Industrial Gaskets and Seals - Whats the difference?

When being a part of construction and production industry, the terms flanges, gaskets. seals are a common heard. Even though these hold an equal importance in small machines and tools of day to day living also, industrial use of these is mammoth sized. New Age Gaskets has been a trusted supplier of industrial gaskets in North India to almost all major industrial states like Delhi, Gurgaon, UP and others since more than a decade.

Talking of Flange / Gasket / Seal, these terms are often used interchangeably.  The fundamental difference is that a gasket is a physical piece that goes between two flanges to create a seal at a joining point between two components. Seals tend to be flat and round, while gaskets are often cut into different shapes so that they fit the components. Gaskets seal a connection between two components or flanges that have flat surfaces, while seals are used between engine parts, pumps and shafts that rotate.

Flange gaskets are used to create a static seal between two flanges faces, at various operating conditions, with varied pressure and temperature ratings. A gaskets fills the microscopic spaces and irregularities of the flange faces, and then it forms a seal that is designed to keep liquids and gases.

A flange serves as a method of connecting pipes, valves, pumps and other equipment to form a piping system, providing easy access for cleaning, inspection or modification. Flanges are usually welded or screwed. Flanged joints are made by bolting together two flanges with a gasket between them to provide a seal.

Gaskets generally function with two flat flanges. The term Seal is also used for non-gasket applications, such as rotary shaft seals. These are a dynamic joint and not something that a flat flange gasket is able to seal.

For more details on any of these, feel free to contact our professionals.