Technical Manual for Proper Installation of Flange Gaskets

Technical Manual for Proper Installation of Flange Gaskets: Practical Points from Selection to Leak Detection

The correct installation of flange gaskets is crucial for ensuring tight sealing and reliable operation of pipeline systems. If installed improperly, it may lead to equipment failure, safety hazards, and high downtime losses. This guide provides a detailed step-by-step installation process for flange gaskets and offers recommendations for selecting gasket types based on different application requirements.

Step 1: Choose the appropriate gasket type

Common types of flange gaskets include rubber gaskets, PTFE gaskets, PTFE F4 rubber composite gaskets, metal wound gaskets, oval gaskets, octagonal gaskets, pure fiber gaskets, and metal groove gaskets. Among them, the application of metal wound gaskets is the most extensive, so it will be the focus of this introduction.

Metal wrapped gaskets are semi-metallic sealing components designed specifically for flange connections under medium to high pressure and high temperature conditions. The manufacturing process involves alternately spiral winding V-shaped or W-shaped metal strips with flexible filling materials such as graphite and polytetrafluoroethylene, which gives it excellent elasticity and sealing performance. According to specific application requirements, additional inner and/or outer rings can be added to further enhance the stability and sealing effect of the gasket.

Step 2: Clean the flange surface

Pollutants such as rust, residual old gaskets, or oil stains can damage the sealing effect and cause leaks. Please follow the steps below to complete the cleaning work:

Use a wire brush or plastic scraper to remove impurities (avoid using metal tools to prevent scratching the flange surface).

Use acetone or suitable industrial solvents to remove oil from the surface.

Check for damage to the flange: If the flange is warped or scratched, it must be repaired before installation.