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Dobson Gaskets is a leading UK manufacturer of gaskets and sealing products

Call Us Now

+44 (0) 1535 607257
 

Email Us

sales@dobsongasket.com

Address

E Dobson and Co [Gaskets] Ltd
Unit 1
Holme Mill Ind Estate
Fell Lane
Keighley
West Yorkshire
BD22 6BN

Call Us Now

+44 (0) 1535 607257

Email

sales@dobsongaskets.com

Call Us Now

+44 (0) 1535 607257
 

Opening times

Mon - Thur 8.00 - 17.00
Fri 8.00 - 16.00

GASKET APPLICATIONS
Gaskets for Compressors

We manufacture compressor gaskets from a variety of sheet materials as new or replacement components for all makes of compressors. Common air compressor gasket materials include rubber, metal, PTFE and those that comprise spiral wound gaskets. The use of correct materials is essential to seal the joints between different components of the compressor and prevent leaks.

Gaskets also help to reduce vibration and noise, which can occur as a result of the high-pressure and high-speed movement of the compressed air. This can help maintain the proper pressure and flow, prolong the compressor's life and reduce the risk of damage to other components in the system.

Gasket Materials Gland Packing Materials

Spiral-wound gaskets

Spiral-wound gaskets

Spiral wound gaskets are used in compressors for their high-pressure and high-temperature and chemical resistance, good recovery and re-seal ability, corrosion and versatility to fit different flange designs and sizes.

 

Spiral-woundGaskets

Camprofile Gaskets

Camprofile Gaskets

Camprofile gaskets are used in compressors for their high-pressure sealing ability, durability, chemical resistance, ease of installation and cost-effectiveness. They conform to flange surfaces for a tight seal and minimal maintenance.

 

Metal Gaskets

PTFE (Teflon) Gaskets

PTFE (Teflon) Gaskets

PTFE gaskets are good for compressors because of their chemical resistance, thermal stability, high-pressure resistance, low compression set, compression recovery, and electrical insulation properties. Ideal for compressors handling corrosive gases or high-temperature gases.

 

PTFE Gaskets

Rubber gaskets

Rubber gaskets

Rubber gaskets are good for compressors because they can seal effectively at low-pressure and low-temperature conditions, have good resistance to chemicals and oils, are flexible, inexpensive and easy to install, making them a cost-effective option for low-pressure and low-temperature applications.

 

Rubber Gaskets

Metal Gaskets

Metal Gaskets

Gaskets made of metal and metal composites, suitable for use with compressor valves, flanges, and mechanical seals, come in a variety of materials and designs.

 

Metal Gaskets

Talk to a Technician

Talk to a Technician

Our highly experienced technicians can advise you on the best sheet materials and manufacturing processes for a wide range of gasket applications.

 

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Compressor Gasket Certifications

We manufacture compressor gaskets to comply with global standards and regulations. There are several worldwide compressor gasket standards that are commonly used in various industries, including:

  • EN 1514-1:2011: The European standard for gaskets for use in flanges, which covers gasket dimensions, type and materials, testing and marking.
  • ASME B16.20: The American Society of Mechanical Engineers standard for metallic gaskets for pipe flanges.
  • API 6A & API 6D: The American Petroleum Institute standards for gaskets used in the industry, which include requirements for gaskets used in these systems.
  • ISO 9001: Whilst not specific to gaskets, this widely recognised certification demonstrates the quality of a manufacturer's products and processes.
  • DIN 2690: This is the German standard for metallic gaskets for pipe flanges. It covers gasket dimensions, type, and materials, as well as testing and marking requirements.
  • FDA 21 CFR 177: Covers the materials that may be used in the manufacture of gaskets and other components that come into contact with food.

In the UK, gasket certifications are typically issued by industry organisations, such as the British Standards Institution (BSI), and governing bodies, such as the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Additional standards, such as PED (Pressure Equipment Directive) and ATEX (Atmosphere Explosible) may also be required based on the application. Talk to our technical team for more information.

Types of Packing Materials Used in Compressors

Air compressors can use a variety of packing materials to seal the areas where air is moving in and out of the compressor, such as the compressor shaft, connecting rod, and cylinder head. Not all air compressors require packing materials, and some compressors may use mechanical seals instead of packing. Some common types of packing materials used in air compressors include:

  • Graphite packing: This type of packing is known for its high heat resistance and durability. Graphite packing is often used in compressors that operate at high temperatures or in environments with high levels of contaminants.
  • PTFE (Teflon) packing: Polytetrafluoroethylene packing is known for its chemical resistance and low friction properties. PTFE packing is often used in compressors that handle corrosive gases or liquids.
  • Non-Asbestos packing: Non-asbestos gaskets have replaced harmful asbestos gaskets and offer comparable sealing properties and resistance to heat and chemicals.
  • Aramid packing: Made from aramid fibers, this type of packing is known for its high strength and abrasion resistance. Aramid packing is often used in compressors that handle abrasive gases or liquids.
  • Natural rubber packing: Made from natural rubber, this type of packing is known for its elasticity and resistance to compression. Natural rubber packing is often used in compressors that handle gases or liquids at moderate temperatures.

It's important to note that the choice of packing material will depend on the specific application and the demands of the compressor. For example, a compressor that handles corrosive gases may require PTFE packing, while a compressor that operates at high temperatures may require graphite packing.

Packing Materials

 gasket materials

Types of Compressors

There are several types of compressors, including:

  • Positive Displacement Compressors: These compressors use a mechanism, such as a piston or a rotary screw, to compress the gas by trapping a fixed volume of gas and then reducing the volume. Common gaskets used in positive displacement compressors include spiral wound gaskets, Kammprofile gaskets, and PTFE gaskets.
  • Dynamic Compressors: These compressors use a turbine or a centrifugal impeller to compress the gas by increasing the velocity of the gas and then reducing the volume. Common gaskets used in dynamic compressors include spiral wound gaskets and PTFE gaskets.
  • Reciprocating Compressors: These compressors use a piston to compress the gas by trapping a fixed volume of gas and then reducing the volume. Common gaskets used in reciprocating compressors include spiral wound gaskets and PTFE gaskets
  • Centrifugal Compressors: These compressors use a turbine or a centrifugal impeller to compress the gas by increasing the velocity of the gas and then reducing the volume. Common gaskets used in centrifugal compressors include spiral wound gaskets and PTFE gaskets.

Types of Gases Compressed

Air compressors are primarily used to compress air, which is a mixture of gases consisting primarily of nitrogen (78%), oxygen (21%), and trace amounts of other gases such as argon, carbon dioxide, and neon. However, air compressors can also be used to compress other types of gases, depending on the application. Some examples include:

  • Nitrogen: Nitrogen compressors are used in a variety of applications, such as food packaging, tire inflation, and industrial processes.
  • Oxygen: Oxygen compressors are used in medical and industrial applications, such as oxygen therapy and welding.
  • Helium: Helium compressors are used in gas chromatography, gas purging, and gas lifting.
  • Carbon dioxide: Carbon dioxide compressors are used in refrigeration systems, fire suppression systems, and enhanced oil recovery.
  • Natural gas: Natural gas compressors are used in the natural gas industry to move natural gas through pipelines.

It's important to note that not all air compressors can be used to compress other types of gases, and the choice of compressor will depend on the specific application and the demands of the gas being compressed.

Sealing Issues with Compressors

There are several common sealing issues that can occur with compressors:

  • Leaks: A common issue with compressors is leaking, which can occur at gasketed or threaded connections. Leaks can result in a loss of compressed gas or fluid, reducing the efficiency of the compressor and increasing operating costs.
  • Gasket failure: Gasket failure can occur due to improper installation, improper selection of gasket material, or exposure to high temperatures or pressures. Gasket failure can result in leaks and reduced efficiency of the compressor.
  • Wearing of mechanical seals: Compressors often use mechanical seals to seal the rotating shaft, which can wear over time due to exposure to high temperatures, pressures, and abrasive materials. Wearing of mechanical seals can result in leaks and reduced efficiency of the compressor.
  • Contamination: Compressors can become contaminated by dust, debris, or other materials, which can result in gasket failure, wearing of mechanical seals, and reduced efficiency of the compressor.
  • Lack of lubrication: Compressors require proper lubrication to operate efficiently, if the compressor is not lubricated properly, this can cause the wearing of mechanical seals, gasket failure and reduced efficiency.
  • Overheating: Compressors can overheat due to a lack of cooling or an increase in the temperature of the compressed gas or fluid. This can result in gasket failure, wearing of mechanical seals, and reduced efficiency of the compressor.

To prevent these issues, it is important to maintain the compressor properly, use the right gasket materials, use proper lubrication and keep the compressor in good condition.