Main types and application locations
Gas sealing gasket:
Application: Main cover of air compressor, connection between oil separator tank and end cover, exhaust pipe flange, etc.
Function: Seal compressed air, prevent high-pressure gas leakage, ensure gas production efficiency.
Characteristics: Need to withstand high pressure of compressed air (usually 7-13 bar) and certain temperature (80-120℃).
Oil sealing gasket:
Application: Cover plate of oil tank, housing of oil filter, interface of oil cooler, end cover of gearbox, etc.
Function: Prevent oil leakage, maintain pressure in the oil circuit system.
Characteristics: Need to have oil resistance, adapt to the chemical properties of the special lubricating oil for compressors.
Water sealing gasket:
Application: Interface of cooling water pipeline of water-cooled air compressor, connection between water cooler and body.
Function: Seal cooling water, prevent water leakage that may affect cooling effect or cause equipment to get damp.
General sealing gasket:
Application: Electrical box cover plate, rear cover of control panel, various maintenance doors and non-pressure-bearing parts.
Function: Dust-proof, moisture-proof, protect internal components.
Material and characteristics
Metal material: Such as copper gasket, aluminum gasket, metal-coated gasket (inner layer is asbestos or rubber, outer layer is coated with metal), suitable for high-pressure and high-temperature areas (such as main flange connection), strong sealing but relatively hard in texture.
Rubber material: Such as nitrile rubber (NBR), fluororubber (FKM), resistant to oil, good elasticity, suitable for low-pressure sealing in the oil circuit system (such as housing of filter), but limited in high-temperature resistance.
Composite material: Such as non-asbestos fiber gasket (mixed rubber and reinforcing fibers), has certain strength and elasticity, wide application range, commonly used in modern air compressors, environmentally friendly and stable in performance.
Characteristic requirements: Need to have good sealing performance, temperature resistance (adapt to the operating temperature of the equipment), resistance to media (resist corrosion by oil, gas, and water), and appropriate elasticity (compensate for minor unevenness of the connection surface).
Common problems and replacement timing
Leakage manifestations:
Oil stains, water droplets, or air marks appear at the connection points.
Pressure drop occurs during air compressor operation (gas leakage) or abnormal increase in lubricating oil consumption (oil leakage).
Failure causes:
Material aging, hardening or losing elasticity after long-term use.
Deformation or rupture of the gasket due to uneven force during installation.
Poor sealing due to uneven connection surface or scratches.
Incorrect material selection (such as using gaskets not resistant to oil for the oil circuit system).
Replacement timing:
Must be replaced immediately when there is obvious leakage.
When disassembling any components with gaskets (such as replacing filters, maintaining the main unit), it is recommended to replace the new gasket (one-time use gaskets cannot be reused).
Check the gasket condition during regular maintenance and replace it in advance when signs of aging such as hardening or cracks are found.
