Plate heat exchanger gaskets are made from various materials, each suited for specific applications based on their properties. Here are some commonly used materials and their typical usage scenarios:
- EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer)
- Usage: General-purpose applications, especially where resistance to heat, ozone, and weathering is required.
- Applications: Hot water, steam, and cooling water systems. Suitable for use with lye, seawater, air, and brine.
- Temperature Range: Typically -30°C to 165°C.
- NBR (Nitrile Butadiene Rubber)
- Usage: Applications requiring resistance to oils, fuels, and other hydrocarbons.
- Applications: Oil and gas industry, automotive fuel systems, and industrial applications involving contact with oils and fuels.
- Temperature Range: Typically up to 140°C.
- HT-EPDM (High-Temperature Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer)
- Usage: High-temperature applications where standard EPDM might not suffice.
- Applications: High-temperature water and steam systems, industrial processes requiring higher thermal resistance.
- Temperature Range: Up to 180°C or higher, depending on the specific formulation.
- Food-Grade EPDM
- Usage: Applications requiring compliance with food safety standards.
- Applications: Food and beverage processing, dairy industry, and other applications where contact with food products is involved.
- Temperature Range: Similar to standard EPDM, but formulated to meet food safety regulations.
- Food-Grade NBR
- Usage: Applications requiring resistance to oils and compliance with food safety standards.
- Applications: Food processing equipment, dairy industry, and applications involving edible oils and fats.
- Temperature Range: Similar to standard NBR, but formulated to meet food safety regulations.
- HNBR (Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber)
- Usage: Applications requiring enhanced resistance to heat, oil, and chemicals.
- Applications: Automotive, oil and gas, and industrial applications where higher performance than standard NBR is required.
- Temperature Range: Typically up to 150°C or higher.
- Viton B (Fluoroelastomer)
- Usage: Applications requiring excellent chemical resistance and high-temperature stability.
- Applications: Chemical processing, aerospace, and automotive industries where exposure to aggressive chemicals and high temperatures is common.
- Temperature Range: Typically -20°C to 200°C.
- Viton G (Fluoroelastomer)
- Usage: Similar to Viton B but with enhanced performance in specific chemical environments.
- Applications: Chemical processing, oil and gas, and other industries requiring superior chemical resistance.
- Temperature Range: Typically -20°C to 200°C.
Summary
Each material has its unique properties and is chosen based on the specific requirements of the application, such as temperature range, chemical compatibility, and compliance with industry standards. Proper selection of gasket material is crucial for ensuring the reliability and efficiency of plate heat exchangers in various industrial applications.