As a technician, you’re going to find leaking gases or liquids…it’s part of the job, right? To fix a leak, you need a seal product, and you can either use a gasket or an O-ring. Although both are categorized as seals, they are different in terms of application as well as their appearance. And here comes the hard part – identifying the proper seal for the leak! Should you use a gasket or an O-ring?
In engineering, most sealing products are interchangeable, but not with these two – they are distinctive, and each has a specific use. To choose the right seal for the job, you have to understand the particular qualities of each sealing product. Let’s cut the chase; can you readily identify situations where each seal is most suitable? Let’s look at the two.
So, what is a gasket? It is a material used to seal two flat-surfaced components or flanges to prevent leaking. Gaskets are made of different substances such as silicone, nitrile, Viton, neoprene, etc. When the seal is in place, it prevents liquid, air, or both from leaking out or in an area.
You can cut gaskets in different sizes and shapes – they could be rounded and circular, triangular, half-circle, square, rectangular (basically, any form you can think of). Similarly, gaskets can be layered with a different coating to help out with their application and end-use. Such layers include pressure-sensitive adhesives, various coatings and can even be laminated.
Gaskets are used in different industries such as oil and gas, electric generation, pulp, and paper.
Pro Tip: As a technician, whenever you take apart a system and reassemble it, it’s always prudent to replace the gaskets.
What comes to your mind when you hear the word O-rings? A rubber ring? Well, you’re absolutely right! These seal products are made of flexible materials such as neoprene, polyurethane, or rubber.
As the name suggests, the seals are circular but come in different sizes and materials. These seals products are used when containing or separating machines fluids from various environments. The ring will sit between two cylindrical parts (in a groove) – when the two parts compress, a liquid-tight or an air-tight seal is created.
O-rings are ideal for creating a seal at extremely high pressures. Some O-rings can withstand pressures of up to 5,000 per square inch. They will maintain their integrity even when exposed to high pressure and prevent gas or air from escaping. Given their shape, they are ideal for both dynamic and static applications such as:
Should You Use a Gasket or an O-Ring?
The choice of whether to use a gasket or an O-ring depends on various factors. Here are some things to consider before using a gasket or an O-ring.
When it comes to the shape of a seal, the difference between a gasket and an O-ring is noticeable. An O-ring requires a groove to sit in, while a gasket is ideal for flat surfaces.
The operating temperature and pressure should also come in as a factor. Both gaskets and O-rings can work in a wide range of temperatures, but gaskets will always have the upper hand in extreme temperatures.
On the other hand, extreme pressures favor O-rings – they are more efficient than gaskets under high-pressure conditions.