Dimensional stability in a gasket is a critical factor in obtaining an effective and safe seal. Dimensional stability as it pertains to a gasket refers to the seal’s ability to retain its shape under a compressive load, or under extremes of temperature and pressure. Dimensionally stable gaskets do not get wider as they are compressed – the characteristics of the material are such that the dimensions of the gasket are maintained as compressive load is applied.
The Importance of Dimensionally Stable Gaskets
Gaskets which are not dimensionally stable will tend to deform when load is applied, or when extremes of temperature or pressure are experienced, leading to leakage and potential outright failure. In addition, these gaskets may undergo linear dimensional change when in storage due to hygroscopic expansion and contraction. These changes can be especially important in applications which require close control of a gasket’s dimensional parameters.
Dimensionally Stable Gaskets from Teadit Style 24SH Sheet
For applications which require dimensionally stable gaskets, we often recommend gaskets fabricated from Teadit Style 24SH sheet. Teadit Style 24SH is a large gasket sheet produced from 100 percent pure, multi-directionally expanded PTFE.
Style 24SH is a gasket sheet that is universally employable. The material is suitable for most types of flanges and nearly all media, while servicing a wide temperature range and supporting applications which have the toughest demands on material purity. Gaskets fabricated from Style 24SH sheet are inherently clean and non-toxic.
In those applications which require close control of dimensional parameters, gaskets made from Style 24SH sheet have exceptional mechanical strength which allows operation with minimal creep at elevated temperatures. This property allows even narrow flange faces to be safely sealed. In addition, the excellent malleability of Style 24SH sheet makes the repair of small damage and/or irregularities of flange surfaces unnecessary.
Gaskets fabricated from Style 24SH sheet are simple and quick to install. Used gaskets can be removed easily, without leaving any residue behind on flange surfaces.
Properties and Service Limits of Dimensionally Stable Gaskets from 24SH Sheet
Gaskets fabricated from Teadit Style 24SH sheet will seal all aggressive chemicals over the entire 0-14 pH range, except for molten alkali metals and elemental fluorine. Because these gaskets are made from 100 percent virgin PTFE, they will not only resist chemical attack, but it will not contaminate or discolor end products. The physical properties and service limits of Teadit Style 24SH sheet are shown in the table below:
CRGI stocks Teadit Style 24SH sheet in 1/8” and 1/16” thicknesses (other thicknesses available upon request). Using Style 24SH sheet, we can precision-cut gaskets for applications where dimensional stability is a key requirement, including those in:
Refineries
Chemical and petrochemical plants
Paper mills
Industrial fluid sealing
Vibration dampening
Steam services
Cryogenic applications
Thermal, electronic and electrochemical applications
To find out more about dimensionally stable gaskets we can supply from Teadit Style 24SH sheet, please contact our sales department at crg@canadarubbergroup.com.