Flexible graphite gaskets: uses

Gaskets, known as gaskets in industry, are used to seal joints, for example, in pipes or motors. Due to the characteristics and properties of graphite, it is common to use this material for its manufacture to obtain a flexible gasket made of graphite.

Graphite gaskets are composed of expanded or flexible pure graphite flakes that are mechanically bonded together. It is thanks to this high compressibility of graphite that the gaskets can easily adapt to sealing surfaces, even if they have imperfections, and even compensate for misalignments without affecting sealing capacity.

Graphitized gaskets are excellent for applications in contact with chemicals, as well as high pressures and temperatures. In addition, they offer a reliable seal because they operate under moderate bolt load, superior torque retention and seal tightly even during pressure fluctuations.

The flexible graphite gasket is made from graphite sheets or plates, which are formed from flakes of natural graphite processed with chemical and acid treatments to generate expanded graphite crystals. The latter are formed by rollers on a sheet without resins or binders.

What is flexible graphite gasketing used for?

As mentioned above, because the graphite in the gaskets makes them particularly resistant to pressure fluctuations and high temperatures, some of its main applications are in:

• Damping vibrations
• Electrochemical, electronic and thermal applications
• Refineries
• Paper mills
• Chemical and petrochemical plants, for gasoline or chemical piping joints in general.
• To seal industrial fluids
• Cryogenic applications
• In engines due to its resistance to thermal shock.

In the market it is possible to find graphite gaskets reinforced with other types of materials such as stainless steel, but we also find the flexible gasket made with 100% graphite.

In general, industrial grade graphite contains an average of between 95 and 99% carbon, while nuclear grade graphite has a purity of more than 99.5%.

At ESGRAF we have a wide variety of graphite products to provide the solutions your company needs. Would you like a free consultation? Click on the following link.

Limitations to consider

Performance depends on graphite grade, grain orientation, temperature, load, pressure, speed, and operating environment. Material selection should be confirmed for your actual process conditions.

Information needed for a quote

To guide selection or prepare a quote, ESGRAF typically needs:

• Application and operating conditions (temperature, atmosphere, load).
• Dimensions, technical drawing, or CAD file when applicable.
• Required quantity.
• Requested grade or material currently in use.
• Observed issue with the previous part or lubricant, if any.

Request a quote

Share these details with our team at ESGRAF or request information. A specialist will review your application before recommending a grade or geometry.