of gaskets to meet the unique demands of applications across a broad range of industries. Whether you need a flange gasket, pipe gasket, or flat gasket, we have a product that will meet your specific needs.
In critical applications where failure is not an option, gaskets must perform as expected to create a high-temperature seal. Material selection and sizing are crucial factors to consider when selecting the proper type of gasket. However, during the design stage, many engineers are unclear on sizing and thickness requirements.
The expert team at Custom Gasket Manufacturing provides actionable guidance and clear selection guidelines to help our customers choose the correct gasket thickness and material, reducing trial-and-error and improving overall system performance.
Factors That Determine Gasket Thickness
Depending on the gasket size, material being used, flange condition, and application parameters, the thickness requirements for a specific application vary considerably. The following key considerations are essential when selecting the appropriate thickness of high-temp seals:
Flange Surface Condition
A thin gasket can handle greater compressive stress, but the flange faces require a higher surface finish quality. Surface finishing plays a key role in creating a secure physical barrier between two flanges. The finish can be either pressed or machined onto the gasket and may include channels or grooves.
Uneven or rough flange surfaces usually require a thicker gasket to accommodate the imperfections and gaps. If the surface finish is too shallow or fine, it will not provide sufficient grip to maintain the seal’s integrity. If the finish is too deep, it may interfere with the sealing function due to the extreme bolt load found on large flanges.
Pressure Requirements
It is crucial to understand the pressure range the seal is expected to withstand throughout the specific application. The gasket’s outer diameter determines its ability to resist pressure, with a larger diameter having greater capacity. However, since thicker gaskets without reinforcement can deform or shift under extreme pressure, high-pressure systems typically require a thinner gasket to resist blowout.
Compression Set
Lower bolt loads, which are common in glass or plastic flanges, require a softer gasket that can fully compress to form a seal. High-bolt load assemblies, on the other hand, can handle denser, thinner gaskets.
Material Selection Criteria
When making a material selection, it is essential for engineers to know what the media will be exposed to. For example, will the process fluids be corrosive or abrasive? It is also important to note that some materials are more compressible than others. Rubber gaskets, for instance, are more flexible than metal-reinforced or graphite gaskets that are less forgiving.
The following material properties influence thickness requirements:
Temperature Range
The pressure and temperature of a pipeline impact the type of gasket material to be used, making it essential for engineers to identify the expected temperature range that the gasket is expected to withstand. The selected material must be able to withstand extreme temperatures without experiencing creep, thermal expansion, or brittleness when exposed to maximum system pressures and operating conditions.
Chemical Compatibility
Materials act differently to certain chemicals, so it is important to select a material that can withstand the demands of the application without risking:
- Degradation
- Excessive compression
- Swelling
A thicker gasket is required for incompatible chemicals to ensure a tight, durable seal that can prevent leaks.
Environmental Exposure
Gasket materials must be able to withstand the challenges of harsh environments, ensuring reliable performance when faced with the following elements:
- Abrasion
- Contaminants
- Moisture
- Ozone
- Ultraviolet (UV) rays
A gasket with high thickness can effectively maintain sealing functionality while resisting degradation.
Common Thickness & Material Pairings
The thickness of a gasket varies depending on the specific requirements of the application. While a 1.5mm thickness is appropriate for a smooth, high-pressure flange, a 3mm thickness is better suited for low-pressure or uneven flat-face, large-diameter flanges.
Common material pairings include:
- PTFE for chemical service. 1mm – 2.5 mm PTFE
- Graphite for high heat. 2mm – 4mm graphite
- Rubber for general sealing. 1.5mm – 3mm rubber
Contact Custom Gasket Manufacturing for Help Selecting a Proper Gasket Material and Thickness
At Custom Gasket Manufacturing, we are dedicated to providing high-performance gaskets and sealing products with reliable, on-time delivery, exceptional service, and competitive pricing.
Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive line of high-temperature seals. We also invite engineers to request a quote for custom-cut gaskets in bulk.