At Flexilatina de Colombia, with more than 15 years of experience in the development of sealing solutions under our registered trademark DINASEAL®, we understand that the Durability of industrial packaging does not depend only on the material, but on the technical knowledge applied at each stage, from selection to installation.
Correctly chosen packaging can make the difference between safe operation and an unscheduled shutdown. Therefore, in this guide we bring together the best practices to maximize the useful life of static sealing packaging, 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 correct material prevents chemical degradation, loss of compressibility and premature seal 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 proper chemical compatibility before defining the material.
2. Preparation of the sealing surface
A poor flange surface can reduce packaging efficiency by up to 40%.
Recommendations:
- Verify that the faces of the flanges are flat, clean and free of corrosion or irregularities.
- Avoid using abrasive tools that may alter the surface roughness.
- If there is visible damage, perform flange grinding before installing a new gasket.
3. Controlled installation and uniform tightening torque
Incorrect installation is one of the main causes of leaks in flanged systems. The tightening must be uniform, gradual and crossed, following the torques recommended by the manufacturer, governed by the ASME PCC-1 standard.
DINASEAL® good practices:
- Always use lubricants on studs and nuts to ensure accurate torque.
- Apply the tightening torque in three or four cross stages (30% – 60% – 100%).
- Perform a cold retorque after initial start-up, if the application allows and avoid reusing gaskets.
4. Control of operating conditions
Extreme variations in temperature, pressure or vibration directly affect the useful life of the packaging. Implement periodic inspection and monitoring routines.
Key Recommendations:
- Regularly check the state of tightening and integrity of the packaging.
- Control incipient leaks before they become serious.
- Perform preventive maintenance routines to detect early deviations.
5. Proper storage and handling
A package can lose its properties before being installed if it is not stored correctly.
Ideal conditions:
- Dry, ventilated place without direct exposure to the sun or chemical agents.
- Keep packaging flat and protected from dust.
- Avoid warping due to excessive stacking.
- For graphite or PTFE gaskets, use their original packaging until the time of installation.
Prolonging the useful life of a packaging does not depend on a single factor, but 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.