Chemical plants in Switzerland are among the most demanding industrial environments for sealing systems. Aggressive media, high temperatures, fluctuating pressure loads and corrosive substances place extreme demands on all components used. Flat gaskets, in particular, play a key role here, as they ensure that pipework, valves, heat exchangers and reactors remain reliably sealed.
Even the smallest leaks can have significant consequences, ranging from production downtime and environmental impact to safety risks for staff and plant. For this reason, flat gaskets used in the chemical industry must meet the most stringent requirements in terms of chemical resistance, temperature resistance and mechanical stability.
Materials for corrosive media
Depending on the medium used, different sealing materials are employed. Rubix therefore offers a wide range of flat gaskets, including all required certificates and approvals. Materials with high chemical resistance and long-term stability have proved particularly effective.
Typical materials used for flat gaskets in chemical plants include, amongst others:
- PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) for highly corrosive media
- graphite gaskets for high temperatures and high pressures
- fibre-reinforced sealing materials for a wide range of chemical applications
- metal gaskets for extreme process conditions
The choice of suitable material depends heavily on factors such as the medium, temperature, pressure, flange type and service life.
Particularly when dealing with aggressive media, it is crucial that seals:
- remain chemically stable over the long term
- retain their shape even when exposed to temperature changes
- safely withstand high pressure loads
- ensure a reliable seal in the long term
By choosing the right materials and ensuring they are fitted correctly, unplanned downtime and maintenance costs can be significantly reduced.
