At Flexilatina de Colombia, with more than 15 years of experience in developing sealing solutions under our registered trademark DINASEAL®, we understand that the durability of industrial gaskets depends not only on the material, but also on the technical knowledge applied at each stage, from selection to installation.

Properly chosen gaskets can make the difference between safe operation and unscheduled downtime. That is why, in this guide, we have compiled best practices for maximizing the service life of static sealing gaskets, specialized according to the needs of each type of industry.

1. Selecting the right material

Each fluid, temperature, and pressure requires a specific material. Selecting the right material prevents chemical degradation, loss of compressibility, and premature gasket failure.

Recommendations:

• For high temperatures and pressures: Flexible graphite or mica.
• For aggressive chemical applications: Modified PTFE.
• For general use or water: Aramid fibers or elastomers.
• Always validate the appropriate chemical compatibility before defining the material.

2. Sealing surface preparation

A flange surface in poor condition can reduce gasket efficiency by up to 40%.

Recommendations:

• Verify that flange faces are flat, clean, and free of corrosion or irregularities.
• Avoid using abrasive tools that can alter surface roughness.
• If there is visible damage, grind the flange before installing a new gasket.

3. Controlled installation and uniform tightening torque

Incorrect installation is one of the main causes of leakage in flanged systems. Tightening must be uniform, gradual, and crosswise, following the torques recommended by the manufacturer, governed by the ASME PCC-1 standard.

DINASEAL® best practices:

• Always use lubricants on studs and nuts to ensure accurate torque.
• Apply torque in three or four cross-stage increments (30% – 60% – 100%).
• Perform a cold retightening after initial start-up, if the application allows it, and avoid reusing gaskets.

4. Control of operating conditions

Extreme variations in temperature, pressure, or vibration directly affect the service life of the gasket. Implement routine inspections and periodic monitoring.

Key recommendations:

• Regularly check the tightness and integrity of the gasket.
• Control incipient leaks before they become serious.
• Perform preventive maintenance routines to detect early deviations.

5. Proper storage and handling

A gasket can lose its properties before installation if it is not stored properly.

Ideal conditions:

• Dry, ventilated place without direct exposure to sunlight or chemicals.
• Keep gaskets flat and protected from dust.
• Avoid deformation due to excessive stacking.
• For graphite or PTFE gaskets, use the original packaging until installation.

Extending the service life of a gasket does not depend on a single factor, but rather on a comprehensive approach that combines technical selection, controlled installation, preventive maintenance, and specialized support. At Flexilatina de Colombia, with our own brand DINASEAL®, we develop sealing solutions focused on operational continuity and the safety of each process.