Rubber gaskets used in cold environments need to maintain an effective seal through start-up, normal operation and shutdown. A published temperature range provides a useful starting point, but the material must also suit the joint, the substance being sealed and the way the equipment operates.
Compressor gaskets can fail before the machine’s major components because sealing depends on maintaining sufficient contact stress while pressure, temperature and mechanical loads change.
While a gasket may form an effective mechanical seal, gas molecules can still migrate through the elastomer itself, a process known as permeation. In pressure, vacuum, and controlled-atmosphere applications, even this small amount of transmission can compromise pressure stability and atmospheric integrity over time.
Dobson Gaskets recently enjoyed a memorable day at Ripon Races as part of the company’s event sponsorship.
Sealing systems operating at elevated temperatures are subjected to continuous mechanical and thermal stresses. While a gasket may provide an effective seal when first installed, its ability to maintain sealing performance can reduce over time as the material responds to prolonged loading and heat.