During thermal cycling and heat exchange processes, pipes and flanges undergo constant heating and cooling. The resulting expansion and contraction affect bolted joints and, unless the sealing materials can respond effectively to the constant temperature changes, the joint will eventually deteriorate. This can lead to leaks, unexpected downtime and reduced operating performance.
To maintain seal integrity, it is recommended to choose materials for flange gaskets and bolts with the same or similar coefficient of expansion. This ensures uniform expansion and contraction throughout the joint and prevents loss of bolt tension due to large differences in thermal expansion. Where possible, the same or similar materials should be used for the flanges and seals to be joined to minimise the risk of galvanic corrosion or oxidation, especially at high temperatures.
Another problem is that constant heating and cooling causes traditional seals to lose their elasticity, eventually causing the seal to fail. We have developed a range of seals proven to retain resilience even in extreme heat changes or thermal cycles.