Flange Gaskets Are Divided into Front and Back Sides. Do you use them correctly?
The gasket, as a component between the connecting piece and the nut, is usually a flat metal or non-metal ring. When used in conjunction with nuts, the selection of the front and back sides of gaskets is crucial. If installed improperly, it may lead to poor sealing effect and even cause leakage accidents.
When installing flat washers with nuts, everyone may encounter installation problems on both sides to some extent: smooth surface and rough surface (relative). Which side should be closer to the part for better effect, and what is the big difference?
We know that flat pads are mainly made by stamping iron plates, and their shape is usually a flat washer with a hole in the middle. They are installed in the order of one spring pad and one flat pad, with the flat pad adjacent to the machine surface and the spring pad between the flat pad and the nut.
There are two functions. The first one is to increase the contact area between the flange bolts and nuts and the machine. The second one is to eliminate the damage to the machine surface caused by the spring pad when removing flange bolts and nuts. From this, it can be seen that the use of the front and back sides mainly depends on the function that the flat pad needs to achieve. If it is only used to reduce looseness, you can choose to place the non-smooth surface close to the part. But if you want to better protect the parts, it is better to choose a smooth surface that is close to the surface of the parts.
You may also want to ask, if both are implemented, or which usage method carries the least risk? The calculation formula in the "Quality Encyclopedia of Standard Fasteners" published by China Standard Press is: weight per thousand pieces m=0.00785 × {3.1416/4 × washer height × [square of outer diameter - square of inner hole diameter]}. However, due to different standards in various countries and the possibility of information errors, we have temporarily found an American flat cushion standard for everyone.
That is to say, when producing flat pads, it is possible to achieve a surface treatment that is as smooth as possible on both sides. In this way, we can make requests when customizing or purchasing flat pads from factories. For example, if smooth surfaces are required to be close to the surface of parts in industrial production, but at the same time, it is necessary to reduce part wear, then standard requirements can be implemented, and of course, corresponding purchase price increases are also required. In fact, in general, the probability of loosening problems occurring in daily life is much lower than the frequent damage to the surface of parts due to connections.
As most people tell you, it is feasible to turn the rough surface away from the nut and the smooth surface close to the surface of the part. In addition to the metal flat pads mentioned above, non-metallic flexible pads are also very common in processing and production. The sealing accuracy of these gaskets also needs to be given special attention. The prerequisite for these implementations is the accuracy of cutting the sealing gasket.
Taking flange gaskets as an example. Flange sealing mainly relies on the pre-tightening force of connecting bolts, and achieves sufficient sealing pressure through gaskets to prevent the leakage of the sealed pressure fluid medium. There are many reasons for its leakage, such as insufficient clamping force of the sealing gasket, roughness of the joint surface not meeting the requirements, gasket deformation, and mechanical vibration, which can cause the sealing gasket and flange joint surface to not fit tightly and leak.
As an important component of the connector, the selection of the front and back sides of the gasket has a significant impact on the sealing performance and safety of the system. By understanding the methods of distinguishing between the front and back of the gasket, notes, and correct installation methods in practical applications, we can ensure the normal operation and safety of the system. Therefore, when selecting and installing gaskets, every detail must be taken seriously to ensure that the gaskets perform their intended function.
