Gasket for steam pipes
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I would like to ask whether asbestos rubber gaskets must be used for steam pipes, and whether other types of gaskets can be used as substitutes ?
Flexible graphite gaskets can also be used with HG20608 steel pipe flanges in low-pressure applications； Wound gaskets for HG20610 steel pipe flanges used in medium and high pressure applications.
Wrapped gaskets are sufficient for low-pressure steam, while octagonal gaskets must be used for medium-pressure or high-pressure steam
When replacing gaskets with metal wound gaskets or asbestos rubber gaskets, it’s quite troublesome as they stick to them.
At low temperatures and pressures, typically below 150°C and 2.0 MPa, graphite rubber gaskets can be used; above these values, metal wound gaskets should be employed
In high-temperature and high-pressure conditions, copper gaskets can be used, as they have good ductility.
Asbestos rubber sheets are generally used for steam applications; 2–3 layers of raw tape are wrapped around the cut rubber sheet, so that the gasket does not stick when it needs to be replaced.
It depends on the level of pressure: asbestos rubber gaskets can be used for low pressure, while metal wound gaskets can be used for high pressure
We use asbestos gaskets for our low-pressure steam; they are commonly known as paper foil gaskets, and they are cheap. Those with medium to high pressure won’t work.
For low pressure applications, it’s sufficient to use asbestos gaskets wrapped with tape; it’s inexpensive. For high pressure applications, metal-wrapped gaskets are used, which are more expensive
Metal wound gaskets are still more useful
We usually use wound gaskets; after checking our pipeline grade table, octagonal metal ring gaskets are used only for nominal pressures of 6.3 MPa and above. :)
Asbestos gaskets don’t seem to be very useful anymore. Are there any relevant regulations regarding this? It is recommended to use metal wound gaskets in high-temperature and high-pressure applications
Depending on the operating conditions: medium and low pressure woven gaskets, high pressure metal gaskets.
Graphite can withstand high temperatures; it is recommended to use graphite gaskets