Minor Parts, Major Responsibilities

Gaskets should not be easy to overlook, even when they are hidden from sight. They are responsible for ensuring that fluids and gases do not leak. They are critical for preventing breakdowns, safety risks, and costly repairs.

Gaskets play this important role in cars, pipelines, factory equipment, and power systems. With industry expansion, the demand for gaskets continues to rise. In fact, GMI Research predicts gaskets and seals market to be 89.8 billion dollars by 2032.

Gasket Material Choices

There are plenty of options when it comes to choosing gasket materials, making the options feel overwhelming.

Some materials can resist some high levels of heat and other materials can resist harsh chemicals. Some stay flexible while exerting pressure. Selecting materials that meet the pressures and temperatures of each system are crucial in order to prevent leaking seals. In order to put the system in the best position, a careful selection process must be used for gasket materials.

Sealing Performance Comes First

When considering the sealing performance of gaskets, it is imperative to evaluate the compressibility, recovery, and stability of the gasket. Will it compress under the operating pressure, will it recover to a shape that adequately re-seal, and will it maintain stability when other factors such as oil, water, gas, or chemical may cause a deterioration of the sealing performance? Factors such as heat (Silicone works well at high temps), moisture (EPDM works well), and chemical resistance (Fluorocarbon) play a significant role in determining a gasket's sealing performance. The ideal sealing performance of a gasket is achieved when the sealing materials are adequately aligned with the environmental conditions.

Environmental Conditions Can Change Everything

Regardless of affecting factors, heat, cold, moisture, pressure, outdoor exposure, and rubber recovery will always test the gasket materials over time. Seasonal changes, high temperature, and moisture exposure are the environmental factors that will shorten the lifespan of gaskets. Recovery in the sealing performance of gaskets can be accomplished when rubber components designed and engineered to recover to their shape after compression are utilized.

Chemical Compatibility Matters More Than People Think

A gasket can seal a hydraulic pressure system without any issues but can get exposed to moisture and oil or aggressive solvents, and the results can be catastrophic. Chemical Compatibility is a critical aspect of the sealing performance. When deterioration of the sealing material is inevitable due to the combination of a sealed fluid that is incompatible to the sealing material, the sealing performance will be compromised, and the results will be catastrophic.

Different Industries Have Different Rules

The standards in the food and pharmaceutical industries are entirely different from those in the automotive and oil industries. Each industry presents different lubrication and sealing requirements; however, the overarching concept is that meeting all of the requirements is critical for ensuring that the operations remain compliant and safe.

The Real Impact of a Smart Material Selection

Gaskets minimize downtime, prevent leaks, protect equipment, enhance safety, and save maintenance costs, all with a component that many never notice.

Final Thoughts

Gaskets are small, but critical to system performance. Selecting the right gasket material keeps systems running. Selecting the wrong material invites system failure.

As systems and industries expand, so does the importance of controlled gasket selection. At times, success is determined by the capacity of the small components to operate as intended.