How to Get Most Out of Flange Gasket Materials

Flange gaskets are highly engineered products, and their performance depends on many factors. Certainly design, manufacture, installation, and process conditions are all critical, but so is storage before use. Gasket materials often remain in storage for a long time before they are placed into service. Unfortunately, storage practices for gasket materials are generally not optimal or controlled well enough. This article provides guidance for the storage of different gasket materials to preserve their integrity. Gasket materials are divided into three main categories: non-metallic, semi-metallic and metallic. Non-metallic gaskets, or soft gaskets, are fabricated from materials such as rubber, fiber, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and graphite. The material properties make them ideal for flat-faced applications with low pressures. Metallic gaskets are fabricated from one or a combination of metals. Semi-metallic gaskets are composed of metal and non-metallic materials. The metal is intended to offer strength and resilience while the non-metallic components provide conformability and sealabililty. These types of gasket are used in higher-pressure applications. The most common semi-metallic gaskets are spiral wound gaskets. Shelf life is defined as the period of time during which a material may remain suitable for use during storage. While shelf life is a term generally discussed with regard to storage and not service life, it is important to note that storage conditions can affect service life. Shelf life varies depending on product specifications and compound design. Gasket materials typically remain in storage for several months before they are used. Therefore, shelf life is an important consideration for the end user. Gasket degradation can be the result of a combination of factors such as oxygen, ozone, light, heat, humidity, oils, water, solvents, acids and vapors.

The Impact of Component Material

Materials with elastomeric binders will inevitably deteriorate over time. These gasket materials are widely used in many industries and have proven to provide reliable service in bolted flange connections. Elastomer-bonded fiber materials can be made of complex materials. The principal components include a rubber (elastomer) binder, reinforcing fibers and filler components. The aging process of these types of gaskets involves an irreversible chemical process, and they are very susceptible to deterioration from higher ambient temperatures. Degradation is also typically accelerated by direct sunlight. The reinforcing fibers are often considered the most stable of the components, but modern fibers do gradually dry out, weather and deteriorate. Filler components are often the greatest contributor to gasket deterioration. These components come in many forms from many different chemical families and are generally unique to every manufacturer. They are selected and combined to optimize gasket performance. The speed in which this process takes place is highly dependent on the material composition along with its quality and storage conditions. There are gasket materials, however, that are essentially inert and unaffected by extended storage periods. For graphite and PTFE gaskets that contain no binders, sheets and gaskets of these materials have a virtually indefinite shelf life. In the case of metallic and semi-metallic gaskets with graphite or PTFE soft material, the theoretical shelf life is infinite in ideal conditions. However, in reality excessive dust could cause compatibility issues with the process, while exposure to humidity and moisture can cause oxidation of the metal components. Poor storage environments can lead to premature reduction in quality, especially when conditions of elevated temperature, inappropriate humidity levels and strong light exist. Optimum storage conditions are defined as:

• Temperature range: between 40 degrees Fahrenheit [F] (5 degrees Celsius [C]) and 80 F (25 C) o Storage of gaskets in freezing conditions is not recommended. While exposure to freezing temperatures may not permanently damage the gasket, it should be allowed to warm to room temperature conditions before being placed into service.
• Relative humidity: 40 to 75 percent o Condensation should not be allowed to occur.
• Light: Darkened storeroom o Non-ultraviolet (UV) or low-UV producing lights
• Minimal dust content and the absence of chemicals stored in proximity

Without getting into the details of the multitude of variables that affect the natural lifespan of each component, the useful life of gasket material is difficult to determine when storage environments differ from the recommended conditions. However, if storage guidelines are followed, there are some generally accepted storage periods for various materials. As an example, some guidelines for common elastomer compounds are shown in Table 1. Consult the gasket manufacturer, as different binders and fibers may have special requirements.

Considerations for the Physical Storage Environment

In addition to the storage environment, physical storage conditions can affect shelf life. Cut gaskets, for example, should be stored flat. This is especially applicable to large gaskets that, when suspended from minimal points, may suffer stress and permanent deformation, leading to fitting difficulties and damage of the material. If you choose to store cut gaskets on a pegboard, distortion may take place if they are stored there for an extended amount of time. Gloves should be worn when handling these materials to prevent oil deposits. Please note, especially for elastomer bonded fiber sheets, although boxes and cardboard tubes are approved methods of transportation of sheets in rolled form, they should not under any circumstances be used as long term storage (see Figure 1). The reasons being that the sheets will “set” in the rolled shape and subsequently resist being opened flat. This will then result in an uneven corrugated shape when rolled out. When trying to flatten out sheets that have been stored rolled for a certain amount of time, small cracks or fissures may develop, which could later lead to leaks. Spiral wound gaskets should be stored flat to avoid tensions and warping. The use of spacers is encouraged to prevent damages that could occur to the sealing faces. All gaskets need to be branded or labelled so they can be clearly identified. Also, the age/storage time in the warehouse needs to be tracked correctly. If possible, keep the gasket storage area away from large receiving doors. Install a curtain around the area to avoid direct drafts. Cover the immediate top of gaskets from direct light exposure and dust. Following those simple guidelines can ensure that the length of time gaskets are stored will not affect their performance when placed into service. Next Month: Vertical pump sealing systems We invite your suggestions for article topics as well as questions on sealing issues so we can better respond to the needs of the industry. Please direct your suggestions and questions to sealingsensequestions@fluidsealing.com.