About EPDM Pipe Flange Rubber Gaskets
Pipe flange rubber gaskets are available in a variety of standard materials, in a variety of thicknesses and hardnesses, and for a variety of flange sizes. EPDM pipe flange rubber gaskets are also available with or without adhesive on one or both sides. Most materials start at 1/32 inch thick and go up to 1 inch thick.
Features
■ Material durability: EPDM is an excellent rubber material with excellent durability and anti-aging properties. It maintains its elasticity and physical properties over a wide range of temperatures, performing well from extremely cold conditions to high-temperature environments. This makes EPDM pipe flange rubber gaskets ideal for use in a variety of industrial applications.
■ Chemical resistance: EPDM has excellent chemical resistance and can resist the erosion of various chemical substances and solvents, including acids, alkalis, alcohols, ketones and esters. This allows EPDM pipe flange rubber gaskets to provide reliable sealing when in contact with a variety of liquids and gases.
■ Water resistance: EPDM flange rubber gasket has excellent water resistance. It can be in contact with water for extended periods of time without corroding or failing, which makes it widely used in water treatment, water supply systems and other water-related applications.
■ UV and oxidation resistance: EPDM has good UV and oxidation resistance and can be used outdoors and in exposed environments for a long time without significant quality degradation. This makes pipe flange rubber gaskets ideal for sealing outdoor pipes and equipment.
■ Good elasticity and recovery from compression deformation: EPDM pipe flange gaskets have good elastic properties and can quickly return to their original shape after being subjected to pressure or compression deformation, maintaining effective sealing performance. This elasticity and recovery from compression deformation allows EPDM gaskets to provide reliable sealing at pipe connections and prevent leaks.
Common Applications
1. Water treatment and water supply systems: EPDM pipe flange rubber gaskets are widely used in water treatment and water supply systems. They can be used to seal equipment such as pipe connections, valves and pumps to ensure system tightness and prevent leaks.
2. Chemical industry: Due to its excellent chemical resistance, EPDM is widely used in pipeline systems in the chemical industry. EPDM pipe flange gaskets can withstand the erosion of various acids, alkalis, solvents and chemical substances, maintaining reliable sealing of pipeline connections.
3. Pharmaceutical and food industry: Flange rubber gaskets are also widely used in pipeline systems in the pharmaceutical and food industry. They comply with hygienic standards and can be used to seal pipe connections in pharmaceutical and food processing processes to ensure safety and hygiene.
4. Sewage treatment: Pipe flange gaskets are widely used in sewage treatment plants and sewage pipeline systems. They can withstand the chemicals and odors found in wastewater, keeping systems tight and preventing leaks.
5. HVAC system: EPDM pipe flange gaskets are widely used in heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. They are used to seal air conditioning duct connections and equipment, ensuring efficient operation and energy efficiency of the system.
6. Industrial equipment: Pipe flange rubber gaskets can also be used to seal various industrial equipment, such as pressure vessels, pumps, compressors and heat exchangers. They provide a reliable seal, protecting equipment from leaks and damage.
Applications of Typical Flange Gaskets:
- HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) Industry: Usually, flange gaskets used in this industry are made of different types of rubber. They are usually supplied with adhesive on one or both sides in various shapes like round (I.D. x O.D.), rectangular, and square outside shapes. Flange Gaskets are available for wide flange configurations.
- Plumbing Industry: Here, the standard ring and full-face flange gaskets are available in various styles.
- Sheet Metal Enclosures: The flange gaskets used here are normally rectangular. They come with adhesive on one side which is used as a gasket to seal out dust, liquids, or air.
- Electronic, food, medical, chemical, and packaging industries: The flange gaskets used here have a flat surface that is compressed between two flanges.
Classification of Flange Gaskets
Flange gaskets can be classified according to their materials, structures and uses. The following are common classification methods:
■Material classification:
Rubber gasket: such as nitrile rubber (Nitrile rubber), EPDM rubber (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer), chloroprene rubber (Chloroprene rubber), etc.
Compressed fiber gasket: Made of fiber materials (such as paper, asbestos, mica, etc.) through compression.
Graphite gasket: Made of graphite material with high temperature and chemical corrosion properties.
Metal gaskets: Gaskets made of metal materials such as stainless steel, copper, aluminum, etc., are often used in high temperature and high pressure environments.
■ Structural classification:
Flat gaskets: Flat gaskets for standard flange connections.
Spiral wound gaskets: Made of alternating layers of metal sheets and fillers, they are often used in high-temperature and high-pressure environments.
O-ring gaskets: Rubber gaskets with annular cross-sections used to seal pipes and connections.
■ Purpose classification:
Water Treatment Gaskets: Used for pipe connections in water treatment and water supply systems.
Chemical industry gasket: Gasket with strong chemical corrosion resistance, used in chemical industry piping systems.
Oil & Gas Gaskets: Used for pipe connections in the oil and gas industry.
Production Process
The general process for producing pipe flange rubber gaskets includes the following steps:
1. Material preparation: According to the required gasket specifications and requirements, select appropriate rubber materials (EPDM rubber, etc.) as raw materials. The rubber stock is cut into appropriate sizes and shapes to prepare the rubber sheets for making gaskets.
2. Mold manufacturing: According to the design requirements, molds suitable for producing gaskets of specific specifications are manufactured. Molds can be custom manufactured to fit the shape and size of the gasket.
3. Press molding: Put the prefabricated rubber sheet into the mold, and fill the cavity of the mold with the rubber material through the pressing process. During the pressing process, appropriate temperature and pressure are applied to the rubber to promote the flow of material and form the desired gasket shape.
4. Cutting and trimming: Remove the pressed rubber gasket from the mold and perform the necessary cutting and trimming processes to remove excess rubber material and make the gasket reach the required size and shape.
5. Surface treatment: Treat the surface of the rubber gasket as needed. This may include the application of special coatings, surface smoothing treatments or the application of anti-stick coatings.
6. Quality inspection: Conduct quality inspection on finished gaskets, including inspection of size, hardness, density and appearance requirements. When necessary, pressure testing or other special performance testing can be performed to ensure the gasket meets specifications and requirements.
7. Packaging and storage: Pack and label qualified gaskets for easy storage, transportation and use.
This is a general production process, and the specific production process may vary according to different manufacturers, product requirements and process technology.
Buying Tips
- Material selection: The selection of the proper gasket material is important for the flange finish and performance.
- Flange gasket types: Flat face or ring type.
- Thickness selection.
- Correct size.
- Durability.
