Industrial gaskets are used to create tight seals between two surfaces, preventing leakage of gases or liquids. In high temperature applications, selecting the right Rubber Gasket material is crucial to avoid seal failure, leaks and potential disasters. This guide covers key factors in choosing a heat-resistant gasket for your specific needs.
How Heat Affects Rubber Gaskets
Excessive heat causes rubber to harden and eventually crack or deform. As temperature increases, the rubber loses its flexibility and ability to maintain a tight, leak-proof seal. Chemical and physical properties change.
Factors that influence heat resistance include:
- Elastomer type – Some rubber compounds withstand higher temperatures than others.
- Polymer structure – Tighter molecular cross-linking improves heat performance.
- Plasticizers – Added agents keep the rubber flexible, but can evaporate or degrade under high heat.
- Antidegradants – Special additives help rubber remain stable and resist cracking.
- Production quality – Imperfect curing can reduce thermal capabilities.
Understanding rubber composites and vulnerabilities enables proper gasket selection for the expected temperature exposure.
Common Rubber Gasket Materials
Several rubber materials offer relatively high heat resistance:
Silicone Rubber
With a continuous service range up to 390°F, silicone withstands temperatures exceeding twice that of basic rubber. It remains flexible and provides excellent gasket sealing. Useful where Rubber Gaskets fail.
FKM(Viton) Fluoroelastomer
This synthetic fluorocarbon-based rubber withstands continuous exposure up to 400°F. It offers superior resistance to fuels, oils, and chemicals. Used in automotive, chemical and industrial applications.
EPDM Rubber
Ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber withstands continuous temperatures nearing 300°F. It exhibits good chemical and weathering resistance. Used in seals, tubing, and hoses.
Nitrile Rubber
Also called Buna-N, nitrile rubber withstands intermittent temperatures up to 300°F. It offers oil and chemical resistance better than natural rubber. Used in O-rings, seals, fuel hoses.
Neoprene Rubber
Neoprene withstands intermittent exposure up to 250°F. Useful in maintaining flexibility across a broad temperature span. Used in adhesives, electrical insulation, chemical seals.
Key Properties to Evaluate
When selecting a heat-resistant Rubber Gasket, evaluate these key properties:
Maximum Continuous Service Temperature
This is the highest temperature at which the gasket can be safely used in continuous, long-term contact. Surpassing this causes material breakdown.
Maximum Intermittent Service Temperature
The highest short-term temperature exposure allowable before failure occurs. Useful for temporary heat spikes.
Low Temperature Flexibility
Ability to withstand cold temperatures without cracking. Silicone excels down to -150°F.
Compression Set
The gasket should resist permanent deformation and rebound fully when compressed. Heath adversely affects compression set.
Thermal Conductivity
Lower conductivity prevents heat transfer through the gasket to protected surfaces. Silicone rubber offers very low conductivity.
Flame Resistance
Important in potential fire hazard areas. Materials like silicone rubber are naturally flame-resistant.
Using gaskets beyond their established temperature limits greatly increases the risk of catastrophic failure. Select a rubber rated for your expected heat exposure.
Proper Gasket Installation
Correct gasket installation optimizes heat resistance:
- Ensure sealing surfaces are clean and smooth. Any gaps or irregularities reduce heat protection.
- Carefully align gaskets to avoid bending, twisting or warping during assembly.
- Apply even pressure and torque when tightening to recommended specs. Inconsistent force leads to hot spots.
- Allow for expansion and contraction of sealing surfaces due to temperature fluctuations.
- Use anti-seize compounds sparingly to prevent contamination from excess squeeze-out.
Proper installation maximizes contact area for effective heat transfer barriers and leak protection.
Conclusions on Selecting High Heat Gaskets
- Excessive temperatures degrade Rubber Gaskets, causing hardening, cracking and seal failure.
- Carefully match the rubber material to expected heat levels and required chemical and oil resistance.
- Look for materials like silicone, Viton®, EPDM, nitrile or neoprene rubber rated for higher temperatures.
- Evaluate maximum service temperatures, flexibility, compression set and other key parameters.
- Install gaskets properly to maximize heat resistance and cooling efficiency.
- For extreme temperatures beyond rubber limits, consider graphite, PTFE or ceramic fiber gasket products.
Choosing the optimal heat-resistant gasket prevents dangerous leaks, explosions and damage at high temperatures. Matching material capabilities to process conditions ensures safety and reliability. With the wide range of materials available, processors can find high-performance gaskets to seal and protect even in the most severe heating applications.
