Maintenance Tips for Gaskets Made from CNAF Sheets
CNAF gasket sheets are highly useful materials that are popularly used as sealants in different industries because of their excellent thermal and chemical resistance. To ensure its optimal performance, proper maintenance, and care are needed for it. In today’s article, we’ll be sharing with you helpful tips to maintain the gasket sheets’ prime condition.
Understanding CNAF gasket sheets: what are they?
CNAF, short for compressed non-asbestos fiber gasket sheets, are building materials primarily used as sealants in many industrial applications. From sealing the gaps in pipe flanges to pump impellers and casings, it has strong resistance to thermal and chemical forces.
How do you ensure a CNAF gasket sheet is in its proper state?
Like all material tools and equipment, CNAF gasket material needs proper care and maintenance. For one, you need to perform regular inspections to see if there are any signs of wear and tear—it could be cracks, hardening, or even tears. At the first sign of these, make sure to replace the gasket material immediately. Make it a habit to have a replacement schedule depending on the kind of application the gasket sheets are used for; by doing this, you’re eliminating expensive equipment failures that will cost you more if left unchecked.
Additionally, you should also do pressure tests just to make sure that there are no leaks or weaknesses in the gaskets.
What are the best ways to practice gasket maintenance?
Ensure that it’s installed properly. Start with the basics: ensure the CNAF gasket sheets are installed correctly to evade premature failure. The best way to install it is to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines, if not the industry’s respective best practices.
Seal properly and avoid overtightening the sheet material. When it comes to installation, some tend to overtighten it, thinking it would make it more secure, but doing this only damages the gasket, which can cause leaks. To avoid the worst-case scenario, just tighten the bolts according to their specified torque.
Control the temperature. Although CNAF gasket sheets are known for their high resistance in extreme temperatures, it’s best to monitor the temperature and avoid scenarios where the gasket’s temperature hits the limit. Exposure to extreme temperatures—whether it’s hot or cold—accelerates the material’s degradation.
Check the chemical compatibility. Same case with temperature; it’s also best to ensure that the gasket sheet will not come in contact with chemicals that are detrimental to it. Check if the gasket material is compatible with the chemicals and fluid in the system before installing it.
How do I deal with common gasket issues?
There are times when you have to troubleshoot gasket problems; here are common issues and how to deal with them:
Leaks. For this issue, check if there are any damages to the gasket first. There’s a chance that it may not be installed properly if it’s overtightened. Replace the gasket sheet immediately to prevent the leaks from getting worse.
Hardening. This problem will lead to compromised sealing performance, so make sure to replace it immediately.
Compression set. This issue tends to happen over time, and like the aforementioned concern, it can also affect the sealing performance. Replace the gasket sheet immediately when this happens.
