WHAT IS AN EXHAUST FLANGE GASKET?
Flange is a symmetrical disc-like structure used to connect pipes, containers or fixed-shaft mechanical parts, usually with bolts and threaded structures for fixing. An exhaust flange gasket is often used to prevent exhaust leaks between the cast-iron exhaust manifold and the exhaust pipe of an automobile or truck. It is designed with a bevel on both sides of the gasket and a smooth, flat inner surface. The beveled sides of the the gasket help the gasket to seal by allowing the clamps to form an almost circular clamping force on the gasket’s surface.
Classification of Exhaust Flange Gaskets
1.The non-metallic gasket is a kind of exhaust flange gasket made of non-metallic materials such as asbestos, rubber, and synthetic resin.
2.The non-metallic jacket gasket is a kind of exhaust flange gasket with synthetic resin.
3.The spiral wound gasket is a vented flange gasket made of a V-shaped or W-shaped section of a metal strip with a non-metallic strip and spirally wound.
4.The metallic gasket is an exhaust flange gasket made of metal such as steel, aluminum, copper, nickel or monel.
Material Requirements for Exhaust Flange Gaskets
The material of the exhaust flange gasket must be able to withstand extreme heat and pressure. Many gaskets are woven from refractory materials such as asbestos. The gasket is pressed between the two mating faces of the venting member and is slightly squeezed to fill any gaps and cracks that may vent the exhaust gases from the system. Poor seals can produce engine sounds ranging from a slight ticking to a very large exhaust boom, depending on the severity of the gasket gap. Not only does this sound annoying, but bad seals also deprive the engine of power and can damage some important engine components, such as exhaust valves.
There are usually two bolts to protect the exhaust flange gasket in place. If you want to replace the washers, these bolts must be removed to allow the exhaust pipe to drop away from the exhaust manifold. Due to the constant heating and cooling of these bolts, rust commonly forms on the bolt threads, requiring a solvent to be used to remove or loosen the bolts. Once removed, the old exhaust flange gasket can usually be pried off of the manifold seat with a screwdriver. The new gasket is installed without the aid of a gasket adhesive or sealer, and the clamp is once again tightened into position. The materials used in the manufacturing of the exhaust flange gasket eliminate the requirement to re-tighten the flange bolts after bringing the gasket up to temperature. The earliest forms of this gasket would shrink after being heated and cooled, which required the gasket to be re-tightened once or twice after installing a new gasket.
Several materials commonly used for flange gaskets are: asbestos gaskets, rubber gaskets, PTFE gaskets, metal wound gaskets, metal inner and outer ring gaskets, etc. The gasket is selected according to the different grade of pressure and the different medium in the pipeline. Generally, graphite gasket and rubber gasket can be used under low pressure.
Although the exhaust flange gasket is a small component, its quality will also affect the safety of the driving process.
