Non-asbestos gaskets are engineered sealing components designed to replace traditional asbestos-based gaskets. Asbestos, once a staple in industrial sealing for its heat resistance and durability, is now recognized as a severe health hazard, leading to its ban in many countries. Non-asbestos gaskets provide a safe, high-performance alternative, manufactured from a blend of synthetic fibers (such as aramid, glass, carbon, or ceramic), elastomeric binders, and fillers. These materials are compounded to deliver excellent sealing integrity, temperature tolerance, and chemical resistance without the associated health risks. They are critical in industries where worker safety and environmental compliance are paramount, including oil & gas, chemical processing, power generation, and marine applications.
The primary advantage of non-asbestos gaskets is their safety profile. They eliminate the risk of lung diseases like asbestosis and mesothelioma, ensuring a safer workplace. Beyond safety, their technical performance is superior in many modern applications. They offer consistent sealability under varying pressures and temperatures, resist creep relaxation (which maintains bolt load and prevents leaks), and provide excellent compatibility with a wide range of fluids, from steam and hydrocarbons to aggressive acids and alkalis.
Our non-asbestos gaskets are manufactured to exacting international standards, including ASTM F104, DIN 3754, and JIS B 2403. The precise formulation is proprietary, but the general composition includes:
The following tables outline the standard performance data and available specifications for our premium non-asbestos sheet materials. Custom formulations are available for specialized requirements.
| Property | Test Method | Typical Value | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (Machine Direction) | ASTM F152 | Min. 8.0 | MPa |
| Compressibility | ASTM F36 | 7 - 17 | % |
| Recovery | ASTM F36 | Min. 45 | % |
| Creep Relaxation | ASTM F38 | Max. 35 | % |
| Density | ASTM D792 | 1.8 - 2.2 | g/cm³ |
| pH Value | ASTM E70 | 6.5 - 8.5 | - |
| Material Grade | Continuous Service Temperature | Maximum Pressure | Primary Fluid Media Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| NAF 1100 (Standard NBR-based) | -40°C to +220°C (-40°F to +428°F) | 150 Bar (2175 PSI) | Water, Steam, Air, Gasoline, Oil, Moderate Chemicals |
| NAF 2100 (High-Temp Aramid-based) | -50°C to +300°C (-58°F to +572°F) | 200 Bar (2900 PSI) | Superheated Steam, Hot Oils, Hydrocarbons |
| NAF 3100 (Acid-Resistant Grade) | -20°C to +180°C (-4°F to +356°F) | 100 Bar (1450 PSI) | Dilute Acids, Alkalis, Solvents, Chlorinated Water |
| NAF 4100 (Food/Pharma Compliant) | -30°C to +200°C (-22°F to +392°F) | 100 Bar (1450 PSI) | FDA & EC 1935/2004 compliant for food, beverage, pharmaceutical steam |
Q: What exactly are non-asbestos gaskets made of?
A: Non-asbestos gaskets are composite materials made from a blend of synthetic organic fibers (like aramid or cellulose), inorganic fibers (like glass or mineral wool), elastomeric binders (such as nitrile or neoprene rubber), and various fillers. This combination is carefully engineered to replicate or exceed the sealing performance of historical asbestos gaskets without any health risks.
Q: How do I select the correct non-asbestos gasket for my application?
A: Selection depends on four critical service parameters: Temperature (minimum and maximum), Pressure (operating and test), the specific Fluid or Media being sealed, and the Flange type/surface finish. Always cross-reference the gasket material's published specifications (like those in the tables above) with your service conditions. For complex applications, consult with our technical support team with full details of your operating environment.
Q: Are non-asbestos gaskets as durable and heat-resistant as old asbestos gaskets?
A: Modern high-quality non-asbestos materials often outperform traditional asbestos. While asbestos had excellent inherent heat resistance, it became brittle over time. Advanced non-asbestos formulations offer superior creep relaxation resistance, meaning they maintain bolt load and seal tightness longer under high temperature. They also provide better chemical resistance to a wider range of modern industrial fluids.
Q: What standards and certifications do your non-asbestos gaskets comply with?
A: Our products are manufactured to meet or exceed major international standards, including ASTM F104 (Standard Classification System for Nonmetallic Gasket Materials), DIN 3754, and JIS B 2403. Specific grades are certified for use in potable water (WRAS, KTW), food processing (FDA, EC 1935/2004), and marine applications. Material test certificates (MTCs) are available upon request.
Q: Can non-asbestos gaskets be used as a direct replacement for asbestos gaskets in existing equipment?
A: In the vast majority of cases, yes. They are designed as drop-in replacements. However, it is crucial to ensure the selected grade matches the temperature, pressure, and chemical service. Often, a non-asbestos gasket may have a different thickness or density recommendation for optimal performance. It is good practice to review the flange condition and bolt torque procedures when switching materials.
Q: How should I store and handle non-asbestos gasket sheets?
A: Store sheets flat in a cool, dry, and dark environment away from direct sunlight, heat sources, ozone generators, and moisture. Ideal storage temperature is between 10°C and 25°C (50°F and 77°F). Do not bend or fold sheets sharply, and keep them in their original packaging until use to prevent contamination and edge damage.
Q: What are the available forms? Can you supply custom shapes?
A: We supply non-asbestos materials in several forms: Full sheets (standard sizes like 1500mm x 1500mm or 4' x 4'), cut gaskets (from simple rings to complex CNC-cut shapes), and spiral wound gasket filler material. We have advanced CNC cutting, clicker pressing, and laser cutting capabilities to produce any custom shape from your provided drawing or CAD file.
Q: Is there a risk of galvanic corrosion when using non-asbestos gaskets?
A: Non-asbestos materials themselves are non-conductive and do not create a galvanic cell. However, some high-performance grades may contain carbon or other conductive fibers. For critical applications involving dissimilar metals, it is essential to specify the gasket material's electrical properties. Our technical data sheets provide detailed information on this aspect.
