Definition
A gasket is a static seal placed between two mating surfaces (such as a pipe flange or an equipment cover joint) compressed to fill microscopic surface irregularities and prevent leakage of fluid or gas at that connection. It seals a static (non-moving) joint, distinct from a mechanical seal, which seals a dynamic interface involving relative rotation.
Key facts
- Seals a static joint between two surfaces that do not move relative to each other, unlike a mechanical seal's dynamic, rotating interface.
- Material selection (rubber, metal, composite) must match the specific fluid, pressure, and temperature conditions of the joint.
- Requires correct compression (torque on connecting bolts) to seal effectively without being damaged by over-compression.
- Degradation over time (hardening, chemical attack, thermal cycling) is a common cause of a previously sealed joint developing a leak.
How does Gasket work or appear?
A gasket fills the microscopic gaps and irregularities between two mating surfaces when compressed by the joint's fasteners, creating a barrier that prevents fluid or gas from escaping at that static connection point, such as a pipe flange or an equipment access cover.
What should technicians inspect for Gasket?
A gasket seals a static joint: two surfaces that do not move relative to one another once assembled. A mechanical seal instead seals a dynamic interface where relative rotation occurs, such as a rotating shaft passing through a pump housing: a fundamentally different sealing challenge requiring a different design approach.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Which sealing task does a gasket perform?
A gasket seals a static joint between two mating surfaces, preventing leakage of fluid or gas at that connection, distinct from the dynamic, rotating interface a mechanical seal addresses.
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