Correct function (i.e. tightness & integrity) of flanged joints is significantly influenced by the behavior of the gasket. The first gasket parameter that has to be taken into account is the

Standards and guidelines

In the U.S.A., generic gasket factors are used in ASME pressure vessel design standards. However, their use is restricted to design purposes. In several PVRC projects new gasket factors were defined including the related test procedures, e.g. ROTT; these gasket factors characterize both the deformation behavior and the sealing behavior. This experience is summarized in ASTM standards. Additionally, there are several ASTM standards that give procedures regarding the determination of deformation and sealing behavior as well as the long term behavior of gasket materials.

In Europe, gasket factors that characterize both the deformation behavior and the sealing behavior are defined in the European standard EN 13555. This standard also includes guidelines for the determination of the factors in special laboratory tests. These gasket factors are used in standards for flange calculation (e.g. EN 1591). Besides that EN 14772 and DIN 28091 give test procedures regarding quality assurance of the gasket manufacturing process. Further tests that are familiar to certain applications are included in DIN 52913 and in DIN 3535, for example.

Additionally, there are special test procedures provided by gasket manufacturers and by major end users (e.g. chemical and petrochemical industry) regarding qualification / screening of gaskets and quality control purposes.

Gasket testing equipment

 developed a set of gasket test rigs for every relevant gasket factor, e.g. testing according ASTM, PVRC, CEN, DIN, and VDI procedures.

 testing equipment is ideal for product development and quality control for gasket material manufacturers or for end users who are responsible for a lot of flanges joints in their industrial plants or OEM users looking to improve performance or increase warranties.

In use worldwide

 is a leading supplier of gasket testing equipment – worldwide. Renowned gasket manufacturers rely on  test rigs.

Our multifunctional test rig TEMES fl.ai1 provides the determination of gasket characteristics in

• compression tests
• leakage tests
• compressive creep tests
• creep relaxation tests

at room temperature or elevated temperatures as well as under load or internal pressure.

The test rig can be operated both manually and fully automatically – an essential advantage regarding long testing periods. more...

The TEMES fl.relax test rig was developed especially for

• creep relaxation tests

because there are a lot of parameters to consider and those tests are time-consuming. For this task it is much more convenient to use several test rigs. more...

The TEMES ta.luft test rig was designed for gasket type testing in a real flanged connection according to the German TA-Luft (German “Clean Air Act”) requirements. Here the sealing behavior is determined after a previous exposure to temperature. more...