What are the 9 Most Common Types of Gaskets?

If you have ever shopped for a gasket, you know that they are not one size fits all. There are different materials, sizes, and even different types of gaskets. Understanding the different types of gaskets can help ensure you purchase the gasket best suited to your specific application.

1. What is a Gasket?
2. Types of Gaskets
   
   1. Spiral Wound Gasket
   2. Spiral Wound Gasket without Inner Ring
   3. Non-Asbestos Sheet Material Gasket
   4. Rubber Sheet Material Gaskets
   5. PTFE Envelope Gasket
   6. Ring Type Joint Gaskets (RTJ Gasket)
   7. Kammprofile Gasket
   8. Corrugated Metal Gasket
   9. Flat Metal Gasket>
      
3. Empowering Your Sealing Needs with APG

What is a Gasket?

Gaskets can be classified in many way such as by material, function, or application. A gasket is a part cut from a (usually) flexible material, which sits between two other surfaces or flanges. Gaskets are typically manufactured from a softer material such as rubber or non-asbestos sheet material. Common applications include sealing pipes from leakages of liquids or gases and anti-vibration applications.

Types of Gaskets

1. Spiral Wound Gasket

The spiral wound gasket is categorized as semi-metallic and is most often used in high-pressure applications. This type of gasket is often chosen because it offers good recovery tolerance for irregularities in the flange-surface finish. The sealing action of this type of gasket is owed to the flow of the metal and soft fillers when the gasket is compressed. Spiral wound gaskets with an inner ring are well suited for applications that experience extremes in temperature, shock, vibrations, or pressure cycling.

2. Spiral Wound Gasket without Inner Ring

Spiral wound gaskets without an inner ring have the same categorization, semi-metallic, as the spiral wound gasket with the inner ring. This type of gasket offers good recovery tolerance and tolerates irregularities in the flange surface finish. Spiral wound gaskets without an inner ring are well suited to applications with high temperatures or temperature fluctuations but may not perform well where vibration is an issue.

3. Non-Asbestos Sheet Material Gasket

Non-asbestos materials are considered the most reliable option for all sealing flanges and are used in various applications. As the name would suggest, non-asbestos sheet material gaskets are cut from sheet materials that do not contain asbestos. Since the 1980’s non-asbestos materials have replaced asbestos as the industry standard. Aramid, fiberglass, mineral fiber, carbon, and graphite are commonly replaced fibers for asbestos.

4. Rubber Sheet Material Gaskets

Rubber sheet material gaskets are versatile and commonly employed for their excellent sealing properties in various industries. These gaskets, crafted from rubber compounds, provide effective sealing against moisture, gases, and chemicals. Their flexibility and adaptability make them ideal for applications with uneven flange surfaces, while their durability ensures reliable performance in diverse environments. Rubber sheet material gaskets find utility in a wide range of scenarios, from plumbing and automotive to industrial machinery and beyond.

5. PTFE Envelope Gasket

An envelope gasket, also known as a double jacketed gasket, is a composite gasket in which PTFE is wrapped around a core insert material. The main benefit of this type of gasket is that it provides the strength and characteristics of the core material while also benefitting from the power and features of PTFE. This type of gasket can withstand high temperatures and has anti-corrosive qualities.

6. Ring Type Joint Gaskets (RTJ Gasket)

A ring-type joint gasket, also known as an RTJ gasket, is a precision-machined metal gasket. The RTJ gaskets are widely used in refinery, petrochemical, and oil field drilling applications with a design to fit a grooved chamber on a flange face.

7. Kammprofile Gasket

Kammprofile gaskets, also known as Kamprofile, Camprofile, or Grooved gaskets, are gaskets with a metal core bonded with a soft filler material on both sides. After installing one of these gaskets, the soft non-metallic filler gets inserted into the metal core serrated grooved. Graphite or PTFE is the most often used non-metallic filler in these gaskets. These gaskets are a great option in high pressure and high-temperature environments and are suitable for use with highly corrosive fluid joints.

8. Corrugated Metal Gasket

Corrugated metal gaskets are reliable and cost-effective gaskets for flanges and heads where bolt loading is adequate. The constant load, or pressure, to which the gasket is exposed creates the sealing effect. This gasket type is used in various applications as they are capable of withstanding harsh environments such as those in steam transfers or hydrocarbon.

9. Flat Metal Gasket

A flat metal gasket can be fabricated to suit any required configuration. Flat metal gaskets offer exceptional mechanical strength, heat conductivity, and high pressures. This type of gasket is effective and economical with proper bolting, especially on flanges with concentric serrations.

Empowering Your Sealing Needs with APG

At APG, we stand as a market leader in fluid sealing and conveyance products, committed to delivering value to our customers. With a global distribution network, advanced manufacturing processes, and a dedication to innovation, we are here to meet your sealing needs with excellence.

As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape, our focus on customer satisfaction and employee growth remains unwavering. Join us in embracing the future of sealing solutions – come and experience the world of possibilities that APG has to offer.