Just blew $300 on a 'high-temp' gasket that failed in 2 days

Supplier swore it was rated for 850F, but it blew out on a standard boiler feed pump flange at our plant. Anyone know a brand that actually holds up under pressure?

3 comments

3 Comments

blake_cooper8d ago

What's the actual surface finish on that flange face? A lot of those high-temp gaskets need a really smooth surface to seal right, and a pump flange can get chewed up over time.

nelson.daniel24d ago

Yeah, those "rated for" temps are often for dry heat, not steam and pressure. Try a spiral-wound metal gasket for that flange.

parkermorgan24d ago

Honestly, how bad is the leak? Is it a steady drip or just a little weep? Sometimes you can just re-torque the bolts and it'll seal back up for months. I've seen guys run pumps with a minor steam leak for years, just keeping an eye on it. Is the flange warped maybe? A new gasket won't fix a bad surface.