CRG has a unique and proven capability to manufacture large gaskets from a variety of materials. This capability allows us to manufacture very large gaskets using a combination of machine and hand fabrication techniques.
Large gaskets can be defined as those that are larger than the maximum available sheet sizes. Because of their size, these gaskets have their own set of manufacturing challenges. Often, large size (sometimes called oversized) gaskets have to be manufactured in segments, with each segment bonded to the next, to achieve the final size.
Producing large gaskets is very much a skilled craft. While machines can be used for some aspects of the fabrication process, other aspects must be done by hand. This requires skilled and experienced workers who know how to work materials to produce an accurate and high-quality final product. At CRG, we have more than 25 years’ experience in helping our customers solve their large gasket challenges.
To ensure the uniform thickness of the large gaskets we make, CRG employs a variety of joining techniques to ensure that the connected segments do not bulge or vary in thickness. These techniques include butt-joining, dovetailing (sometimes called “puzzle locking”) and skiving. Where required, large gaskets are reinforced to ensure durable performance in use.
Skiving is an advanced fabrication technique where material is cut off in beveled slices along the edges to be joined. When two skived edges are mated, the result is a join where the overlapping material does not increase or decrease in thickness. When CRG manufactures large gaskets, we create single- and double-skived joints both by hand, or through the use of specialized equipment and machinery, as required.
CRGI is able to fabricate large size gaskets from a variety of rubber compounds. These compounds include EPDM, SBR, Silicone, Nitrile, Butyl, Neoprene, Viton, Pure Gum, and others. Material selection for large gaskets should always be based upon the application being serviced, with due consideration given to the media which must be supported, and key process parameters such as temperatures and pressures.
Recently, CRG produced a large gasket that measured almost 12 feet in diameter (see image on this blog). On occasion, we have produced large gaskets that have exceeded 20 feet in diameter. Applications our large gaskets can service include the following:
Power generation
Electrical enclosures
Ships and marine
Oil and gas refining
Pulp and paper
Waste and wastewater treatment
Industrial equipment, including heat exchangers, boilers, pressure vessels, tanks, large diameter piping, and incinerators
If you have an application that requires large gaskets, CRG will be pleased to discuss your needs. Our sales team will review your needs, provide guidance on material selection, and advise on all aspects of the fabrication process.
To find out more about how CRG can solve your large gasket challenges, please contact our sales team directly at crg@canadarubbergroup.com.