Introduction:
Non-asbestos sheet stands out for its composition devoid of asbestos, making it a safer alternative for various applications. Its versatility and reliability have made it a popular choice across industries. One of its primary applications is as a general service gasket in the process industries, where sealing reliability is paramount. Moreover, its excellent insulation characteristics and resistance to impacts, rain, water, UV light, and ozone degradation make it an ideal choice for roofing materials.
Why We Need to Use Non-asbestos Gaskets?
Asbestos gaskets have been used in the industry for several years. The raising concerns about health hazards due to asbestos has led to manufacturers looking for alternatives. In the production process, asbestos is a concern only for the people who come in direct contact with the asbestos fibers on a regular basis. Once the asbestos fibers are placed in the gasket then it’s safe to use the gasket.
If exposed, the asbestos fibers get shred into thin thread-like fibers that can be accidentally inhaled mainly by the workers handling asbestos directly. With time, the thin fibers can get accumulated in their lungs and lead to health issues that can get as severe as cancer. The asbestos hazard has been recognized by regulatory authorities as well. Ethical gasket manufacturers, therefore, introduced non-asbestos gaskets for the safety of personnel during production.
Properties and Performance
The versatility of non-asbestos sheet lies in its ability to be blended with different polymers, each offering unique performance characteristics tailored to specific applications. For instance:
· Nitrile rubber blends are resistant to fuel and oil, making them suitable for environments where exposure to these substances is common.
·Graphite-coated variants provide non-stick properties and steam resistance, ideal for applications where high temperatures and moisture are prevalent.
· PTFE (Teflon) blends boast excellent chemical resistance, making them suitable for environments exposed to corrosive substances.
· EPDM blends are suitable for potable water applications, ensuring safety and compliance with regulatory standards.
Depending on the polymer blend, non-asbestos sheet exhibits remarkable resistance to a wide range of materials, including mild inorganic and organic acids, water, brine, general chemicals, neutral solutions, vegetable oils, synthetic oils, petroleum derivatives, refrigerants, air and industrial gases, diluted alkalis, and aliphatic solvents.
Applications
The versatility of non-asbestos sheet extends across various industries and applications, including:
Roofing: Non-asbestos sheet serves as an excellent roofing material, offering superior insulation properties and resistance to environmental factors such as rain, UV light, and ozone degradation.
Material Handling: Its durability and impact resistance make non-asbestos sheet ideal for material handling equipment, ensuring reliable performance in demanding environments.
Valves and Pumps: Non-asbestos sheet is extensively used in valve and pump applications, where sealing reliability is critical to prevent leaks and ensure operational efficiency.
Water and Wastewater Industries: Its compatibility with potable water applications and its resistance to chemicals and environmental factors make non-asbestos sheet a preferred choice in the water and wastewater industries.