Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a synthetic tetrafluoroethylene fluoropolymer with numerous applications. It is also known by the common trade name Teflon. PTFE may be optimized for use as a gasket material with good chemical resistant properties.
The PTFE ring gasket is located inside the flange bolts and along the pipe bore. It sits on the raised surface in a raised face design. This design needs fewer material and less cutting, it can be assembled without totally disassembling the joint (making it a “drop-in” gasket), but it can also be more difficult to clamp in place. In determining a ring-type gasket, only three measurements are needed: ID (which corresponds to the pipe bore), OD (which is the same as the OD of the raised face) and gasket thickness.
Advantages of PTFE Ring Gasket
Corrosion resistance
Media that is not compatible with traditional rubber compounds or caustic or corrosive chemicals can render PTFE the best choice of material.
PTFE Ring Gasket is resistant to nearly all synthetic chemicals, rendering it one of the most corrosion-resistant components used in all industries. And if the integrity of the rubber compounds is compromised by a chemical attack, then PTFE can do the trick.
Long shelf-life
Applications involving long-term or extended service periods in corrosive conditions may also benefit the use of PTFE Ring Gasket.
Although certain elastomers may survive for short-term or intermittent use, deterioration over time can contribute to issues years down the line, whilst the resistance properties of PTFE remain infinite.
PTFE Ring Gasket does not degrade with age and is not affected by UV light, so age control is not normally required.
Wide temperature range capabilities
PTFE Ring Gasket temperature range capability of -325 degrees F to +500 degrees F is also well beyond the range of most elastomers. Applications in cryogenics or high-temperature situations such as ovens or combustion processes may also rule out any elastomer compound, again making PTFE the best choice.
Extremely low temperatures will cause most rubber compounds to harden to the point where any elastomeric properties are no longer present in the material. This combined with contraction of the material can mean it will no longer function effectively as a seal. PTFE Ring Gasket on the other hand, retains flexural and pliability properties even at cryogenic temperatures.
Additional Benefits to PTFE Ring Gasket
PTFE Ring Gasket has some additional advantages over rubber compounds as well:
PTFE does not swell due to moisture absorption.
PTFE is not susceptible to explosive decompression.
PTFE has excellent electrical properties such as dielectric strength and electrical resistance.
