How To Store The Gaskets to Maintain Their Shelf Life.
Having talked about the Basics of Gaskets to Dangers of a blown head gasket, we understand that gaskets are one of the most critical parts of usage not only in our daily lfe in household and offices etc but play a mjor role in industrial sector.Like any product, a gasket also has a shelf life, that is, the time the gasket is still usable for service.
Gaskets are made of flexible materials like rubber, cork, fiberglass, or plastic polymer to resist the pressure and they need to be stored in a way that minimizes deterioration. If it has exceeded its shelf life, in order to extend the service life, the gaskets should be re-made. A gaskets shelf life is decided upon by the makeup of the gasket and the environment in which it is manufactured, distributed, and stored. Its important to store gaskets in a dry location which is cool and free from excessive humidity. Gaskets that are not properly stored may experience external elongation, compression, shrinkage, or other types of deformation, eventually leading to cracking or permanent change of shape.
New Age Scaffolidng is one of the best gasket suppliers in India and takes utmost care off all the gasket storage guidelines, the mains being as follows -
- its best to try to minimise dust, fluctuations in temperatures, exposure to UV light, and chemical vapours.
- store in covered clean place, avoiding exposure to utside elements.
- Do not store them in freezing conditions. When working in freezing conditions, gaskets should be allowed to warm prior to installation and usage. If you need to work in colder climates, keep gaskets stored in a running vehicle or other heated storage place.
And in case its the opposite, in case of extreme hot weathers, avoid storing gaskets inside pipe.Its always hot inside than outside as in a heated car.
- The optimum storage temperature range is between 40°F (5°C) and 80°F (27°C).
- Label and brand sheet and cut gaskets, making them clearly identifiable.
- Use spacers between spiral wound gaskets.
- All sheet material shoule be kept flat, stacking them on top of each other with all identification stamps facing the same way.
- Its advisable to keep track of time/age spent in storage.
- Don’t put too much weight on crates
- Better to keep your storage area away from large receiving doors. Install a curtain around the area to avoid direct drafts.
- Avoid hanging gaskets on sharp edges as this can create cuts in the gaskets.
- Inspect gaskets for any debris or signs of deterioration prior to installation.
Here's the recomended average shelf life of commonly used ones -
Silicone gasket - 20 years
Viton gasket - 20 years
Neoprene gasket - 5-10 years
EPDM gasket - 5-10 years
Butyl gasket - 5-10 years
Nitrile gasket - 5-10 years
SBR gasket - 3-5 years
Natural Rubber gasket - 3-5 years
Non-Asbestos Fibre gasket - 2-5 years
We take ample care and supply industrial gaskets all over North India to different sectors. Our
food grade gaskets and
medical gaskets are one of the most reliable ones.