Gasket failures can cause unwanted downtime, leading to revenue loss and increased safety concerns. Failure analysis demonstrates that approximately 85% of gasket failures are caused by improper user installation. However, with proper installation procedures, most gasket failures can be prevented.

Before starting the installation, it’s crucial to remain compliant with all company safety policies and procedures. This ensures that the system is de-energized, drained, and de-pressurized and has all the essential tools and personal protection equipment to streamline the job.  

Step 1: Cleaning and Examining

After removing the gasket from the flange, clean all debris and foreign materials from the sealing surface. You can use a wire brush to remove the embedded particles in the flange serrations or seal the face.

Remember not to use a chisel, hammer, grinder, or any other abrasive material that can further damage the sealing surface. Check the sealing surface for dings, pitting, or dents that add to sealing issues.

Step 2: Flanges Alignment

To give you an effective seal, installers ensure parallelism in the flanges, giving you the best opportunity to apply a uniform maximum gasket load. This helps create the best seal.

Some important factors to consider during this step include flange parallelism, rotational alignment of the bolt holes to allow fastener insertion without binding, inner diameter alignment of the flange bore, and excessive spacing (when the distance between two flanges exceeds the thickness of the chosen gasket).  

Step 3: Gasket Installation

Before installation, check the gasket to ensure it’s free of damages and is cleanly cut without any tears or rips. The next step is to insert the gasket carefully between the flanges while making sure it’s placed in the center.

In the case of horizontal installations, avoid applying joint compounds or release agents on the gasket’s sealing surface because doing so may lead to a lubricated joint. As a result, the gasket may easily extrude from the flange because of hydrostatic end forces and internal pressure acting on the joint.

Step 4: Lubricating Load Bearing Surfaces

Lubrication is essential in any gasket installation as it helps with assembly and disassembly. When selecting the anti-seize paste or lubrication, consider factors including temperature and the type and size of the particle. The last step is to install and tighten bolts to complete the installation.

At Robco of America, we provide you with the right gasket solution. With sturdy gaskets in place, you can easily deal with low pressure and leaks in your industrial system.

We also offer mechanical seals for various industrial applications and specialize in custom engineered parts as well as mechanical seal repair services.  

To learn more, get in touch with us today through our website robcomechanicalseals.com, or email us at sales@robcoamerica.com.