‘We’re just not that compatible’ – it’s a generic line in a movie you’ll hear during a break-up scene. And although it might be cringy to hear during a romcom, it’s an important quote to remember when it comes to gaskets and fluids.
Sometimes, they’re just not that compatible!
Using a certain fluid on an incompatible gasket is a serious mistake to make. It can lead to gasket damage, reduced efficiency and even a hazardous situation for your workplace.
So, here, Steamline Engineering – Australia’s #1 gasket retailer – outlines the importance of gasket compatibility with different fluids.
Gaskets and fluids: understanding the basics
Gaskets are made from several different materials, such as metal, graphite, rubber, cork, PTFE and others. Each of these materials has certain properties that make them either compatible or incompatible with different fluids.
For instance, rubber gaskets are known for their excellent resistance to oils and fuels, while they’re not resistant to strong chemicals and acids. EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) gaskets are highly resistant to water, steam, and certain chemicals, while they’re incompatible with fuels and oils.
Common gaskets materials and their compatible fluids
Some of the most common gasket materials and their compatible fluids include:
- PTFE
PTFE is a strong, durable material which is often used in gaskets. It’s compatible with many fluids, including almost all chemicals, acids, fuels, solvents, fuels and oils. - Graphite
Graphite is known for its excellent resistance to high-temperature steam, oils, alkalis and acids. - Cork
Cork is compatible with fluids such as low-pressure oils, alcohols and fuels, while incompatible with high-temperature fluids, fuels and alkalis. - Metallic
Known for their strength and resilience, metallic gaskets are highly compatible with high-temperature steam, oils and fuels, but are (depending on the metal) not compatible for strong acids and chlorinated chemicals.
Risks of ignoring gasket-fluid compatibility
The risks of ignoring compatibility between gaskets and fluids are dire. Leaks, equipment damage, increased maintenance costs and safety hazards are all potential consequences of applying to wrong gasket to the wrong application.
How to choose the right gasket and the right fluid
Choosing the right gasket for the right fluid is simple: just check your manufacturer’s recommendations and contact the team at Steamline Engineering if you have any questions about our gaskets. Our team has excellent product knowledge and can find the right gasket for your equipment.
Choose Steamline Engineering for your next gasket order. No matter which type of gasket you’re after, Steamline Engineering can help you out. We stock loads of gaskets from excellent manufacturers like Carrera and Firefly, providing metallic, rubber, PTFE, graphite gaskets and more. Supplying various gaskets from various materials, Steamline are also Australia’s leading team for other industrial equipment like thermal tapes and seals, welding blankets and valve packing materials.