When To Use Gasket Sealant

When Should I Use Gasket Sealant?

As you already know, a gasket acts as a protective buffer between two flanges and gasket sealant can be used to hold the gasket in place. Gasket sealant is available in many forms and is suitable for several situations but exactly when should you use them?

The sealant is designed to reduce mechanical breakdowns occurring by preventing fluid leaks and machine parts from rubbing together. A gasket itself is fairly secure without sealant but engineers often use a sealant of some sort. This helps reinforce the joint’s integrity and strength. The sealant will not relax, shrink or crack once it has dried, further increasing the effectiveness of the join.

Manufactured in paste, spray and glue forms, gasket sealants are widely available. Suitable for use on a range of material surfaces such as rubber, various metals, plastic, ceramics and glass, the sealant is self-adhesive and easily applied. These sealants cure at room temperature and at ambient humidity. Operating pressures, temperatures and materials are all factors that determine what type of sealant is suitable or even if it is required at all.

Outdoor applications are a main area where sealant comes in handy, as the gasket may need to be water-proof or weather-proof. All holes and imperfections on the surface of both flanges will be filled by the sealant. By doing this, heat, water, air and other forms of contamination will be stopped from entering the assembly. This is especially useful for electrical applications where exposure to water is very dangerous.

The prevention of gas or fluid leaks by the application of sealant is often needed when dealing with pipe length connectors or composite machine parts. Thanks to its adhesion to both the surface of the flange and the gasket, the join is made leak-proof as well as strengthening it. The sealant can also help to prevent corrosion of the joint.