Views: 83 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-08-28 Origin: Site
Choosing the right gasket material isn’t just a checkbox—it’s central to a heat exchanger’s longevity, efficiency, and safety. Whether your system runs chillers in buildings, pasteurizes beverages, or processes industrial chemicals, the gasket acts as the silent guardian. And with Aidear’s modular GPHEs, picking well means smooth, maintenance-friendly operation.
Gaskets seal the fluid channels, maintaining separation and preventing leaks. The wrong material can crack under heat, swell in oils, or degrade in chemicals—leading to downtime or contamination.
Gaskets must tolerate system highs and lows. EPDM does well around −30 °C to 150 °C, whereas FKM (Viton) handles up to 260 °C with ease. Low-temp extremes can stiffen materials like NBR.
Higher pressures demand materials with low compression set and strong recovery—HNBR or FKM perform better, especially when repeated thermal cycles are a factor.
Oils and fuels? NBR or HNBR fit. Steam, brine, or alkaline cleaners? EPDM works. Aggressive chemicals? You’ll want FKM as your go-to.
Friendly to oils and petroleum; handles about −20 °C to 140 °C. When reinforced with hydrogenated compounds (HNBR), it gets tougher for higher stress.
Great for ozone, steam, water, and mild alkalines—ranges from −30 °C to 165 °C. Not ideal with fats, oils, or gasoline.
High-temperature and aggressive chemical specialist—up to 260 °C, superb with hydrocarbons and corrosive media.
For extreme heat or food contact, options like flexible graphite (up to 300 °C) or FDA-safe silicones are available. Graphite resists harsh chemicals and temp swings impressively.
A quick reference:
| Material | Temp Range | Best For | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| NBR/HNBR | -20–140 °C | Oils, fuels | Low chemical resistance |
| EPDM | -30–165 °C | Steam, water, cleaning solutions | Not good with oils |
| FKM/Viton | -10–260 °C | Aggressive chemicals | Higher cost |
| Graphite, Silicone | up to 300 °C | High-heat, food-grade | Specialty pricing |
Commonly uses water-glycol or refrigerants. EPDM suits heat pumps and chilled water systems, while FKM is better for HFO refrigerants and oil-based systems.
Sanitation rules matter. EPDM is widely food-safe. For acid cleans or steam carts, high-grade silicones or FDA-certified options are better.
Harsh, corrosive stuff? FKM (Viton) or specialty elastomers give you the chemical resistance you need with durability over time.
Start by mapping your system's temperature, pressure, and media. That’s your baseline for choosing gasket type.
Aidear and other manufacturers offer charts and recommendation guides—use them to match gasket to your operating envelope.
Common materials like NBR and EPDM are easier to stock. FKM or graphite are pricier but sometimes essential—balance performance needs and supply readiness.
Aidear offers gasket kits with options for HVAC, food-grade sanitation, or chemical processing—picked to simplify your choices.
Need help designing the system or sourcing replacements overseas? Aidear’s support line covers you.
Whether it’s temperature-tuned FKM or food-grade EPDM, each gasket is tested to meet Aidear’s performance standards—no surprises, just reliability.
Selecting the right gasket material is like picking sneakers for a marathon—you need the fit, resilience, and protection to go the distance. Whether your system runs chilled water, food-grade sanitization, or corrosive chemical fluids, matching functionality with durability is key. And with Aidear’s trusted lineup of gasketed plate exchangers and tailored support, you’re set for efficient, leak-free heat transfer.
Q1: Can I use the same gasket for steam and oil service?
Usually not—steam prefers EPDM; oils need NBR or FKM depending on aggressiveness.
Q2: What about very low temperatures?
EPDM can handle down to -30 °C. Below that, you might need nitrile-based or specialty materials.
Q3: Are graphite gaskets food-safe?
Not inherently. Stick with FDA-certified materials like silicone or food-grade EPDM for sanitation.
Q4: How long do gaskets last in a GPHE?
Typically 1–3 years, depending on media, temperature cycles, and maintenance. Monitor performance trends to anticipate.
Q5: Does Aidear supply custom gasket kits?
Absolutely—they stock tailored kits for your GPHE needs globally, backed by technical support.
