PTFE Flat Gaskets

PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) flat gaskets are high-performance sealing solutions known for their exceptional chemical inertness, high-temperature resistance, and low friction. Cut from flat sheets of PTFE material, they are primarily used in static applications where extreme chemical exposure, high temperatures, or strict hygiene standards are paramount.
Key Features and Benefits
Universal Chemical Resistance: PTFE is virtually non-reactive and unaffected by nearly all known industrial chemicals, acids, and alkalis (with minor exceptions), making it a universal choice for corrosive environments.
Wide Temperature Range: These gaskets perform reliably from approximately -260°C to +260°C (-435°F to +500°F), accommodating extreme operating conditions, including cryogenic and high-heat processes.
Non-Toxic and Hygienic: Virgin PTFE is non-contaminating, physiologically safe, and often FDA-approved. It does not support bacterial growth and is easy to sterilize, making it ideal for the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries.
Low Friction and Non-Stick: The material's extremely low coefficient of friction helps prevent material buildup and simplifies disassembly.
UV and Weather Resistance: PTFE is highly resistant to aging, ozone, and UV radiation, ensuring a long, near-infinite shelf life in outdoor applications.
Types of PTFE Gaskets
While virgin PTFE offers superior chemical resistance, fillers are often added to enhance mechanical properties like creep resistance and reduce cold flow (deformation under prolonged stress):
Virgin PTFE: The standard, pure material with the best chemical inertness. Best for low-pressure, clean applications.
Filled PTFE: Includes fillers such as glass fibers, carbon, graphite, or bronze. These enhance strength, improve load resistance, and reduce the tendency for the gasket to deform under continuous compression, making them suitable for higher pressure and demanding industrial use.
Expanded PTFE (ePTFE): A soft, conformable form that creates a very tight seal with lower bolting force, ideal for delicate or uneven flanges. It maintains excellent chemical resistance and temperature range.
Applications
Due to their robust properties, PTFE flat gaskets are used in critical applications across demanding industries:
Chemical Processing: In piping systems, pumps, and valves handling aggressive and corrosive chemicals and solvents.
Food and Beverage/Pharmaceuticals: In processing equipment, piping, and medical devices that require high purity, non-toxic materials, and resistance to aggressive cleaning agents and sterilization procedures (CIP/SIP).
Oil and Gas: Used in pipelines and refinery equipment due to resistance to petroleum products and extreme temperatures.
Semiconductor Manufacturing: Employed in equipment used for processing high-purity chemicals where material inertness and minimal contamination are essential.