When connecting two or more sections of pipe together, you may want to use a flange gasket. Flange gaskets offer a reliable mechanical seal. Thanks to their flared or “flanged” design, they cover a large surface area — all while sealing this mating surface. Below is a beginner’s guide to flange gaskets.
What Are Flange Gaskets?
Flange gaskets are mechanical seals that are designed to fill the space between sections of pipe. A flange, of course, is a lip or protruding rim. Pipes often feature a flanged collar at the end, which serves as the mating surface for the pipes to which they connect.
You can press the flanged collars of two pipes together, after which you can secure them using bolts or other fasteners. Placing a flange gasket between the two pipes will seal them. The flanged gasket will fill the space of the flanged collars so that the joined pipes don’t leak. Flanged gaskets are simply flared mechanical seals that fill the space in the mating surfaces where multiple sections of pipe come together.
How Flange Gaskets Differ From Other Types of Gaskets
All gaskets are mechanical seals, and they are all used around mating surfaces to prevent leaks from occurring. Only flange gaskets, however, feature a flared design.
Flanged gaskets are flared to match the flanged collars of the pipes with which they are used. Other types of gaskets are smaller. As a result, they cover less surface area. You may be able to place a traditional gasket where two pipes come together, but it won’t offer the same level of protection against leaks as a flanged gasket.
Pipes are often used to carry pressurized water, oil or other liquids. Because the liquids within them are pressurized, the mating surfaces must be sealed with a gasket. Gaskets will seal these mating surfaces, thus preventing the pressurized liquid from leaking out of the pipes.
What Are Flanged Gaskets Made Of?
Flanged gaskets are available in a variety of materials. Some of them are made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), whereas others are made of graphite or rubber.
When choosing flanged gaskets, you should consider the properties of the material from which it’s made. Some materials are stronger than others. And some materials are more resistant to heat and chemicals.
In Conclusion
When sealing the mating surfaces of flanged pipes, you should use flanged gaskets. They are flared to cover a larger surface area than traditional gaskets.