Gaskets Publications
Gasket Handbook, 1st Edition 
Successfully sealing a bolted flange connection is dependent on all components of a well-designed system working together, effectively and safely. This handbook provides technical information on gaskets as a constituent part of a bolted flange connection, typically employed in chemical, petrochemical, refinery, power plant and other industrial facilities. It includes guidance to plant engineers on specifying gaskets; maintenance operators on installing and trouble-shooting bolted flange connection leaks, as well as purchasing personnel on the important functional distinctions between various gasket types.
Contents include definition of mechanical considerations for a bolted flange connection, important considerations for flanges, fasteners, and installation best practices, with a focus on gasket selection and gasket-to-flange system interaction. Gasket storage and handling also are addressed. This handbook is arranged and detailed to serve as a useful tool for those who presently use or are interested in using gaskets.
©2017, 138 pages.
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This handbook was prepared by the FSA to assist designers, engineers and maintenance personnel in the selection of correct metallic and metallic composite gasketing materials for a wide range of applications and also to aid in their proper installation and maintenance for efficient service.©2001, 19 Pages.
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This laminated, pocket-sized document provides guidance to maintenance operators, engineers, and fitters to ensure successful gasket installation and assembly of bolted flange connections. It is intended to complement other plant-approved installation procedures.
©2001, 12 Pages.
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This document has been prepared for use by original equipment manufacturers, engineering contractors and end users. It is focused on solutions to the typical challenges faced by maintenance engineers and fitters responsible for pipe and equipment connections involving flanges and gaskets. The document aims to provide the reader with a series of guidelines for the safe usage of sealing components, in order to ensure maximum performance of the seal under service conditions.
Available in English and Spanish.
©1998, 40 Pages.
For a free download of this publication in English, click here.
For a free download of this publication in Spanish, click here.
The Glossary aims to provide the reader with a comprehensive background to terms used in describing aspects of sealing terminology, allowing the user access to technical considerations involved in safe and reliable sealing.©2009, 68 Pages.
For a free download of this publication, click here.
Sealing Sense Articles — Gaskets
March 2021 – Gasket Characteristics at Subambient Temperatures
November 2020 – Bolting Considerations for Bolted Flange Joints, Part 2
July 2020 – Bolting Considerations for Bolted Flange Joints, Part 1
March 2020 – ASTM International Committee Releases Latest Room Temperature Tightness Test
September 2019 – The Bolt as Machine & the Importance of Liberal Lubrication
August 2018 – The Importance of Using Thread Lubricants in Bolted Connections
July 2018 – Sealing for Extreme Cold: Best Practice for Static Seals
April 2018 – Troubleshooting Gasket Failure
December 2017 – Storage & Shelf Life Prediction for Flange Gasket Materials
June 2017 – Gasket Installation Best Practices
March 2017 – Improper Gasketed Joints Can Be Deadly
December 2016 – Back to Basics: Semi-Metallic Gaskets
November 2016 – Back to Basics: Soft Gaskets
July 2016 – The Dangers of Hot Bolting
May 2016 – The Necessity of Bolted Flange Connection Training
February 2016 – What to Consider When Upgrading or Changing Pre-Specified Gaskets
June 2015 – New FSA/ESA Gasket Handbook Offers Guidance for Equipment Usage & Troubleshooting
December 2014 – Consult the Manufacturer for Gasket Torque Values as Starting Place to Diminish Leaks
October 2014 – Why Flexible Graphite’s Consistent Quality is Ideal for Seals, Packings & Gaskets
May 2014 – Prevent Gasket Blowout – What’s Most Important? (part 2)
April 2014 – Prevent Gasket Blowout – What’s Most Important? (part 1)
December 2013 – Do I really need to use a torque wrench?
July 2013 – What should I do about flange face damage: accept, repair or replace?
June 2013 – How does lubrication affect fastener torque and resultant tension?
March 2013 – What are grooved metal gaskets, and where are they applied?
November 2012 – Will storing my CNA gasket and sheet for too long degrade performance?
July 2012 – What are the current industry best practices for the assembly of bolted flange connections?
February 2012 – Why don’t my PTFE gaskets seal FRP, plastic and other light load flanges?
January 2012 – Why do I need to complete an application questionnaire?
December 2011 – What factors should be considered for stainless steel fasteners in bolted flanged connections?
June 2011 – How can installation procedures improve gasket life?
March 2011 – How is gasket stress defined in industry?
January 2011 – How do I choose a gasket for an FDA application?
July 2010 – What fasteners should I use for my bolted flange connection?
June 2010 – What gasket properties are most important, and how do I use them?
January 2010 – How do I prevent gasket blow out?
October 2009 – What are m and y gasket design constants, and how are they used?
May 2009 – How should I store my gaskets?
June 2008 – How do I determine bolt torque for flanged connections?
April 2008 – What is the impact of Flange Finish on Gasket Performance?
January 2008 – Was it really the gasket?
November 2006 – How do I choose the right gasket for pumps in chemical service?
June 2006 – What factors should be considered when installing a spiral wound gasket?
May 2006 – How can I troubleshoot bolted flange connection leaks?
November 2005 – How do you choose between all the various types of gasket materials?
October 2005 – What gasket thickness should I use in my pump system?
March 2005 – How can spiral wound gasket selection and installation problems be avoided?
February 2005 – How do you select and install the right gasket?
