Not all gaskets are solid. Some of them are hollow to accommodate air. Known as inflatable gaskets, they offer excellent sealing capabilities. As you inflate one of these gaskets with air, it will expand. This expansion will help to fill any open space so that leaks are less likely to occur.
Overview of Inflatable Gaskets
Inflatable gaskets are hollow mechanical seals that can be inflated with air. As shown in the photo above, they have a nozzle. You can use this nozzle to inflate or deflate them.
Like all gaskets, inflatable gaskets are used to seal spaces between two or more parts. When you press two or more parts together, there may be a small gap through which air or other substances can leak. Gaskets offer a simple solution to deal with gaps such as this. It will fill the space between the parts, thereby creating a leakproof mating surface.
Benefits of Inflatable Gaskets
Inflatable gaskets offer several benefits, one of which is superior protection against leaks. Thanks to their ability to expand, they are highly effective at sealing the spaces between two or more parts. You can inflate them with air, which in turn causes them to expand and fill any open space.
Another benefit of inflatable gaskets is adaptability. Inflatable gaskets can conform to uneven surfaces and irregular spaces. For smooth and straight mating surfaces, a traditional gasket may suffice. If you’re dealing with an uneven mating surface, though, you may want to use an inflatable gasket.
Inflatable gaskets are easy to use. After placing an inflatable gasket on the mating surface, you just need to inflate it. Most inflatable gaskets support any standard air pump.
What to Look for When Choosing an Inflatable Gasket
You should consider the material when choosing an inflatable gasket. You can find inflatable gaskets in different materials. Most of them are made of an elastic material, such as synthetic rubber. The elastic properties of inflatable gaskets allow them to compress under pressure. As an inflatable gasket compresses, it will seal the mating surface with which it’s used.
Common materials from which inflatable gaskets are made include the following:
- Silicone
- Neoprene
- Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM)
- Nitrile
In addition to the material, you should consider the shape and size when choosing an inflatable gasket. Inflatable gaskets are available in different shapes and sizes. Some of them are small and round, whereas others are large and square-shaped. Regardless, you’ll need to choose a shape and size that’s compatible with the mating surface with which you intend to use it.