Flexible graphite composite gaskets are widely used in various demanding working conditions due to their excellent temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, and sealing performance. The following are the main application scenarios and typical conditions:
1. High-Temperature Conditions**
Temperature Range: -200°C to +600°C (in oxidizing environments), up to 1650°C in inert gases.
Applications
- High-temperature steam pipelines, hot oil systems.
- Cracking units in refineries, boiler flange sealing.
- Engine exhaust systems, high-temperature sections of gas turbines.
2. Highly Corrosive Environments
Corrosion Resistance: Resistant to acids, alkalis, and organic solvents (e.g., sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, strong alkalis).
- Applications:
- Chemical equipment (reactors, distillation columns, heat exchangers).
- Pharmaceutical industry pipelines carrying corrosive media.
- Electroplating equipment, acid-washing tank flanges.
3. High Pressure and Cyclic Loading
- Properties**: High resilience, adapts to pressure fluctuations and flange creep.
- Applications:
- Oil and gas pipelines (high-pressure environments containing H₂S).
- Compressors, pumps, and valves with frequent start-stop cycles.
- Sealing in nuclear power equipment under radiation fatigue conditions.
4. Special Media Requirements
Impermeability: Excellent sealing for liquid and gaseous media (including toxic, flammable, and explosive substances).
Applications:
- Cryogenic storage tanks for LNG (liquefied natural gas).
- Chlorine gas sealing in chlor-alkali industry.
- Aerospace fuel pipeline sealing.
5. Complex Flange Conditions
- Adaptability: Compensates for uneven or slightly damaged flange surfaces.
- Applications:
- Flange repairs in aging equipment.
- Large-diameter or non-standard flanges (e.g., wind turbine tower connections).
6. Strict Environmental and Safety Requirements
- Non-Polluting: Asbestos-free, complies with FDA, RoHS, and other standards.
- Applications:
- Clean pipelines in food and pharmaceutical industries.
- Drinking water treatment equipment.
Unsuitable Conditions
Strong Oxidizers Such as concentrated nitric acid or high-concentration hydrogen peroxide (may corrode graphite).
Extreme Mechanical Stress: Requires metal reinforcement (e.g., 304SS serrated insert) for higher blowout resistance.
Selection Recommendations
Composite Structure: Opt for metal-reinforced types (e.g., graphite + stainless steel serrated plate) for enhanced performance.
- Standards Compliance: Follow API 601, EN 1514, etc., to ensure suitability for specific conditions.
With proper selection, flexible graphite composite gaskets significantly improve sealing reliability and reduce leakage risks, making them ideal for harsh applications in modern chemical, energy, and industrial sectors.
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