To mechanics and engineers, seal components are integral to machine, engine, and system performance and reliability. Among the most applied components for sealing are seals and gaskets. Both are advantageous based on application, but whether one should use either or not is an engineer’s dilemma.
What Are Seals?
Seals are used to close fluid leaks between two moving parts. They are typically made of flexible material like rubber, silicone, or polyurethane in such a way that they seal well under varying pressures or movement.
One of the most common types of seals is that of an O-ring or compression ring between two surfaces in order to seal. Another type is a mechanical seal, which can be found on a pump and a turbine where a shaft is rotating at a high speed. Seals are extremely efficient for maintaining their cohesion under dynamic pressure, e.g., hydraulic systems and automobile engines.
The feature of seals is that they can resist motion. For example, in a motor engine, seals don’t let oil leak into areas where it won’t be utilised while it flows with engine parts at all times. They are appropriate for dynamic applications requiring precision and power resisting constant stress.
What Are Gaskets?
Gaskets are fixed sealing devices employed to seal a fixed surface tightly between two surfaces. Gaskets are employed in cases where the prime function is to seal the irregularities and gaps between surfaces to prevent leakage or contamination. Rubber, cork, graphite, and metal are conventional gasket materials.
Think about the situation involving two flanges bolted onto each other to join two pipes within a system of plumbing. A gasket between the two flanges forms a fluid-tight seal such that even against the internal pressure within the system, the seal shall never leak. Gaskets are suitable where conditions are subjected to chemicals, heat, or vibration since there is material selection flexibility.
Unlike seals, gaskets are not designed to bear moving parts. Rather, they can be utilised in stationary applications such as closing engine covers, piping fittings, or equipment enclosures. Gaskets have good conformability on non-flat surfaces. Since they are compressible, they fill the surface irregularities and openings and create a level seal upon compressing them together.
When Do You Use Seals?
Seals can be your best option where moving parts are involved. Seals are especially useful under operating conditions of alternating conditions such as rotary shafts, pistons, or hydraulic cylinders. For instance, a liquid conveying pump, which is used to transport liquids at high pressure, is dependent on seals not to leak where there is a rotary shaft.
Another common use of seals is in the automotive and aviation industries, where their dynamic sealing keeps liquids like oil, brake fluid, or other lubricants from escaping their respective systems. Stress flexibility makes seals the best option for high-friction, high-pressure applications where resilience is a consideration.
When Should You Use Gaskets?
Gaskets are most suited to static applications in which two stationary surfaces meet. Consider, for instance, a flange connection between two components of a pipe. A gasket creates a tight seal between the two flanges such that no medium escapes.
They are also extensively applied in engines, for instance, the cylinder head gasket to seal the interface between the engine block and the cylinder head. Gaskets find the most extensive applications wherever temperature resistance, vibration dampening, and the ability to fill surface roughness are of topmost concern.
Their durability in chemical and heat-weary conditions also render gaskets the industrialist’s best option in industrial applications like chemical tanks or heat exchangers. Wherever pieces are held securely in place, a gasket will be reliable in sealing in the long term.
Key Takeaways
Industrial seals and gaskets are both essential parts in achieving mechanical and industrial systems to work as designed. Seals enjoy the best application in dynamic uses involving movement, e.g., hydraulic systems, engines, or pumps, while gaskets occur in static uses such as pipeline unions or engine covers.
By recognising the specific requirements of your application, i.e., pressure, movement, and environment, you will be able to choose the suitable component that will give you optimal performance. Having the proper sealing solution installed may contribute to efficiency improvement, reduced maintenance, and longer life of your system.
