Gasket beading is an outstanding choice for improving sealability and can eliminate the need to redesign flanges or upgrade materials when resolving performance issues. Beaded gasket technology employs the application of a high-performance, resilient elastomer to the surface of a gasket. The bead improves the sealability of the gasket by concentrating available load on the areas of the gasket where the bead has been applied.
The applied bead effect is two-fold:
- The bead helps to seal flange irregularities. The elastomer conforms to gouges, scratches, and "as cast" surfaces to help provide an effective seal.
- The height of the applied elastomer increases surface pressure and flange load exactly where your application needs it most. Higbee can analyze the pressure distribution of your application with our flange analysis service.
The design and placement of the bead can greatly improve the sealing characteristics of the most problematic flanges without alteration to expensive machined or cast flanges.
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Non-beaded Gasket |
High Pressure Analysis of Non-beaded Gasket |
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Beaded Gasket |
High Pressure Analysis with Leak Paths Blocked |
This is a tactile pressure film image of a typical flange gasket. The application is a refrigeration valve with flange surfaces of machined steel and brass. The gasket is secured with four 1/2" bolts torqued to 40 ft./lbs. The density of red indicates the varying amount of pressure on the gasket. |
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The pressure analysis illustrates a problem common to many flanges: when torqued, the flange loads heavily near the bolt holes. The lack of effective sealing load between bolt holes is very apparent. |
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The three dimensional image illustrates the severe load reduction along the gasket span between bolt holes. The gasket material is loaded with over 7400 psi around the bolt holes, while the mid-point of the span is as low as 2500 psi. |
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This pressure film image shows a beaded gasket that was designed to correct the sealing problems inherent in this application. The addition of a .004" thick bead around the I.D. increases the load on the gasket material, increasing compression and providing an effective seal. The gasket is again secured with four 1/2" bolts. |
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This pressure analysis displays the load distribution on the beaded gasket. A load of over 7400 psi has been achieved at the bead location, surrounding the I.D. completely. |
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The three dimensional image illustrates the continuous load placed around the I.D. of the gasket. The gasket is now compressed evenly and distributes enough load to seal any potential leak paths. |
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In addition, equivalent or improved performance can often be achieved using lower cost materials with the addition of a bead.
Our engineering staff will be happy to answer any questions you have regarding beaded gaskets, our flange analysis service, or any other sealing problems you may have.
