A gasket, also known as an O-ring or washer, seals the gap between two surfaces. In most cases, these items are made of rubber and are available in a variety of sizes and shapes depending on their purpose.
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Gaskets are everywhere. They’re in your car, at work, even in the air! A gasket is a common term used to describe any seal or grommet that holds two things together. You can make gaskets from rubber, plastic, metal, and other materials. The material choice depends on why you need to use a gasket.
But as you'll learn, there's more to gaskets than a seal preventing a leak. Before you blow a gasket trying to work out the difference between each one, let us do the dirty work for you and tell you everything you need to know about gaskets!
Definition of a gasket
A gasket, also known as an O-ring or washer, seals the gap between two surfaces. In most cases, these items are made of rubber and are available in a variety of sizes and shapes depending on their purpose.
The most common type of gasket is the flat gasket. It has a cross-section that is circular in shape. The diameter of cylindrical gaskets ranges from 1/4 inch to 3 inches. Typically, the diameter of cylindrical gaskets is round. The tubular gasket appears as a long tube with a different diameter at each end.
It's important to point out that gaskets come in many different variations, as we'll see later on. In this article, we're going to move into more detail about the aspects of each of them. For the moment, let's have a look at the difference between a gasket and a seal.
How Are Gaskets Tested?
As part of the process of evaluation, gaskets undergo tests such as hot compression tests. This test determines the heat that the gasket can withstand without causing damage or failure in the gasket material.
It is then necessary to check for any leaks in the sealant, as well as look for any other problems such as pinholes or cracks with the sealant. As the final stage in the manufacturing process, technicians will conduct an examination of the product, checking it for all aspects before it leaves the facility.
Gasket or Seal?
Considering the fact that the word "seal" can both be used as a noun and a verb, a great many people confuse gaskets with seals, using both terms interchangeably. They both serve a very similar purpose, but there is one major difference.
In both cases, the items form a barrier between two objects to keep them from leaking. Yet the seal seeks to protect at least two moving parts (whether only one of the parts moves or both). These are commonly composed of flat and round washers, like the ones found in faucets.
There are two static seals that make up a gasket. These seals allow two static, non-moving parts to be locked together.
Because of this, they are often molded to fit a specific static application. Or, they might be malleable enough to fit into a given position and keep it there as long as they don't move against each other.
Properties of a Gasket
The gasket material should have good flexibility, low density, and high tensile strength. It should also have a resistance to chemicals and internal pressure, and durability. It must also have excellent adhesion properties with itself and anything it touches.
The ideal gasket will not only seal but also protect against corrosion. Further abrasion, vibration, impact, and temperature extremes need consideration.
That said, the most important feature of any gasket application is strength. It must have enough strength to withstand pressure without deforming under normal conditions. This is so it can serve its primary function of creating a tight seal.
What Are Some Use Cases for Gaskets?
Gaskets occur in many industrial applications. These include Food Processing, Petrochemical, Plumbing, Machinery, and Gas. The easiest way to summarize these is to think, "if it needs sealing and it doesn't move, chances are it's using a gasket."
Examples around the home include gaskets in water faucets, around windows. Appliances, such as refrigerators, have gaskets to keep cold air inside. Examples in the workplace might include gaskets in machinery, pipes, valves, and pumps.
Most people tend to think of head gaskets as stainless steel gaskets or metal gaskets used in cars. But as you can see, there is a whole range of gaskets.
Most often go disguised under a different name, like washers or o-rings. And, all these serve vital functions across a range of applications.
Types of Gaskets and Materials
There are many types of gaskets used in all kinds of settings. Each material is preferential depending on the most important properties required.
Gaskets come in various materials, including metal, plastic, silicone, and glass fiber reinforced polymers. But they all must fit snug against their mating surface, so there's no air leakage around them.
With this information, let's take a look at each type of gasket. Further, we'll look at their properties and how they apply in the everyday setting:
RUBBER GASKET
The synthetic rubber gasket is one of the oldest forms of sealing technology. Charles Goodyear first developed rubber gaskets around 1844 for his invention of vulcanized rubber. They're made from natural or synthetic materials.
We go into greater detail about these below, as each is a little different. You can find rubber gaskets in a wide variety of applications, including:
