How do you properly install a gasket? What will happen if I do it wrong?
Installing gaskets and seals to various patterns is crucial for both safety and lifespan of the gasket, seal, machine part, etc…
As a convenience to you, this step-by-step guide will help you in the installation process of your gasket, seal, or other sealant piece. Please be advised that there are more factors that can affect the life, safety, and productivity of a gasket. Please consult your engineer for more information.
By using this guide you reserve all actions to yourself, including accidents, and it is to be used by your own discretion.
Step One: Clean and inspect installation site
- Before installing the gasket, ensure that the installation site is clean of debris, dust, and unwanted lubricants. Also ensure that the part, space, and installation area are free of defects that may damage the gasket.
Step Two: Centering the gasket/seal/etc…
- After the site is cleared and ready for gasket installation, make sure the gasket is centered and correctly placed before tightening and other procedures. Make sure there are no raised surfaces, defects in the gasket, or unwanted extremities that could affect productivity, lifespan, and safety.
Step Three: Tightening the gasket into place
- While tightening the gasket into place make sure to follow bolt or other tightening patterns according to your set up procedures and engineer designs. Doing so will help ensure safety, lifespan, and overall productivity.
Step Four: Recheck tightness
- One final go around on the bolts or tightening agents will help you ensure that no bolt is lose. Lose bolts or tightening agents can affect safety, productivity, and lifespan of the gasket. Please consult your engineer for proper tightening techniques.
Step Five: Placement and visual check
- After tightening, visual check of gasket/seal/ etc… placement is important. Make sure that the gasket is meeting your tolerances after installation. If the gasket is too small or too big, it will affect its productivity, safety, and lifespan.
Step 6: 12, 24, and 48-hour check
- We recommend checking bolts, placement, and other current installations after 12, 24, and 48 hours. This will help reduce significant errors, loosing of tightening agents, improper placements because of movement from high intensity machines, and can help prevent other unforeseen circumstances.
Final Note: There are many other issues that can affect the safety, productivity, and lifespan of a gasket. The above will help reduce such risks, but there is no 100 percent guarantee. There are many other factors to consider, so consult your engineer for more information. Please give us a call if you have any questions and feel free to download our step by step guide below.