Why Choosing High Performance Sanitary Gaskets Is So Important

By Author: Bob DuPont
Total Articles: 14
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RubberFab subjects its quality sanitary gaskets to intensive cycle testing during the product development stage to validate performance potential. Essential features of quality sanitary gaskets include their durability, ease-of-use, material traceability and their ability to hold a seal for extended time periods. Product identification markings etched on sanitary gaskets facilitate traceability.

When purchasing sanitary gaskets, buyers for food processing and dairy plants typically look for features such as durability, ease-of-use, material traceability and the ability to hold a seal for extended time periods. Quality sanitary gaskets also prevent entrapment of media where the gasket meets the clamp union, thereby blocking microbial growth and resisting contamination. In addition, quality sanitary gaskets feature a flush interface that prevents erosion of the elastomeric surface.

The outer bead geometry ensures sealing capability without an overfill condition. Outer clips assist in aligning the gasket to the flange, while the inner seal beads provide the primary sealing point.
Thanks to this mechanism, installation ...
... is easy.

Stringent tests ensure consistent quality. RubberFab subjects its quality sanitary gaskets to intensive cycle testing during the product development stage to validate performance potential. Laboratory testing for intrusion and sealing ability ensures robust performance. Gaskets are exposed to saturated steam tests and ambient room temperatures with ramp times in between.

The raw materials used in the manufacturing of quality sanitary gaskets can be traced. Product identification markings, including material type and manufacturing date, etched on quality sanitary gaskets facilitate tracing. Compression can be auto controlled.

The purity and durability of sanitary gaskets depends on the quality of the elastomers used. Leading manufacturers of quality sanitary gaskets have been instrumental in the development of high quality elastomers. Such manufacturers also source their own raw materials from reliable suppliers, use technology throughout each step of the manufacturing process and have proven track records.

A thorough understanding of the processing environment and, more specifically, the sterilization process is necessary when selecting sanitary gaskets for a specific application. Top-of-the-line manufacturers use proprietary materials developed to operate efficiently in hostile tri-clamp and sealing environments. These materials perform well in market segments where sanitary applications are necessary (e.g., biotechnical, pharmaceutical, food and beverage. Knowledge of the physical properties and chemical resistance of the sanitary gasket materials is also invaluable.

Value is a guiding principle when selecting sanitary gaskets. In fact, it is generally better to source high performance sanitary gaskets. Products made of standard materials may test adequately during production, but fail on exposure to caustic cleaning fluids or high temperature steam. Although quality sanitary gaskets may cost more initially, their increased longevity may result in lower overall cost–per-use. Purchasing high performance sanitary gaskets minimizes dangerous leakage and subsequent product contamination, minimizing costly, unscheduled downtime. Such situations reflect poorly on your company. Even worse, if someone is injured due to a substandard product, your company may be sued for damages.

While the aforementioned scenario is not necessarily the norm, why not take a chance with an inferior quality product? Purchase quality sanitary gaskets from a reputable gaskets manufacturer such as RubberFab and mitigate the risks.

The writer is associated with Rubber Fab Technologies Group, one of the reputable suppliers of gasket, metal hose assemblies, stainless steel tri clamp fittings, O-rings and other products.