Guidelines for Shop Inspection Support Documents

Flange Gaskets

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FLANGE GASKETS
GASKET PERFORMANCE The performance of a gasket depends on its ability to withstand internal pressure, endure in all temperatures and mediums, compress and compact in flange loading while being easy to design into all applications. Gasket configurations range from standard I.D./O.D. flange gaskets to complex, close tolerance composite sealing structures. DESIGN CRITERIA Gasket performance is directly related to the base materials used in construction and the ability of the material to withstand creep. Creep is defined as the continued plastic flow of a material under constant load. Should creep continue long enough to reduce gasket load below its sealing requirements, leakage, wire drawing, and even DESIGN FACTORS When designing a gasket and selecting the proper gasket material, the goal is "zero leakage". Gasket Performance vs. Medium Many liquids and gasses which come into contact with the gasket may be safe at ambient temperature, but elevating the temperature even slightly may cause leakage, potentially dangerous situations, or violation of EPA fugitive emission laws. Gasket Design vs. Flange Design When designing a flange gasket, the surface finish, flatness, bolt loading, and deflection of the flanges under load should always be considered. Surface Finish The surface finish is defined in rms and the gasket manufacturer generally specifies the acceptable range. Flatness Flange flatness is a critical item with all gaskets. When gasket flanges are brought together, a .001" feeler gauge should not be able to pass between the flanges at any point. Flanges that are larger can be checked with a straight edge. In these cases a .001" feeler gauge should not fit between the straight edge and the flange at any point.

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Guidelines for Shop Inspection Support Documents

Flange Gaskets

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Bolt Loading To achieve minimum "Y" stress , bolt loading should always be considered. In addition, the bolt spacing, or tightening sequence, may also affect the gasket load. A good pressure paper test should always be performed on new designs to ensure adequate gasket load. Refer to the Diagnostic pressure chart on the previous page to determine the proper flange load. Flange Deflection Flange deflection can be affected by many factors including bolt spacing, bolt material, internal pressure, and temperatures. The end result is stress relaxation and gasket failure.

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Guidelines for Shop Inspection Support Documents

Flange Gaskets

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Some Terms Adhesion Antistick the sticking of the gasket material to either or both flanges of a mechanical assembly. a coating or surface treatment that prevents the gasket material from adhering to the flanges. the minimum stress needed on a gasket material to achieve an effective seal. the amount of flange pressure present in a flanged joint assembly to compress and seat a gasket material in order to create an effective seal. a manufacturing process used to make gasket material. This is a relatively dry process where the solid rubber is banded to a roll and softened with solvents. The fibers and fillers are then added and masticated into the rubber. a small band or rib, machined or embossed into the mating surface of a flange. Helps to strengthen the flange and to concentrate the sealing load onto a smaller area. the deviation of the topography of an actual surface from an ideal atomically smooth and planar surface. represents the pressure in psi (MPa) over the contact area of the gasket that is required to provide a sealed joint, with no internal pressure in the assembly. Used in connection with M Factor. Also known as the "yield" factor. the load at which the fastener begins to permanently stretch and not behave elastically. the ratio of tensile or compressive stress to corresponding strain below the proportional limit of the material.

Seal Point Sealing Stress

Sheeter

Stress Riser

Surface Roughness

Y Stress

Yield Load

Young's Elastic Modulus

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