Flange Gasket Selection Guide
A flange gasket is a sealing element placed between two flanges to prevent leakage. The right gasket choice directly determines the safety and service life of the pipe system. The wrong choice can lead to leaks, pressure loss and even failures. In this guide we explain the main factors to consider when selecting a flange gasket.
1. Working medium
The first step is to identify the type of fluid or gas that will pass the gasket. Water, steam, oil, fuel or a chemical — each requires a different material. For example, NBR suits oil, while EPDM suits water and steam.
2. Temperature and pressure
The gasket must be chosen for the working temperature and pressure. High temperature can harden the elastomer, and high pressure can squeeze out and rupture the gasket. The working conditions must stay within the material's resistance limits.
3. Material selection
- EPDM — resistant to water, steam and weather, but not suitable for oil.
- NBR — the best choice for oil, fuel and oil products.
- Neoprene — resistant to moderate chemical and weather exposure.
To understand material properties in more depth, read our articles what is EPDM rubber and NBR oil-resistant rubber.
4. Size and shape
The gasket must exactly match the inner and outer diameter of the flange and the position of the bolt holes. The full-face and inner-bolt-circle shapes are the most common types. The wrong size disrupts even compression.
5. Hardness
The hardness of the gasket material is measured on the Shore scale. A soft gasket seats well on uneven surfaces, while a hard gasket withstands high pressure better. The right balance must be chosen for the application.
Recommendation
You can find more information on pipe gaskets and sealing methods in our articles gasket selection guide and pipe gaskets and sealing.
To choose the right flange gasket for your system, browse the products section or contact us for technical support.