High-pressure gaskets aren’t something to mess around with. In the wrong conditions, they’ll leak, crack or even fail altogether, leaving you in a tight spot.

You wouldn’t use a candle when you really needed a blowtorch.

It’s just not going to get the job done — and neither is picking the wrong high-pressure gasket for your system.

High-pressure gaskets aren’t something to mess around with. In the wrong conditions, they’ll leak, crack or even fail altogether, leaving your equipment and your team in a tight spot.

That’s why at Steamline Engineering – Australia’s leading supplier of high-quality gaskets – we’re here to walk you through how to choose the right high-pressure gasket for your application.

Picking the right base material for high-pressure gaskets

The first thing to consider when selecting a high-pressure gasket is what it’s made from. Different materials react differently under pressure, temperature and exposure to chemicals. Here’s a quick look at common options.

Metallic

Spiral wound and metal jacketed gaskets offer exceptional strength. They’re often chosen for high-temperature, high-pressure applications where standard rubber just won’t cut it.

Graphite

If you need a balance between heat resistance and flexibility, graphite gaskets are the go-to. They’re a favourite in refineries and power plants.

PTFE (Teflon)

PTFE gaskets are chemically resistant and flexible, making them just the thing for aggressive media.

Rubber

In high-pressure environments, rubber gaskets have limits – but specialised blends like Nitrile or EPDM still have their place in less extreme scenarios.

Each material has pros and cons, so it’s not just about picking the strongest – it’s about picking what’s most compatible with your process.

No shortcuts allowed with pressure ratings

Your gasket has got to stand up to serious forces. That’s why checking pressure ratings isn’t optional.

  • Maximum service pressure: Each gasket material has a defined maximum service pressure. Exceeding this can lead to leaks or even a catastrophic failure.
  • Australian Standards compliance: At Steamline, we ensure that all gaskets meet relevant Australian Standards, so you can be confident in their performance and safety.

Don’t forget, pressure ratings also depend on temperature and the flange design. A gasket that’s perfect at room temperature might not cut it when things heat up.

Watch for surprises with fluid compatibility

It’s easy to forget that gaskets are constantly exposed to the very fluids they’re sealing in. And if your gasket can’t handle what’s flowing through your pipes, it won’t be long before you’re dealing with leaks.

  • Chemical resistance: High-pressure gaskets must resist corrosion, swelling or breakdown caused by the process fluid. For example, graphite gaskets can handle a wide range of chemicals, while PTFE is virtually impervious to most aggressive media.
  • Temperature extremes: Some fluids can become more aggressive at higher temperatures, so be sure your chosen gasket can handle the full range of operating conditions.

At Steamline, we’ve seen it all – from water to harsh chemicals – and we’ll make sure your gasket choice is up to the task.

Installation practices for your gasket’s first day on the job

Even the perfect gasket can fail if it’s not installed correctly. So, before you torque those bolts, remember to do the following.

Clean and inspect

Both the flange and gasket surface should be free of debris and damage. A tiny scratch can be the start of a big leak.

Correct compression

Too tight, and you risk crushing the gasket. Too loose, and you’re inviting a blowout. Follow manufacturer guidelines for torque settings.

Re-check after heat-up

High-pressure systems often expand when hot. A quick re-tighten after reaching operating temperature can help avoid leaks.

If you’re unsure about best practices, Steamline’s team can walk you through it – because we know that proper installation is as important as the gasket itself.

Planning for the long haul

High-pressure gaskets are designed to last, but nothing lasts forever. Planning ahead for replacements and maintenance can save you headaches down the line.

  • Regular inspections: Keep an eye out for signs of wear, such as bulges or material degradation.
  • Proper storage: Gaskets kept in a clean, dry environment will stay in top condition longer. Moisture and sunlight can weaken gasket materials over time.
  • Ask the experts: If you’re not sure how often to replace a high-pressure gasket, or whether a change in your process might affect its lifespan, we’re here to help.

Steamline Engineering has you covered when it comes to gaskets that work as hard as you do. We supply quality gaskets that meet Australian Standards, from metallic and graphite to PTFE and rubber blends. Whether you’re after a spiral wound for a power station or a reliable seal for your mining operation, we’ve got the gasket – and the know-how – to keep your system safe and leak-free. Reach out today and find the perfect gasket for your project.

Picking the right gasket can feel tricky. Here, we break down the different types of gaskets and how to make sure yours fits like a glove.

Ever felt like you were trying to find the right hat for a giraffe? It’s not a common problem, but picking the right gasket can feel just as tricky.

Rubber gaskets, metallic gaskets, ones that look like they came off a spaceship – there’s a whole zoo of options. And let’s be honest: choosing the wrong one can turn your system from a well-oiled machine into a leaky, noisy nightmare.

That’s why Steamline Engineering – Australia’s go-to for gasket know-how – is here to untangle the confusion. We’ll break down the different types of gaskets and how to make sure yours fits like a glove (or, if you like, like a giraffe’s hat).

Metallic gaskets for a heavy-duty seal

Metallic gaskets are your go-to when pressure and temperature start to climb. Made from solid metals or blends, they deliver excellent strength and resilience, even in the toughest conditions. These types of gaskets are specifically designed for environments where other gasket materials would quickly fail.

  • Common materials: Stainless steel, soft iron, copper
  • Applications: High-pressure vessels, heat exchangers, petro-chemical pipelines
  • Standout feature: Outstanding resilience and sealing power in extreme environments

Metallic gaskets are also well-known for their longevity, making them a cost-effective option in the long run. Their rigid structure means they’re ideal for static applications, providing a tight seal that keeps your equipment running smoothly and safely.

Non-metallic gaskets are reliable and versatile

Non-metallic gaskets step in when flexibility and adaptability are the name of the game. They’re ideal for lower-pressure jobs but still tough enough to keep things sealed tight. These types of gaskets are also favoured for their ease of installation – no fuss, no drama.

  • Common materials: Rubber (EPDM, nitrile, neoprene), PTFE, graphite, compressed fibre
  • Applications: Water systems, low-pressure pipelines, general industrial sealing
  • Standout feature: Flexible and cost-effective, perfect for a wide range of uses

Non-metallic gaskets can handle temperature variations and are less likely to damage sensitive components, making them a favourite across industries like water treatment, food processing and general manufacturing.

Composite gaskets offer the best of both worlds

Composite gaskets mix the durability of metal with the softness of filler materials, giving you a gasket that can handle tricky conditions while maintaining a solid seal. These gaskets are designed to adapt to flange imperfections, providing a more reliable seal than either metal or soft materials alone.

  • Common materials: Spiral-wound construction with alternating metal and soft filler layers
  • Applications: Flanges with irregular surfaces, high-temperature steam lines
  • Standout feature: Blends strength and flexibility for reliable sealing in tricky conditions

Because composite gaskets can cope with vibration and thermal cycling, they’re a top choice for equipment that operates under fluctuating loads or temperatures. You’ll find them in power stations, refineries and anywhere a reliable seal is crucial.

Soft cut gaskets are simple yet essential

When you need a gasket cut to a precise size and shape, soft cut gaskets are your best mate. They’re customisable and quick to replace, making maintenance a breeze. These gaskets are typically made from sheet materials and punched or cut to size for a perfect fit.

  • Common materials: Graphite, PTFE, rubber sheeting
  • Applications: Custom-fitted flanges and low-pressure systems
  • Standout feature: Easy to cut, replace and maintain – the go-to choice for everyday maintenance

Soft cut gaskets are also a practical choice for equipment that sees frequent inspections and disassembly. Their low cost and easy handling mean you can always have spares on hand to keep downtime to a minimum.

Spiral-wound gaskets are trusted in tough environments

Spiral-wound gaskets stand out for their clever design – a balance of metal’s strength and soft filler’s flexibility. They’re the workhorse in systems that face both high pressure and high temperatures. These gaskets can handle repeated thermal cycling without losing their ability to seal.

  • Common materials: Thin metal strip with soft filler material
  • Applications: High-pressure steam, oil and gas pipelines
  • Standout feature: Excellent recovery and robust sealing performance, even in fluctuating conditions

With their proven reliability, spiral-wound gaskets are a favourite in industries like mining, petro-chemical, and power generation – places where even a minor leak can lead to big problems.

Why choosing the right types of gaskets matters

Using the wrong type of gasket can lead to serious issues: leaks, safety hazards and costly downtime. That’s why it’s crucial to consider the following factors.

Operating conditions

Temperature, pressure and the type of fluid all play a big part in choosing the right gasket. A mismatch here can mean a seal that fails under stress, causing equipment damage and operational headaches.

Flange design

The flange’s face type – whether it’s flat or raised – and how well the surfaces align will influence which gasket fits best and seals effectively. Choosing the correct types of gaskets that match the flange ensures maximum reliability and safety.

Material compatibility

It’s essential to match the gasket’s material with the fluid or gas in the system. If the gasket breaks down, you’re left with leaks and a maintenance headache. The right gaskets will resist chemical reactions and stand up to your system’s demands.

Steamline Engineering is your trusted partner when it comes to choosing the right gasket for the job. We stock metallic, rubber, PTFE, graphite and composite gaskets in every shape and size, so you’re never caught without the right seal. Supplying Australia’s top brands like Carrara and Firefly, we’re also your go-to for thermal tapes, welding blankets, valve packing materials and more.

Gasket shelf life is influenced by several factors. These include the material they’re made from, the environmental conditions they’re subject to and how they’re stored. Different materials have different shelf lives and are impacted by storage and time in different ways. Temperature, humidity, light exposure – these are the environmental conditions we should consider when assessing gasket shelf life.

Looking to stock up on gaskets? It’s a smart idea to buy replacement gaskets before your current ones need replacing, so that you can minimise equipment downtime and keep up a productive workplace.

But if you’re not properly storing your gaskets, this could lead to a shorter shelf life, costing you more money in the long run.

Steamline Engineering, Australia’s top gasket retailer, is here to explain gasket shelf life and the best practices for gasket storage.

Gasket life: knowing the factors at play

Gasket shelf life is influenced by several factors. These include the material they’re made from, the environmental conditions they’re subject to and how they’re stored:

  • Materials
    Different materials have different shelf lives and are impacted by storage and time in different ways. While a metallic gasket may last a long time in storage, rubber gaskets are more susceptible to aging and environmental factors. Always check with the manufacturer or retailer on the recommended shelf life of a gasket – Steamline is more than happy to answer your questions. Understanding the specific properties of the gasket material is key for determining its shelf life.
  • Environment
    Temperature, humidity, light exposure – these are the environmental conditions we should consider when assessing gasket shelf life. High temperatures, for example, can lead to quicker deterioration of rubber gaskets. Humidity and sunlight exposure can also lead to material degradation. It’s recommended to store gaskets in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight.
  • Storage
    Ensuring your gaskets are stored safely and properly is another factor in their shelf life. For example, stacking gaskets on top of each other, or underneath heavy objects could cause them to warp and bend before you’ve even used them, so it’s best to keep an ordered system when it comes to gasket storage.

How to store your gaskets properly

Want to extend the shelf life of your gaskets? Follow these tips:

  • Proper packaging
    The original packaging of a gasket is designed to keep it dust-free, moisture-free and protected from other environmental factors. Always keep shelved gaskets in their original packaging.
  • Store them flat
    Like we said, hanging and stacking gaskets can cause them to warp, so store them flat in drawers.
  • Environmental controls
    Keep your gasket storage area cool and dry, and preferably with windows covered up.

Store your gaskets properly and enjoy a longer lasting, more reliable gasket. Steamline Engineering is Australia’s #1 supplier of high quality gaskets. We choose top manufacturers like Carrera and Firefly, providing metallic, rubber, PTFE, graphite gaskets and more. Supplying various gaskets from various materials, Steamline are also Australia’s leading team for other industrial equipment like thermal tapes and seals, welding blankets and valve packing materials.

We often want our gaskets to be sufficiently thick. Gasket thickness can have a huge impact on performance and in this post, we outline why. Thicker gaskets also create a more effective seal for damaged or warped flanges, and are better at filling flange irregularities due to their ability to compress more.

Gaskets not doing their job properly? Ask them this: “are you thick?!”

They won’t respond, because they’re gaskets. But if the answer is a ‘no’, then this could be your problem.

Unlike our staff members, we often want our gaskets to be sufficiently thick. Gasket thickness can have a huge impact on performance and in this post, we outline why.

Steamline Engineering explains gasket thickness and why we’re your #1 choice for better quality gaskets in Australia.

Gasket thickness for certain applications

Thicker gaskets are typically used on equipment with large diameter flanges (of over 1.5 metres). They’re also preferred in low-pressure applications, equipment with minimal bolting, and where there is little to no high internal pressure. This is because thick gaskets can fill irregularities better than thin gaskets in these applications, and they can be compressed a larger amount without the additional bolting capacity.

In these applications, thin gaskets can’t provide the tight seal necessary, due to the lack of compression and uneven flanges, creating an increased risk of leaks.

Thick gaskets for filling irregularities

Thicker gaskets also create a more effective seal for damaged or warped flanges, and are better at filling flange irregularities due to their ability to compress more. This extra compression gives thicker gaskets a better ability to fill deep scratches and low spots on flange surfaces.

So if your equipment has limited bolting capacity, limited compression, and thin or warped flanges, you’re much better off investing in a thick gasket for that extra compression and deeper fill ability.

Be careful of creep relaxation

With a thicker gasket, you may experience higher creep relaxation. Creep relaxation is when a gasket compresses over time, increasing the gap between the two mating surfaces and increasing risks of leaks. This requires the bolts to be torqued down further, maintaining an appropriate compressive load. Make sure you’re doing routine checks on equipment with thicker gaskets, ensuring the bolts are sufficiently torqued.

Steamline Engineering: your home of gasket thickness

Whether you need a razor-thin gasket or a thick gasket, Steamline Engineering has got you covered. We specialise in gaskets of all thickness, ensuring your equipment is running optimally and is leak-free. We’re Australia’s first choice team for gaskets, and here’s why:

  • Suppling exclusively high-quality gasket manufacturers like Carrera and Firefly
  • Nation-wide shipping available
  • Fast, efficient service
  • Range of other products such as tapes, valve seals and packing materials
  • Excellent customer service with friendly, dedicated staff

Steamline Engineering can help you when you need a thicker gasket. We have a range of gaskets in all shapes and sizes, made from a range of materials like metal, PTFE, graphite, rubber and more. No matter your application, we’ll have the right gasket for you. Browse our range and make an order today.

We can test gaskets for quality and reliability, which is what Steamline Engineering does when it agrees to supply gaskets from a certain manufacturer. There are a couple of ways to test this: non-destructive and destructive testing methods. Gaskets might look good on paper, but their quality and reliability has to stack up in the real world, too.

Let’s say you’re shopping for peanut butter. It’s easy to test whether or not peanut butter is good quality. You can look on the back of the jar, check out the ingredients and compare two different brands. One might have added preservatives and lots of sodium, while the other one might be completely natural and contain nothing but peanuts. Simple choice, right?

Well, when it comes to gasket shopping, there are similar things to look out for. We can test gaskets for quality and reliability, which is what Steamline Engineering does when it agrees to supply gaskets from a certain manufacturer.

Here’s how we test gaskets for quality and reliability so that we’re able to exclusively supply the best gaskets Australia has to offer:

Precise measurements

As an industry professional, you know the importance of a tight fitting gasket. A gasket has got to fit like a glove, and the measurements listed on a gasket have to match up to a T. This is essential for maintaining consistency in machine operation, making sure everything works as intended, every time.

Quality material assurance

So how do we know our gaskets are made of good stuff? There are a couple of ways to test this: non-destructive and destructive testing methods. Non-destructive tests, like x-rays and ultrasonic testing, show us the structural integrity of components. Destructive tests, such as tensile testing, reveal the mechanical properties and durability of the materials. Once a gasket has been tested in both destructive and non-destructive ways, we know it’s good to go.

Environmental controls

Gaskets might look good on paper, but their quality and reliability has to stack up in the real world, too. This is tested by exposing parts to environmental conditions like temperature, humidity, and pressure to evaluate their performance and durability in real-world situations. This ensures they can withstand whatever conditions they might face without compromising functionality, giving you a durable, reliable gasket.

Performance tests

Leak testing, pressure testing, and compression testing, are also conducted to assess the effectiveness and reliability of your gasket. These tests simulate real-world scenarios to identify any potential defects or weaknesses that could impact performance and lead to leaks or pressure drops. It’s sort of like putting your gasket through a boot camp to make sure it’s up to the task.

We hope this clears up any questions on how gaskets are teste for reliability and quality build. Steamline Engineering conducts rigorous gasket testing on the regular, ensuring that our customers only get the best quality gaskets on the market. Supplying the world’s best gaskets from trusted brands like Carrera and Firefly, Steamline is Australia’s top team for gaskets, seals, thermal tapes, valve packing materials and more.

An easy way to help the environment when selecting gaskets is to choose the right gasket for the right application. This way, you’ll get more use out of each gasket before they degrade, need replacing, and end up in landfill. You should also consider the gasket manufacturer when concerned about environmental factors in gasket selection.

We all want to do our bit for the environment, and we can all make simple changes to our daily routines which reduce our carbon footprint. Whether your aim is to pay more attention to what goes into the recycle bin, start composting, or use less water, it all starts with the small things.

Running a business gives you even more opportunities to lower your environmental impact. Switching to more environmentally-friendly processes at work is a great way to do your part for the planet.

Part of this might include looking at environmental factors when selecting gaskets for your equipment. Are some gaskets better for the environment than others? Here, Australia’s experts at Steamline Engineering explain:

Choosing the right gasket for the right application

An easy way to help the environment when selecting gaskets is to choose the right gasket for the right application. This way, you’ll get more use out of each gasket before they degrade, need replacing, and end up in landfill.

For example, if you were to use a rubber gasket where a metallic gasket would be preferred, the rubber gasket would degrade very quickly if exposed to certain chemicals, and would need to be discarded.

Choosing the right gasket is important for longevity and durability, getting as much life out of your gasket as possible. This saves a gasket from being wasted and thrown into landfill.

Choosing a reputable gasket manufacturer

You should also consider the gasket manufacturer when concerned about environmental factors in gasket selection. Chances are, a reputable manufacturer of high-quality gaskets will have more advanced environmental processes than cheap gasket manufacturers from China.

That’s part of the reason why Steamline Engineering only selects high-quality gaskets from reputable brands like Carrera and Firefly. These gasket manufacturers are renowned for making high-quality gear, which lasts longer than cheaper alternatives and is therefore better for the environment.

Consider your gasket supplier

And finally, it’s important to look at your supplier and their regard for environmental best practice. Some gasket suppliers have a larger carbon footprint than others, marked by overpackaging, use of paper rather than paperless processes, and other factors.

Steamline Engineering care about the environment and is constantly improving our processes to reduce our carbon footprint. We’re mindful of overpackaging, especially when it comes to shipping gaskets to your business, and are taking up more and more paperless processes.

Together, we can make a big difference in helping the environment. Steamline Engineering is Australia’s #1 supplier of high quality gaskets. We choose top manufacturers like Carrera and Firefly, providing metallic, rubber, PTFE, graphite gaskets and more. Supplying various gaskets from various materials, Steamline are also Australia’s leading team for other industrial equipment like thermal tapes and seals, welding blankets and valve packing materials.

Gasket compression is the degree to which a gasket is compressed or squeezed between two mating surfaces, creating a seal. Gaskets are designed to seal the gap between two mating flanges. Compression plays a vital role in creating a tight, effective seal, preventing leaks.

You can have the most expensive equipment, the highest quality gaskets and the most skilled staff – but if your gasket compression isn’t effective, you’re going to run into some serious problems.

Leaks, equipment damage, safety hazards – these are all the risks of poor gasket compression.

Here, Steamline Engineering explains gasket compression and why it’s so important for businesses like yours.

What is gasket compression?

Gasket compression is the degree to which a gasket is compressed or squeezed between two mating surfaces, creating a seal. When properly compressed, a gasket fills any irregularities on the surfaces it seals, preventing the passage of fluids or gases. The compression of the gasket is typically achieved by tightening bolts or clamps that hold the flanges together.

Why is gasket compression so important?

Why is gasket compression such a big deal? Let’s explain:

  • Maintains a tight seal
    Gaskets are designed to seal the gap between two mating flanges. Compression plays a vital role in creating a tight, effective seal, preventing leaks.
  • Maintains pressure of application
    Many applications that use gaskets require a strong, consistent pressure while in operation. Compression is also crucial for delivering this pressure by preventing leaks, which can cause pressure drops.
  • Prevents equipment damage
    Leaks often result in equipment damage, either by harmful substances escaping and corroding the equipment, or by reducing the effectiveness of lubricants and coolants.
  • Maintains safety of equipment
    Following on from this, using damaged equipment is a huge safety concern which could lead to an incident in your workplace – so gasket compression can directly impact workplace safety, too.

What factors influence effective gasket compression?

Want to ensure that your gaskets are providing effective compression at all times? Here’s what you need to consider:

  • Gasket material
    Different gasket materials possess varying levels of malleability which affects compression. For example, a rubber gasket is far more compressible than a metallic gasket, and might be more appropriate for your equipment (depending on the temperature, pressure and fluid used in your application).
  • Bolt torque
    Bolt torque influences effective compression. If one bolt is torqued down more than another, the compression won’t be even. The bolts of your equipment should always be evenly tightened for effective compression.
  • Flange condition
    Your gasket may be brand new and ready to go, but if your equipment’s flanges are worn or uneven, your gasket won’t be able to maintain effective compression. Always ensure your flanges are in great condition before installing a new gasket.

Got a question about gasket compression? Just ask the team at Steamline Engineering. No matter which type of gasket you’re after, Steamline Engineering has the right type of gasket for your application. We stock loads of gaskets from excellent manufacturers like Carrera and Firefly, providing metallic, rubber, PTFE, graphite gaskets and more. Supplying various gaskets from various materials, Steamline are also Australia’s leading team for other industrial equipment like thermal tapes and seals, welding blankets and valve packing materials.

Using a certain fluid on an incompatible gasket is a serious mistake to make. It can lead to gasket damage, reduced efficiency and even a hazardous situation for your workplace. So, here, Steamline Engineering – Australia’s #1 gasket retailer – outlines the importance of gasket compatibility with different fluids.

We’re just not that compatible’ – it’s a generic line in a movie you’ll hear during a break-up scene. And although it might be cringy to hear during a romcom, it’s an important quote to remember when it comes to gaskets and fluids.

Sometimes, they’re just not that compatible!

Using a certain fluid on an incompatible gasket is a serious mistake to make. It can lead to gasket damage, reduced efficiency and even a hazardous situation for your workplace.

So, here, Steamline Engineering – Australia’s #1 gasket retailer – outlines the importance of gasket compatibility with different fluids.

Gaskets and fluids: understanding the basics

Gaskets are made from several different materials, such as metal, graphite, rubber, cork, PTFE and others. Each of these materials has certain properties that make them either compatible or incompatible with different fluids.

For instance, rubber gaskets are known for their excellent resistance to oils and fuels, while they’re not resistant to strong chemicals and acids. EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) gaskets are highly resistant to water, steam, and certain chemicals, while they’re incompatible with fuels and oils.

Common gaskets materials and their compatible fluids

Some of the most common gasket materials and their compatible fluids include:

  • PTFE
    PTFE is a strong, durable material which is often used in gaskets. It’s compatible with many fluids, including almost all chemicals, acids, fuels, solvents, fuels and oils.
  • Graphite
    Graphite is known for its excellent resistance to high-temperature steam, oils, alkalis and acids.
  • Cork
    Cork is compatible with fluids such as low-pressure oils, alcohols and fuels, while incompatible with high-temperature fluids, fuels and alkalis.
  • Metallic
    Known for their strength and resilience, metallic gaskets are highly compatible with high-temperature steam, oils and fuels, but are (depending on the metal) not compatible for strong acids and chlorinated chemicals.

Risks of ignoring gasket-fluid compatibility

The risks of ignoring compatibility between gaskets and fluids are dire. Leaks, equipment damage, increased maintenance costs and safety hazards are all potential consequences of applying to wrong gasket to the wrong application.

How to choose the right gasket and the right fluid

Choosing the right gasket for the right fluid is simple: just check your manufacturer’s recommendations and contact the team at Steamline Engineering if you have any questions about our gaskets. Our team has excellent product knowledge and can find the right gasket for your equipment.

Choose Steamline Engineering for your next gasket order. No matter which type of gasket you’re after, Steamline Engineering can help you out. We stock loads of gaskets from excellent manufacturers like Carrera and Firefly, providing metallic, rubber, PTFE, graphite gaskets and more. Supplying various gaskets from various materials, Steamline are also Australia’s leading team for other industrial equipment like thermal tapes and seals, welding blankets and valve packing materials.

Gasket installation is a crucial part of the process, one that can significantly impact your gasket’s performance, durability and even the condition of your equipment. Here, Steamline Engineering outlines several common gasket installation mistakes and how to avoid them
When you take apart a component to install a new gasket, it’s important to inspect the other components of your equipment.

Common Gasket Installation Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

There’s no point buying a sportscar if you don’t know how to drive a manual. And similarly, there’s little point in upgrading your gaskets if you’re not installing them properly.

Gasket installation is a crucial part of the process, one that can significantly impact your gasket’s performance, durability and even the condition of your equipment.

Here, Steamline Engineering outlines several common gasket installation mistakes and how to avoid them:

Failure to inspect other components

When you take apart a component to install a new gasket, it’s important to inspect the other components of your equipment, in case they’re damaged or warped. A damaged flange will only wear out a gasket quicker, so there’s no point in buying a brand new gasket if there are other problems with your machinery. Check everything meticulously before installing a new gasket.

Failing to clean components

While the gasket is removed, use this as a chance to clean the surfaces and bolt holes before you install the new gasket. Make sure that the bolt threads and the holes of the bolt threads aren’t dirty or galled – otherwise, your gasket won’t be able to be tightened properly.

Installing an incorrect size

This is a surprisingly common mistake to make when installing gaskets. One of the best ways you can ensure you’re buying the exact size of gasket you need is to cross-check the part numbers. If you don’t have the part number of your gasket, call up the team at Steamline and they’ll be able to identify and source an appropriately-fitting gasket for your application.

Tightening the bolts and fasteners incorrectly

As you know, bolts and fasteners require a correct sequence when being tightened. Make sure you’re following the correct sequence of tightening the bolts and fasteners when installing a gasket, so that the pressure is distributed evenly and that the gasket is perfectly aligned when installed. Otherwise, you risk misalignment of the gasket.

Lubricating too much, or not enough

If you use too much or too little lubrication, then you’re back to step one. Never use sealers or lubricants where you shouldn’t: rubber gaskets, for example, should never need lubricants or sealants. On the other hand, always lubricate or seal where it is necessary – just consult the gasket experts at Steamline Engineering if you’re unsure.

Follow this guide and your gasket installation will be a piece of cake, providing years of durable, high-intensity use. At Steamline Engineering, we provide top-of-the-range metallic and non-metallic gaskets across Australia. Stocking brands like Carrara and Firefly, Steamline is Australia’s finest supplier of quality gaskets, as well as other industrial equipment like thermal tapes and seals, welding blankets and valve packing materials. Browse our range our contact our team of gasket experts today.

When it comes to replacing and upgrading your gaskets, compliance and safety should be at the top of your mind. In this post, Steamline Engineering explain gasket standards and regulations so that you can successfully comply with Australia’s safety protocol.

Gasket Standards and Regulations Ensuring Compliance and Safety

If you’re working with high-pressure, high-power or high-temperature equipment, chances are there are two words you’ll know all too well: compliance and safety.

These concepts are paramount to the work that you do, preventing accidents from occurring which could result in harm to your staff and damage to your vital equipment.

So, when it comes to replacing and upgrading your gaskets, compliance and safety should be at the top of your mind. In this post, Steamline Engineering explain gasket standards and regulations so that you can successfully comply with Australia’s safety protocol.

Australian Standards on gaskets

There are several Australian Standards on gaskets and gasketing. These are in place to ensure that all gaskets are compliant and safe to use, and that these gaskets are used in the correct way.

Some of the main Australian Standards on gaskets include:

  • AS 1931: specifies requirements for non-metallic gaskets used in general-purpose applications.
  • AS 2118.1: provides guidelines for the selection and installation of gaskets for flanges in piping systems.
  • AS 2683.1: outlines requirements for metallic spiral-wound gaskets.
  • AS 2683.2: specifies requirements for non-metallic flat gaskets for pipe flanges.

Gasket regulations: a closer look

Since Steamline Engineering supplies gaskets for general purpose applications and specialised metallic gaskets, let’s take a closer look at the standards and regulations relating to these areas:

  • Ensuring compliance with AS 1931
    Australian Standard AS 1931 focusses on non-metallic gaskets used in general-purpose applications. This provides guidance on choosing appropriate gasket material based on factors such as the type of fluid or gas being sealed, operating temperature and pressure, flange conditions, and compatibility with other materials in the system. It also covers the correct installation of gaskets, and determines performance under stressors like chemical attack and compression.
  • Ensuring compliance with AS 2683.1
    Australian Standard AS 2683.1 focusses on metallic spiral wound gaskets and their use in flanged joints subjected to pressure and temperature fluctuations. This set of standards includes everything from winding strip and filler material to marking and packaging.

Where to buy compliant gaskets that meet standards and regulations

At Steamline Engineering, we only sell high-quality gaskets which meet all relevant Australian Standards. Our quality brands like Carrara and Firefly are trusted in Australia and internationally as being some of the best gaskets on the market. By investing in quality gaskets from Steamline, you can avoid compliance breaches and keep your business safe and efficient.

At Steamline Engineering, we only supply the world’s best gasket brands, known for their seal integrity and durability. Stocking brands like Carrara and Firefly, Steamline is Australia’s best retailer of quality gaskets, as well as other industrial equipment like thermal tapes and seals, welding blankets and valve packing materials. Browse our range our contact our team of gasket experts today.