Gaskets not doing their job properly? Ask them this: “are you thick?!”
They won’t respond, because they’re gaskets. But if the answer is a ‘no’, then this could be your problem.
Unlike our staff members, we often want our gaskets to be sufficiently thick. Gasket thickness can have a huge impact on performance and in this post, we outline why.
Steamline Engineering explains gasket thickness and why we’re your #1 choice for better quality gaskets in Australia.
Gasket thickness for certain applications
Thicker gaskets are typically used on equipment with large diameter flanges (of over 1.5 metres). They’re also preferred in low-pressure applications, equipment with minimal bolting, and where there is little to no high internal pressure. This is because thick gaskets can fill irregularities better than thin gaskets in these applications, and they can be compressed a larger amount without the additional bolting capacity.
In these applications, thin gaskets can’t provide the tight seal necessary, due to the lack of compression and uneven flanges, creating an increased risk of leaks.
Thick gaskets for filling irregularities
Thicker gaskets also create a more effective seal for damaged or warped flanges, and are better at filling flange irregularities due to their ability to compress more. This extra compression gives thicker gaskets a better ability to fill deep scratches and low spots on flange surfaces.
So if your equipment has limited bolting capacity, limited compression, and thin or warped flanges, you’re much better off investing in a thick gasket for that extra compression and deeper fill ability.
Be careful of creep relaxation
With a thicker gasket, you may experience higher creep relaxation. Creep relaxation is when a gasket compresses over time, increasing the gap between the two mating surfaces and increasing risks of leaks. This requires the bolts to be torqued down further, maintaining an appropriate compressive load. Make sure you’re doing routine checks on equipment with thicker gaskets, ensuring the bolts are sufficiently torqued.
Steamline Engineering: your home of gasket thickness
Whether you need a razor-thin gasket or a thick gasket, Steamline Engineering has got you covered. We specialise in gaskets of all thickness, ensuring your equipment is running optimally and is leak-free. We’re Australia’s first choice team for gaskets, and here’s why:
- Suppling exclusively high-quality gasket manufacturers like Carrera and Firefly
- Nation-wide shipping available
- Fast, efficient service
- Range of other products such as tapes, valve seals and packing materials
- Excellent customer service with friendly, dedicated staff
Steamline Engineering can help you when you need a thicker gasket. We have a range of gaskets in all shapes and sizes, made from a range of materials like metal, PTFE, graphite, rubber and more. No matter your application, we’ll have the right gasket for you. Browse our range and make an order today.