Gasket with CS Outer Ring, ASME B16.20, 12 Inch, SS 304 CR

A gasket is a static sealing element placed between two stationary surfaces, most commonly flange faces in pipelines or valve connections. Its main function is to fill microscopic surface irregularities and create a leak-tight seal when compressed.

In industrial systems, gaskets must withstand a combination of internal pressure, temperature fluctuations, chemical exposure, and mechanical stress from bolt loading. Unlike dynamic seals, gaskets remain stationary but must maintain integrity over long service periods without creep, relaxation, or blowout.

Proper gasket selection is essential for ensuring system safety, preventing product loss, and maintaining compliance with pressure vessel and piping codes such as ASME B16.20 and EN standards.

Industrial gasket materials are selected based on operating conditions such as temperature, pressure, and chemical compatibility. Common categories include:

Flexible Graphite Gaskets: Excellent for high-temperature and high-pressure applications. Resistant to thermal cycling and widely used in hydrocarbon and steam systems.

PTFE and Expanded PTFE (ePTFE) Gaskets: Provide superior chemical resistance, making them ideal for corrosive media such as acids, solvents, and chlorides.

Spiral Wound Gaskets (Graphite + Metal Strip) : Designed for high-pressure flange connections, combining resilience of metal with sealing ability of soft fillers like graphite or PTFE.

Metal Jacketed or Solid Metal Gaskets: Used in extreme pressure and temperature environments where mechanical strength is critical.

Each gasket type is engineered to meet different sealing requirements, and proper selection ensures both safety and long-term reliability.

Low-emission gaskets are designed to significantly reduce microscopic leakage that may occur under flange stress, thermal expansion, and vibration.

Their performance improvements come from several engineering factors:

Controlled compression behavior, ensuring uniform stress distribution across flange faces

Enhanced material density and recovery, reducing relaxation over time

Improved creep resistance, especially in graphite-based and spiral wound structures

Better surface conformity, allowing sealing even with minor flange imperfections

In modern industrial standards, such gaskets are often tested under rigorous emission protocols (such as ISO 15848 and TA-LUFT), ensuring they meet environmental and safety expectations.

By minimizing fugitive emissions, these gaskets help improve plant efficiency, reduce maintenance frequency, and support environmental compliance.