Have you ever wondered why flat gasket failures occur? Do you use flat gaskets and don't know why they break down? Or why they don't seem watertight? Failure of flat gaskets on flanges is a common problem in the world of fluid system maintenance, something that can cause serious problems.
If you do not know why these joint failures occur, From Epidor SRT we tell you the main reasons. In this way, you will ensure a successful assembly that guarantees the integrity of your flat gaskets and their sealing function.
Index
The 4 main causes of flat flange gasket failures
Now we will see what are the 4 main causes of flat flange gasket failures:
1: Insufficient tightening
Under-tightening flat gaskets on flanges is the main reason behind this type of failure (this mistake is made 63% of the times a flat gasket fails). Inadequate tightening does not allow the gasket to seal properly, resulting in leakage and fluid loss.
Another of the most common cases of insufficient tightening is the material of the flanges, which do not support an excessive load as is the case of plastic.2: Excessive tightening
Just as under-tightening gaskets can be a cause of failure, over-tightening can be equally damaging (in fact, it is the second most common cause of this type of flange failure). After all, over-tightening can damage the gasket and cause it to fail to seal properly. It is important to have the right tools to tighten the gasket correctly, as well as the calculations and data to facilitate this task.
Epidor SRT has torque gauges and also the ability to analyze the gauges, which will later be used for optimal tightening.
3: Greasing the seals during assembly
The third mistake that is often made in fluid installations (flanges) concerning flat gaskets is the greasing of these. Although it may seem intuitive to lubricate the gasket surface to facilitate assembly, this can be counterproductive. Nuts and bolts should always be lubricated, but not gaskets. The reason is that greasing can cause the gasket to slip during assembly and tightening, resulting in an inadequate seal and, again, unwanted leakage.
If you have questions about assembly, at Epidor Seals and Rubber Technology we offer training and practical workshops on watertightness to make it easier for you.4: Wrong centering of joints
Another common error in the assembly of flat gaskets is the incorrect centering of the gasket. If the gasket is not correctly aligned with the flanges, this will result in uneven pressure points and, therefore, poor sealing. It is essential to ensure that the gasket is evenly aligned before tightening.
The importance of a good flat gasket assembly
Now you know the main incidents that can occur related to the assembly of flat gaskets. And, in fact, as experts in watertightness, at Epidor SRT we know that in more than 80% of the cases in which there are problems with flat gaskets is for one of four reasons.
But what about the rest of the causes of flat joint errors and failures?They can be caused by multiple factors: by a bad choice of flat gasket material according to the application, by the flanges and fasteners that, together with the flat gaskets, create this sealing triangle, by choosing the wrong size of gaskets, by the surface quality of the flange, by a bad choice of material, or by wanting to assemble a sealing equipment using a flat gasket of an incorrect thickness, among other reasons. It can even be due to a desire to reuse flat gaskets (something completely inadvisable, since there are several factors that may have damaged the gasket during its service).
In a nutshell
As we have seen, understanding the causes of flat gasket failures is critical to preventing leaks and ensuring the integrity of your fluid systems. Knowing how to properly tighten gaskets, keeping gaskets dry during assembly and making sure they are properly centered will prevent many problems while ensuring proper sealing installations.
Of course, it is always advisable to follow the manufacturer's recommendations, especially in critical or high-pressure applications. Remember that the safety and integrity of the connections is the most important thing, so it is necessary to know how to place flat gaskets properly.
Don't miss this opportunity to learn and improve the efficiency of your flat gasketing and consult with the Epidor Seals and Rubber Technology Technical Department if you have any questions or need assistance with the maintenance of your fluid installations.