The gasket issue with ammonia compressors
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I would like to ask everyone: the equipment that arrives with new installations is usually protected with asbestos pads. Before production, when conducting a leak test, do we need to replace all the asbestos gaskets with proper gaskets first? What kind of gasket is generally used for the first flange at the outlet of ammonia compressors (including all pressure tapping points and level gauges)? Can tetrafluoride be used?
When ensuring airtightness, all asbestos gaskets must be replaced with proper gaskets. Generally, for the first flange at the equipment outlet of ammonia compressors (including all pressure tapping points and level gauges), PTFE can be used.
It is determined by the pressure level: whether to use a flat flange or a raised flange. Gaskets made of wound gasket material are the best choice, with specifications denoted as PLXX-XX or BXX-XX, where these values represent the nominal diameter and pressure class respectively. The material can be D1211 or BO221
When ensuring airtightness, all asbestos gaskets must be replaced with proper gaskets; otherwise, if the gaskets are replaced after achieving airtightness, the effort to achieve airtightness will have been in vain.