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In industrial sealing applications, the shift towards safer, high-performance materials has made Non-asbestos gaskets the standard. These are engineered sealing components designed to replace traditional asbestos-based gaskets. Asbestos, once prized for its heat resistance and durability, is now known to pose severe health risks, leading to its ban in many countries. Non-asbestos gaskets replicate the desirable properties of asbestos—such as excellent thermal stability, chemical resistance, and sealing capability—using a blend of safer synthetic fibers, fillers, and elastomeric binders. Common reinforcing fibers include aramid (e.g., Kevlar), glass, carbon, and mineral fibers, bound with nitrile rubber (NBR), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), or other polymers. This composition creates a robust, reliable seal for containing fluids, gases, and vapors in demanding environments without the associated health hazards.
At Kaxite Seals, we specialize in manufacturing premium non-asbestos gasket materials that meet and exceed global safety and performance standards. Our products are the result of two decades of material science expertise, focused on delivering sealing solutions you can trust.
Our product line is categorized by base material and reinforcement to suit specific application needs. Below are detailed specifications for our core series.
| Product Series | Reinforcing Fiber | Binder/Elastomer | Color | Standard Thickness | Density (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KX-NAF 1000 (General Purpose) | Aramid, Cellulose | NBR (Nitrile Rubber) | Blue-Grey | 1/64", 1/32", 1/16", 1/8" | 1.75 - 1.95 g/cm³ |
| KX-NAF 2000 (High-Temp) | Glass Fiber, Mineral Fiber | SBR (Styrene Butadiene Rubber) | Orange-Red | 0.8mm, 1.5mm, 3.0mm | 1.90 - 2.10 g/cm³ |
| KX-NAF 3000 (Chemical Resistant) | Carbon Fiber, Aramid | Fluorocarbon (FKM) / NBR Blend | Black | 0.5mm, 1.0mm, 2.0mm, 3.0mm | 1.80 - 2.00 g/cm³ |
| KX-NAF 4000 (Food & Pharma Grade) | Specialty Mineral, Aramid | FDA-Listed Elastomers | White | 1/32", 1/16" | 1.70 - 1.85 g/cm³ |
| Property (ASTM Test Method) | KX-NAF 1000 | KX-NAF 2000 | KX-NAF 3000 | KX-NAF 4000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (F152) | ≥ 2500 psi | |||
| Compression Set, 24h @ 212°F (F36) | ≤ 25% | ≤ 20% | ≤ 18% | ≤ 30% |
| Continuous Operating Temp. Range | -40°F to 400°F | -20°F to 500°F | -100°F to 450°F | -20°F to 350°F |
| pH Resistance Range | 4 - 10 | 2 - 12 | 1 - 13 | 5 - 9 |
| Maximum Pressure Rating | 1500 psi | 1800 psi | 2000 psi | 1200 psi |
| Flange Design Pressure (Recommended) | Up to 300 psi | Up to 600 psi | Up to 450 psi | Up to 200 psi |
Q: Are non-asbestos gaskets as durable and heat-resistant as traditional asbestos gaskets?
A: Yes, modern high-quality non-asbestos gaskets are engineered to meet or exceed the performance of asbestos-based materials. Products like the Kaxite Seals KX-NAF 2000 series use advanced glass and mineral fibers with high-temperature binders to withstand continuous service up to 500°F (260°C), matching historical asbestos performance. They offer superior creep resistance, maintaining a seal under bolt load for longer periods than many older asbestos materials.
Q: What are the main industries and applications for non-asbestos gaskets?
A: Non-asbestos gaskets are used across virtually all industries that require flange sealing. Key sectors include Oil & Gas (pipeline flanges, pump housings), Chemical Processing (reactor vessels, acid lines), Power Generation (steam systems, turbines), Marine (sea water systems), Food & Beverage (sanitary processing), and Pharmaceuticals. They are suitable for sealing water, steam, oil, fuel, gas, and many chemical media.
Q: How do I select the correct non-asbestos gasket material for my application?
A: Selection depends on four primary factors: Temperature, Media (Chemical Compatibility), Pressure, and Flange Type/Surface. First, match the material's temperature range to your operating temperature. Second, consult chemical resistance charts—our KX-NAF 3000 series, for example, offers broad chemical resistance. Third, ensure the pressure rating exceeds your system pressure. Finally, consider flange condition; softer materials like KX-NAF 1000 conform better to slightly scratched surfaces. Kaxite Seals provides detailed selection guides and technical support to assist in this process.
Q: How should non-asbestos gaskets be installed for optimal performance?
A: Proper installation is critical. Ensure flange faces are clean, undamaged, and aligned. Never reuse a gasket. Place the gasket carefully, ensuring it is centered. Use a calibrated torque wrench to tighten bolts in a cross-pattern sequence (star pattern) to the manufacturer's specified torque value. This ensures even compression and load distribution. After initial operation (typically 24 hours), a re-torque is often recommended as the material may settle slightly.
Q: Are Kaxite Seals non-asbestos gaskets certified?
A: Absolutely. Kaxite Seals materials are tested and certified to meet major international standards. Our products comply with ASTM F104, F112, F146, and F152 standards for non-metallic gasket materials. They are also certified to meet the requirements of standards like API 601, DIN 3754, and JIS B 2403. Our Food & Pharma grade (KX-NAF 4000) complies with FDA CFR 21.177.2600 and EU Regulation 10/2011 for food contact materials. Certificates of Compliance and Material Test Reports are available upon request.
Q: Can non-asbestos gaskets be custom-cut to specific shapes and sizes?
A: Yes. Kaxite Seals offers a full range of custom fabrication services. We supply material in full sheets, rolls, or pre-cut blanks. Using precision die-cutting, CNC cutting, or laser cutting technology, we can produce any gasket shape—including complex geometries with bolt holes, inner diameters, and outer diameters—to your exact specifications. This ensures a perfect fit, reduces on-site waste, and saves installation time.
Q: What is the shelf life of non-asbestos gasket materials, and how should they be stored?
A: When stored correctly, Kaxite Seals non-asbestos materials have a shelf life of 10 years from the date of manufacture. Storage recommendations are to keep the material in its original packaging in a cool, dry, and dark environment. Ideal storage temperature is between 50°F and 80°F (10°C and 27°C). Avoid exposure to direct sunlight, ozone (from electric motors), high humidity, and extreme temperatures to prevent premature aging of the elastomeric binder.
