The Engineer’s Guide to Non-Asbestos Gaskets: Superior Sealing for Modern Industry
In the modern industrial landscape, safety and environmental compliance are paramount. The transition from asbestos to Non-Asbestos Compressed Fiber (CNAF) gaskets has allowed industries to achieve better gas tightness and chemical resistance while eliminating health risks.
At CRI Gasket, we specialize in high-performance non-asbestos solutions, including the world-renowned Frenzelit Novapress and Novaphit ranges, tailored for precision and durability.
What is a Non-Asbestos Gasket?
A Non-Asbestos gasket is a sealing material made from a combination of synthetic fibers (like Aramid or Carbon), specialist fillers, and elastomeric binders (usually NBR – Nitrile Rubber). These components are “compressed” together under high pressure to create a dense, flexible sheet.
Which Non-Asbestos Gasket Grade Do You Need?
Selection depends on the “STAMP” criteria (Size, Temperature, Application, Media, and Pressure):
General Purpose: For water, low-pressure steam, and oils (e.g., Novapress Basic or 260).
High Gas Tightness: For refrigerants and fuels where leakage must be zero (e.g., Novapress 850).
Chemical & Steam: For aggressive media and saturated steam (e.g., Novapress Multi II or Universal).
Extreme Heat: If temperatures exceed 250°C, you should move to Graphite-based non-asbestos grades (e.g., Novaphit 400).
Types of Non-Asbestos Gaskets
Aramid Fiber Gaskets (CNAF): The most common type, offering excellent mechanical strength for general industrial use.
Carbon Fiber Gaskets: Designed for high-temperature and highly alkaline environments.
Graphite-Reinforced Gaskets: Pure expanded graphite with metal inserts for steam and high-pressure chemical lines.
PTFE Gaskets: Used specifically for highly corrosive acids and food-grade applications.
Key Features & Advantages
Environmental Safety: 100% asbestos-free, complying with global health and safety regulations.
High Stress Relaxation: Maintains bolt tension over time, reducing the need for maintenance.
Superior Gas Tightness: Modern non-asbestos materials are significantly denser than old asbestos sheets, meeting TA Luft clean air standards.
Non-Stick Coatings: Many grades come with factory-applied coatings (like PTFE or XP technology) to prevent the gasket from “baking” onto the flange
Applications Across Industries
Oil & Gas: Pipeline flanges, refineries, and storage tanks.
Chemical Processing: Handling solvents, acids, and volatile gaseous media.
Power Generation: Saturated steam lines, cooling systems, and heat exchangers.
Food & Pharma: FDA-compliant grades for processing and packaging equipment.
Automotive: Sealing for gearboxes, fuel pumps, and cooling circuits.
Why Choose CRI Gasket for Non-Asbestos Gaskets?
Choosing CRI Gasket means choosing technical precision:
Advanced Cutting Technology: We use CNC and water-jet cutting to ensure perfectly smooth edges and exact tolerances for standard or custom shapes.
Premium Material Selection: We stock the full Frenzelit range (Novapress and Novaphit), ensuring you get the highest quality German-engineered material.
100% Traceability: Our gaskets feature batch coding, which is essential for safety audits and quality control.
Expert Guidance: Our engineers assist you in calculating torque values to prevent over-compression or leaks.
Conclusion
The shift to Non-Asbestos Gaskets is not just a regulatory requirement—it is a performance upgrade. With better adaptability, higher density, and specialized chemical resistance, modern gaskets like those provided by CRI Gasket ensure your plant operates at peak efficiency with zero leakage.
