Flange Gasket is a versatile piece of material that you can use for creating a static seal between two flange surfaces (two connection pipelines.) Top advantages of these gasket types are that you can use it for high-temperature and high-pressure applications. For example, you can’t use an ordinary rubber gasket for high-pressure applications such as oil rig pipelines. Also, high-pressure-gas-applications such as gas plant pipelines need something more than just ordinary rubber gaskets. Flange Gasket is the best option in these cases.
OK, let’s get to know about its versatility a bit better. We can divide it into three categories depending on the materials. Non-metallic, semi-metallic, and metallic are the three main material categories of Flange Gasket. Which means a gasket is available for all your needs. Now, that is called the versatility. Gaskets do come with or without faster holes. Gaskets that we use for high-pressure applications come with fastener-holes.
Flange Gasket installation: The most common Flange Gasket application is for creating a static seal between two connecting pipelines. And as mentioned, high-pressure and high-temperature gaskets come with fastener holes. To install the gasket properly, you should tighten the bolts evenly. Also, cleaning the two surfaces prior to connecting is a must. If not, the dirt/dust on the surfaces will prevent the formation of a 100% tight seal. So, make sure the surfaces are clean, dry, and free from dust, oil, and dirt. You will need a spanner or a torque wrench to exert the required turning force on it.
Flange Gasket failures: We, humans; are the responsible ones for most of the failures. The decisions we take can go wrong. Well, don’t get me wrong here. I am not blaming humans for every error. But we are the ones who should prevent it. OK, I am highlighting common Flange Gasket Failures below:
* Human error when installing: People often make errors when tightening the bolts. Every Flange Gasket has a breaking point. So, if you overtighten it, then the gasket will fail under the excessive force. What if you under do it then? Well, every flange connection has to be connected with the required amount of turning force. We do it by tightening the bolts. So, if you don’t exert the required turning force to tightening the bolts, then the seal will fail. Uneven force on the Flange Gasket is another common mistake people make.
* Choosing the wrong Flange Gasket type: For example, using a non-metallic gasket for high-pressure and high-temperature applications. You know what would happen when you use a rubber gasket for a high-temperature application. Let’s get to know about it a bit better. Rubber gaskets are suitable for low-pressure and low-temperature applications only. Semi-metallic or composite gaskets offer greater strength, resiliency, conformability, and sealability. So, they are suitable for extreme applications. Metallic ones also suitable for extreme applications.
Some final words: If you are not sure about the right Flange Gasket type, then ask it from a professional. Using the wrong gasket type can lead to a disaster. You know what would happen if two gas-carrying pipelines fail. A quick tip: using a torque wrench is advisable.
Lucio Strumpf
December 22, 2017It’s simple, yet effective.
A lot of times it’s difficult to get that “perfect balance”between superb usability and appearance.
I must say you’ve done a amazing job with this.
Christian
December 22, 2017Many thanks for your wonderful words about this post.
Thank you!