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For engineers, maintenance professionals, and procurement specialists across industries, specifying the correct sealing solution is critical. Flange leaks, joint failures, and gasket blowouts are not just maintenance headaches—they represent significant safety risks, production downtime, and environmental hazards. In this high-stakes environment, generic or substandard sealing materials are a liability. Professional-grade Compression Sheets stand as the engineered barrier against these issues, offering predictable, reliable performance under demanding conditions. At Kaxite Seals, we manufacture industrial compression sheets to exacting standards, providing the material integrity and consistency that complex applications demand.
Compression sheets, also known as compressed non-asbestos sheets or CNAF gasket sheets, are industrial sealing materials manufactured by compressing fibrous materials (such as aramid, glass, carbon, or mineral fibres) with elastomeric binders (like NBR, SBR, or CR) under high temperature and pressure. This process creates a homogeneous, dense sheet material with uniform density and controlled recovery. Unlike simple cut gaskets or rubber sheets, professional compression sheets are engineered to withstand specific combinations of media, temperature, and pressure. They are the material of choice for creating custom, on-site gaskets for pipe flanges, heat exchangers, pumps, valves, and machinery access panels. The key to their performance lies in their ability to flow into microscopic imperfections on flange faces, creating a tight, leak-free seal, while maintaining sufficient resilience to handle system vibrations and thermal cycling.
Choosing Kaxite Seals compression sheets translates into tangible operational benefits. Our sheets are formulated and processed to deliver superior performance:
Engineering decisions require hard data. Below are the detailed specifications for our flagship Kaxite Seals compression sheet grades. All values are derived from standard test methods (ASTM F104, F146, etc.) and represent typical minimum or average values.
| Grade Designation | KX-7100 (Standard NBR) | KX-7200 (High-Temp CR) | KX-7300 (Acid Resistant) | KX-7400 (Fuel & Oil Focus) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Binder | Acrylonitrile Butadiene (NBR) | Chloroprene (CR) | Styrene Butadiene (SBR) | NBR (High ACN) |
| Colour | Blue | Black | Green | Grey |
| Temperature Range | -30°C to +120°C | -40°C to +150°C | -20°C to +100°C | -30°C to +110°C |
| Density (ASTM F1315) | 1.8 - 2.0 g/cm³ | 1.9 - 2.1 g/cm³ | 1.7 - 1.9 g/cm³ | 1.8 - 2.0 g/cm³ |
| Tensile Strength (ASTM F152) | ≥ 11.0 MPa | ≥ 12.5 MPa | ≥ 10.0 MPa | ≥ 11.5 MPa |
| Compression Set (ASTM F36) | ≤ 35% | ≤ 30% | ≤ 40% | ≤ 35% |
| Recommended Applications | Water, steam, air, general industrial fluids. | Hot water, steam, refrigerants, moderate chemicals. | Dilute acids, alkalis, brine, plating solutions. | Gasoline, diesel, lubricating oils, hydraulic fluids. |
Q: How do I select the right Kaxite Seals compression sheet grade for my application?
A: Selection is based on three primary factors: the media (fluid/gas) being sealed, the continuous operating temperature, and the flange pressure class. Cross-reference the chemical resistance of the binder (see our grade table) with your media. Ensure the operating temperature is within the grade's range. For higher pressure PN16/PN25/ANSI 150/300 flanges, ensure the material has sufficient tensile strength and low compression set (like our KX-7200 grade). When in doubt, consult our technical datasheets or contact our support with your specific service conditions.
Q: Can I use compression sheets on raised face (RF) and flat face (FF) flanges?
A: Yes, compression sheets are suitable for both. For raised face flanges, the gasket is positioned within the bolt circle and compresses into the serrated finish of the raised face. For flat face flanges, a full-face gasket (covering the entire flange surface, including bolt holes) is typically cut from the sheet to distribute load and prevent buckling. Always ensure the gasket inner diameter matches the pipe ID to avoid turbulence and erosion.
Q: What is the proper installation procedure for a gasket cut from a compression sheet?
A: 1. Surface Prep: Ensure flange faces are clean, dry, and free of old gasket material, rust, or pits. Light brushing is often sufficient. 2. Gasket Cutting: Cut the gasket precisely to the correct dimensions, using the flange as a template or a accurate CAD template. 3. Positioning: Place the gasket centered on the flange. 4. Bolt Torquing: Use a cross-pattern tightening sequence. Tighten bolts in several passes (e.g., 30%, 60%, 100% of final torque) to ensure even compression. Always follow the equipment manufacturer's or relevant standard's (like ASME PCC-1) recommended torque values.
Q: How do compression sheets compare to PTFE sheets or rubber sheets?
A: Compression sheets offer a balanced performance profile. Compared to pure PTFE sheets, they have better creep resistance and can handle higher flange pressures without cold flow. They also typically have a higher temperature range than standard rubber sheets. Compared to soft rubber sheets, compression sheets offer superior blowout resistance and bolt load retention. They are the general-purpose workhorse for industrial sealing, whereas PTFE is for highly corrosive media and soft rubber is for low-pressure, static seals.
Q: Are Kaxite Seals compression sheets suitable for food, pharmaceutical, or potable water applications?
A: Our standard grades are engineered for industrial use. For applications requiring FDA, NSF, WRAS, or other regulatory compliance for direct food or potable water contact, we offer specialized compliant grades. Please inquire about our KX-7500 series, which is formulated with approved ingredients and can be supplied with relevant certification documentation.
Q: What is the shelf life of these sheets, and how should they be stored?
A: When stored correctly, Kaxite Seals compression sheets have a shelf life of 5 years from the date of manufacture. Store in a cool, dry, and dark environment away from direct sunlight, ozone sources (like motors), and excessive heat (above 40°C). Keep the sheets flat or rolled (not folded) to prevent permanent creasing. Store away from solvents or chemicals that could cause surface contamination.
The versatility of Kaxite Seals compression sheets makes them indispensable in numerous sectors. In chemical processing, they seal pumps, reactors, and pipework handling a variety of fluids. Power generation plants, both conventional and renewable, utilize them for water, steam, and auxiliary system flanges. Marine and offshore applications rely on their durability for sea water, fuel, and lube oil systems. Heating, Ventilation, and Plumbing (HVAC/P) contractors use them for chilled water, condenser water, and heating lines. General manufacturing and facility maintenance teams stock them for repairing leaks on compressors, hydraulic systems, and processing equipment. The ability to fabricate any size or shape on-demand from a sheet stock provides unmatched flexibility for maintenance and repair operations.
