High-temperature heat exchanger head gasket
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I’m building a new workshop here; it features heat transfer oil heaters. The temperature of the heat transfer oil in the shell side is 300 degrees, while nitrogen is used on the tube side to raise the temperature to 250 degrees. Asbestos gaskets for head gaskets. I suggested to the manager that it be replaced with metal, and he said it wasn’t a big problem. I would like to ask everyone what arguments can be used to convince him of the potential dangers of asbestos gaskets?
Gaskets cannot be replaced arbitrarily; it is necessary to consider what type of flange the tube box has and what material the fasteners are made of. Otherwise, installing metal gaskets will not ensure proper sealing, and it may even cause damage to the heater. Of course, asbestos pads should generally not be used, as asbestos is carcinogenic; non-asbestos fiber pads can be considered as an alternative
To this day, I have never seen a flange that cannot be sealed with a metal gasket. These days, aren’t metal gaskets used in the chemical industry? In addition, there are PTFE gaskets for corrosive pipes.
Asbestos gaskets have been banned in Europe, and their use is also being phased out in China.
Asbestos has been phased out due to its health hazards
What kind of potential danger is the author talking about? Leakage or health issues related to asbestos?
Asbestos gaskets can no longer be used; have the design team do a calculation. Metals have better strength, so just consider corrosion resistance when making the selection
The main risk is leakage. If the oil-soaked bubble persists, won’t the gasket be ruined?
I haven’t heard of any risk of leakage associated with asbestos gaskets, other than health issues.
Asbestos is used for gasketing on end caps – how could it be soaked in oil? Isn’t it the heat transfer oil that flows through the shell side? The head gasket should be in contact with the material in the tube side
The pressure of metal gaskets is high, so your flange may not be able to achieve a seal. Replace it with a winding gasket or a graphite gasket at 300 degrees.