Boiler Gaskets


Gaskets are a critical part of every boiler and steam/hot water system. Used wherever piping is joined, around boiler access and inspection ports, on handholes and manholes/manways, or on ducts and venting, gaskets contribute greatly to boiler performance, uptime, and safety.

Why boiler gaskets are important

Leaks on boilers and steam/hot water systems are costly and serious. Removing a boiler from service to repair a leak resulting from a failed gasket can be both costly and disruptive. Leaks in piping systems can cause injury and result in inefficient performance, driving increased operating costs. For these reasons, it is important to select gaskets that will provide long life and safe, failure-free service over the life cycle of the seal.

In many jurisdictions, boilers and pressure vessels are regulated by technical safety authorities or other bodies. These bodies are mandated to inspect boiler systems and ensure compliance with applicable regulations. Because boiler safety is a critical issue, buyers of boiler gaskets should always ensure that the sealing materials chosen comply with any applicable regulations that are in force within their respective jurisdiction.

What gasket materials are suitable for boiler sealing applications?

In many boiler applications, temperatures and pressures can exceed 200°C and 180psi respectively. For these reasons, you need to select gasket materials that can handle this range of temperatures and pressures. In addition, chemical substances which are corrosive to rubber may be present in boiler condensates. These substances may interact adversely with a gasket to degrade the material and compromise seal quality. For this reason, gasket materials which are resistant to chemical attack are preferred for boiler applications.

Two types of boiler sealing applications can be identified for selecting gasket materials. These are what are commonly referred to as the “fireside” and “waterside” aspects of the boiler.

What types of gaskets are suitable for boiler fireside sealing applications?

For fireside service, gaskets which can handle extremely high temperatures are required. Spiral wound gaskets which incorporate graphite foil, or double-jacketed gaskets with a soft rubber insert enclosed within a two-piece metal jacket, are often selected for fireside service. Fibreglass or ceramic tapes and ropes are also used for boiler fireside sealing applications.

What types of gaskets are suitable for boiler waterside sealing applications?

For waterside service, gaskets made from EPDM are often chosen. EPDM is a synthetic elastomer which affords excellent low and high temperature characteristics. It resists attack by a wide range of acids and strong alkalis, detergents, phosphates, ketones, alcohol and glycols. EPDM does not tend to absorb fluid or swell. EPDM gaskets are resistant to steam and service a wide temperature and pressure range.

If you are seeking boiler gaskets to service your application, CRG can provide a wide range of sealing solutions. All our gaskets are made under controlled conditions in our ISO 9001 certified facility using the latest CNC production equipment. We can fabricate gaskets of almost any size or shape, and we offer a wide array of materials which will service most sealing applications.

To find out more about the boiler gaskets we can supply, please contact our sales team at crg@canadarubbergroup.com.