The Importance of Load in Maintaining Seal

Many factors affect the performance of the ubiquitous gaskets that provide critical seals between pipe segments and ensure satisfactory operation of a broad range of industrial equipment. But no factor is more important than compressive load. A gasket, after all, is a mechanical system that is fundamentally based on the spring-like force exerted by the fasteners being stretched and the other joint components being compressed. This compressive load provided by the bolts must be sufficient to cause the gasket to flow into and fill any irregularities in the mating surfaces being sealed. It is also necessary to provide the gripping force between the gasket and flange surface in order to mitigate against lateral gasket movement and blowout. The higher the compressive load, both initially and during service, the better the seal and the higher the blowout resistance.