Phelps recommends three kinds of gasket materials for high temperature steam applications:
1. Phelps Green Sheets: Thoroughly tested to withstand elevated temperatures and high stress
loads. Phelps Green Sheet has successfully passed the Hot Compression Test at 572°F
(300°C).
Aramid fibres with Nitrile biners offer chemical stability, heat resistance, good resistance to
various oils, petroleum derivatives, steam, gases, etc. This material is particularly good in
150 lb., and 300 lb. flange gaskets, steam applications.
2. Frenzelit Novatec Engineered Graphite: A combination of engineered graphite and rubber
binder it a remarkable media and temperature resistance. This is an excellent sheet that
works best in flanges, pump casings, heat exchangers, lids, vessels, valve bodies and sight
glasses. It can replace flexible graphite in many applications.
3. Frenzelit Novapress Multi-II: "The steam gasket". Efficient due to the matrix from aramid and
irregular surface bundles of graphite. Set standards as one of the first reliable gasket
materials in steam applications.
Gasket Materials: Types, Properties, and Applications
Gaskets are sealing materials used to prevent leakage between two mating surfaces under
compression. The choice of gasket material depends on temperature, pressure, chemical
compatibility, and application requirements.
1. Types of Gasket Materials
A. Non-Metallic Gaskets
These are softer and more flexible, ideal for low to moderate pressure and temperature applications.
1. Rubber Gaskets
o Materials: Nitrile (NBR), Neoprene, EPDM(Ethylene Propylene Diene Comonomer),
Silicone, Viton
o Properties:
✔ Excellent flexibility and elasticity
✔ Good resistance to water, oils, and mild chemicals
✔ Temperature range: -50°C to 250°C (varies by rubber type)
o Applications:
Water, air, and oil sealing
HVAC, piping, and automotive industries
2. Compressed Fiber Gaskets
o Materials: Aramid fibers, cellulose, graphite, or fiberglass with rubber binders
o Properties:
✔ Good chemical and heat resistance
✔ Handles moderate pressure applications
✔ Temperature range: -100°C to 400°C
o Applications:
Steam, oil, and fuel systems
Industrial flanges and pumps
3. Cork Gaskets
o Properties:
✔ High compressibility
✔ Resistant to oil and fuel
✔ Temperature range: -20°C to 120°C
o Applications:
Electrical transformers
Low-pressure sealing in automotive and marine applications
4. PTFE (Teflon) Gaskets
o Properties:
✔ Excellent chemical resistance
✔ Low friction and non-stick properties
✔ Temperature range: -200°C to 260°C
o Applications:
Chemical processing plants
Food and pharmaceutical industries
5. Graphite Gaskets
o Properties:
✔ Excellent high-temperature resistance
✔ Good chemical and thermal stability
✔ Temperature range: -200°C to 500°C (oxidizing), up to 3000°C (inert atmosphere)
o Applications:
High-pressure steam and exhaust systems
Chemical and petrochemical plants
B. Semi-Metallic Gaskets
These gaskets combine metal and non-metal materials to handle higher temperatures and pressures.
1. Spiral Wound Gaskets (SWG)
o Materials: Stainless steel (or other alloys) + Graphite/PTFE/Flexible Filler
o Properties:
✔ Withstands high pressure and temperature
✔ Excellent resilience under thermal cycling
✔ Temperature range: -200°C to 1000°C
o Applications:
High-pressure steam, oil, and gas pipelines
Heat exchangers and refinery equipment
2. Metal-Reinforced Graphite or PTFE Gaskets
o Properties:
✔ Improved strength and longevity
✔ Good chemical resistance
✔ Temperature range: up to 500°C
o Applications:
High-pressure industrial applications
Flange connections in chemical plants
C. Metallic Gaskets
Used in extreme pressure and temperature conditions, metallic gaskets require high compression
loads.
1. Ring Type Joint (RTJ) Gaskets
o Materials: Stainless steel, Inconel, Monel, Soft Iron
o Properties:
✔ Withstands very high pressure
✔ Excellent durability
✔ Temperature range: -200°C to 1000°C
o Applications:
High-pressure oil and gas applications
Valves, heat exchangers, and petrochemical plants
2. Corrugated Metal Gaskets
o Materials: Stainless steel, aluminum, copper
o Properties:
✔ Flexible and reusable
✔ Withstands vibration and pressure changes
✔ Temperature range: up to 1000°C
o Applications:
Exhaust systems
High-temperature industrial applications
2. Selection Criteria for Gasket Materials
Factor Recommended Material
High Temperature (>500°C) Graphite, Spiral Wound, Metal Gaskets
High Pressure (>1500 psi) Ring Type Joint (RTJ), Spiral Wound
Chemical Resistance PTFE (Teflon), Graphite
Oil & Fuel Resistance Nitrile Rubber, Cork, Graphite
Steam Applications Graphite, Spiral Wound
Food & Pharma PTFE (Teflon), Silicone Rubber
Low-Temperature Flexibility Silicone, EPDM Rubber
Factor Recommended Material
Conclusion
The right gasket material depends on temperature, pressure, chemical compatibility, and sealing
requirements. For high temperatures, graphite or metal-based gaskets are best, while rubber-based
gaskets work well for flexible, low-pressure applications.
