Flange gaskets fill gaps between flanges to prevent leaks in pipes. They can be made of elastomeric substances, fiberglass, carbon fiber, or other materials. Gaskets must be accurately matched to the joint and can prevent fumes and leaks, improving facility performance and reducing health problems.
A flange gasket is a type of gasket used to fill gaps or spaces between a set of flanges. These flanges are made up of raised rings around the edges of a pipe which are used to join multiple sections of pipe together by compression. Without a proper seal, this joint is susceptible to leaking in the form of liquid or vapor. A flange gasket prevents leaks by correcting any minor irregularities or even larger gaps between the faces of each flange. Some gaskets are built into the flanges themselves, while others are made of rubber rings or similar materials that are cut to fit the flange during installation.
A variety of materials can be used to make flange gaskets, depending on where and how they will be installed. The most common variety of flanges are elastomeric substances, including rubber, polyethylene and similar synthetic materials. Elastomer flange gaskets are an economical option for general purpose applications, but can be subject to corrosion or damage when exposed to sunlight or certain types of chemicals.
Traditional flange gaskets were made from fibrous materials, especially asbestos. Now that asbestos has largely been phased out, manufacturers have turned to fiberglass, carbon fiber, and other alternatives. These fibrous flange gaskets are highly resistant to fire, heat and corrosion, but can cost more than elastomeric designs. Graphite and vermiculite gaskets can also be used for special applications.
Each flange gasket must be accurately matched to the joint where it will be used. The most effective gaskets are designed to fit a particular style of flange. They cover the entire face of the flange, with holes pre-cut to match those in the flange itself. For more general applications, a flange gasket can be designed to simply fit within the perimeter of the bolts, rather than extending to the edges of the face. Some simple joints are even sealed using rubber rings that are field cut to size from larger sheets of material.
When used to seal plumbing joints, a flange gasket can serve several purposes. Fills gaps and imperfections between two adjacent flanges, helping to prevent liquid leaks. These gaskets also prevent fumes, vapors or steam from seeping between the flanges. By reducing leaks, flange gaskets help keep facilities clean, maximizing performance and efficiency. This type of seal also reduces respiratory ailments and other health problems associated with chemical leaks and spills.
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