Types of Gaskets: An Overview

June 12, 2024 noah taylor Aerospace

Gaskets are indispensable components in mechanical systems, commonly used to create pressure-tight seals between surfaces. Although simple in design, they are highly efficient in preventing leaks of gasses or fluids in systems across many industries. Whether one operates in aerospace, automotive, pharmaceutical, or manufacturing settings, understanding common gasket types and their intended applications is key to optimizing performance and safety. As such, read on as we cover some of the most popular options in this blog, discussing the unique properties that make each suitable for specific environments.

What Are Gaskets?

As stated before, gaskets are sealing materials, and they are installed by being compressed between two or more surfaces to fill any irregularities or gaps. With a number of material options and designs to choose from, operators will generally make divisions based on a range of variables, including:

Expected Pressure and Temperature Range
Media Being Sealed (i.e. Oil, Fuel, Chemicals, etc.)
Environmental Conditions and Stresses

Common Types of Gaskets

Rubber Gaskets

Rubber gaskets are some of the most popular sealing solutions as a result of their versatility and adaptability. They are considered ideal for sealing applications that call for high levels of elasticity and compression, with various materials falling under the umbrella of rubber options.

Common Rubber Materials

Nitrile (NBR): NBR offers strong oil and fuel resistance, driving its popularity for sealing engine and hydraulic system components.
EPDM: EPDM withstands UV, ozone, and water exposure, making it useful for outdoor equipment and water systems.
Silicone: Silicone is suitable for medical, food-grade, and industrial uses, functioning well in high and low temperatures alike.
Neoprene: Neoprene combines chemical resistance with weather tolerance, allowing it to excel within HVAC and marine settings.

Metal Gaskets

Metal gaskets are built for durability in environments that exhibit extreme pressure and temperature levels. The key strengths of these options are that they can withstand thermal cycling and high loads, as well as provide a long service life.

Key Types of Metal Gaskets

Spiral Wound Gaskets: These options combine metal materials with a filler like graphite. Generally, one will find spiral wound gaskets within power plants, refineries, and chemical operations.
Ring-Type Joint (RTJ): RTJ gaskets are solid metal, making them useful for extremely high-pressure settings, such as offshore and petrochemical environments.

Cork Gaskets

Cork gaskets are made by blending cork with rubber, the resulting mixture providing excellent adaptability to irregular surfaces. The advantages of cork gaskets are plenty, such devices being known for their ease of compressibility and resistance to fuel, oil, and numerous solvents.

Common Applications

Electrical Equipment
Engine Components
Low-Pressure Pumps and Valves

Non-Asbestos Gaskets

Due to the health risks posed by asbestos, many modern gaskets now use synthetic materials that offer similar levels of performance without compromising safety. Generally, one will find these gaskets within food, pharmaceutical, steam, and chemical systems.

Common Non-Asbestos Materials

Graphite: Graphite is excellent for high temperatures and thermal conductivity.
PTFE: PTFE is considered chemically inert and non-stick, making it useful for corrosive chemical systems.
Aramid Fibers: Aramid fibers are strong and abrasion-resistant, driving their use for industrial and mechanical sealing.

Composite Gaskets

Composite gaskets are engineered to combine the best properties of several materials, resulting in high-performance sealing solutions that benefit challenging applications. Generally speaking, composites will provide high-temperature stability and can be customizable to meet specific needs.

Common Applications

Oil and Gas Systems
High-Pressure Fluid Transfer Lines
Chemical Processing Units

How to Choose the Right Gasket

Step 1: Identify Application Requirements

Before selecting a particular gasket, first determine your application’s main operational conditions. This should involve asking yourself important questions like:

Will the gasket be exposed to oil, fuel, or chemicals?
Will it face high pressure or temperature levels?
Are sealing surfaces even or irregular?

Step 2: Match Material to Conditions

Next, it is necessary to ensure that the gasket material you choose aligns best with the environmental and operational factors your application involves. As a tip, use rubber for flexibility, metal for strength, or composite when multiple properties are needed.

Purchase Gasket Parts of Need on We Are ASAP

Owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, We Are ASAP is a one-stop shop for gaskets and other top-quality sealing components with our extensive product selection. As you browse our curated catalogs, you will find a diverse selection of part numbers from leading manufacturers and suppliers, with everything being readily available for purchase today. Take all the time you need to explore, knowing that our team is just a call or email away from providing hands-on support.