Fiber Gaskets
Compressed fiber gasket materials are a popular and versatile choice for industrial sealing applications, offering a viable alternative to materials like rubber, particularly when dealing with higher temperatures, pressures, or specific media exposure. These gaskets are created by combining various types of fibers (organic or inorganic) with a binder, often a type of rubber like Nitrile (NBR), Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR), Neoprene, or EPDM.
Common types of fibers
Aramid fibers: Synthetic polymers known for their strength, heat resistance, and chemical resistance.
Carbon fibers: Exhibit exceptional strength, high-temperature resistance, and chemical resistance.
Inorganic fibers: Offer excellent thermal stability, reduced creep relaxation, and improved torque retention.
Synthetic fibers: Blended with rubber binders, they create compressive loads in lightweight flanges for oil and water service.
Vegetable fibers (cellulose-fiber): Made using papermaking techniques, they are often impregnated with a glue-glycerin compound and are resistant to oils, water, grease, gasoline, and other solvents.
Applications
Manufacturing: Sealing connections in machinery and equipment.
Chemical processing: Handling various chemicals, oils, and solvents.
Oil & Gas: Resistant to petroleum and its derivatives, making them suitable for exploration and refining.
Power generation: Used in boilers and other high-temperature applications.
Water and wastewater treatment: Excellent for sealing against water, low-pressure steam, and non-aggressive solutions.
