In the ever-complex world of industrial trade and manufacturing, every component, even the smallest one, could make the biggest impact on the overall workplace and employee safety. Accidents like leaks must be avoided at all costs since not only can this endanger the workplace and everyone, but it can also lead to exponential costs. This is where gaskets come in; thanks to their excellent sealing properties, many workplaces continue to operate without a problem. In today’s article, we’ll discuss why choosing the best CNAF gasket material can prevent costly leaks and how it’s considered a safety measure for other potential hazards.
Finding the right application: understanding why it’s important to know the different types of CNAF gaskets.
A CNAF gasket is a type of nonmetallic component commonly used as a seal to prevent leaks between two surfaces. It stands for compressed non-asbestos fiber (CNAF), and these fibers are the main component that gives the gasket its sealing properties. The fibers are made out of different materials like ceramic, fiberglass, aramid, and other synthetic polymers.
This specific composition of CNAF gaskets is the determining factor of the gasket’s performance and suitability. So if you’re looking for the best CNAF gasket material for sealing, it’s highly advised to consult with gasket manufacturers or a gasket specialist so they can recommend the most ideal option for you.
Different types of gaskets are designed for different uses, so choosing a gasket that’s not suitable for a certain application can be dangerous. This could lead to leaks, equipment failure, and compromising the employees’ and workplace’s safety. Here are a few consequences of choosing the wrong gasket:
Safety hazard. We cannot stress enough how dangerous it is to make the mistake of choosing the wrong gasket for a project—especially if the involved industry deals with toxic and corrosive liquids. Not only can it damage the workplace, but it could also compromise worker safety and even contribute pollutants to the surrounding environment.
Production downtime. Choosing the wrong gasket can also cause equipment failure, which leads to halting production and operations. This impairs productivity, causing delays that could lead to financial loss.
Financial loss. In continuation of the above factor, damaged equipment and a dangerous workplace would force businesses to shut down operations. What’s even worse is that there could be damages to their products and the environment, so that’s another additional cost that companies need to cover on their own if they don’t have insurance.
Maintenance costs. Speaking of costs, choosing the wrong gasket type could also result in frequent gasket replacement. The damages may be smaller compared to the aforementioned, but they still add up to maintenance and labor costs.
Factors to consider when choosing the right CNAF gasket.
Now that you have an idea of the detriments of using the wrong gasket, you should first determine the scope of the nature of your work and find a gasket that can accommodate the demands of said work. Here are a few factors you should keep in mind:
- Gasket type.
- Fluid compatibility.
- Application requirements.
- Operating conditions.
- Industry standards and regulations.
