Frequently Asked Questions: Garlock Compressed Asbestos-Free Gaskets
What are Garlock compressed asbestos-free (CNAF) gaskets?
Garlock CNAF gaskets are sheet materials made from aramid or carbon fibers bound with elastomeric binders (such as NBR, SBR, EPDM, or neoprene). They are designed to replace legacy asbestos gaskets, providing reliable sealing performance in water, steam, oils, fuels, and a wide range of industrial chemicals.
How do Garlock CNAF gaskets compare to traditional asbestos gaskets?
Garlock CNAF gaskets deliver equal or better sealing performance without the health and environmental risks of asbestos. They offer improved torque retention, lower fugitive emissions, and longer service life under high temperature and pressure conditions.
Which industries commonly use Garlock CNAF gaskets?
These gaskets are widely used in power generation, chemical processing, oil and gas, pulp and paper, food and beverage, and general manufacturing. Their versatility makes them suitable for both OEM equipment and MRO (maintenance, repair, and operations) applications.
What temperature and pressure ranges can Garlock CNAF gaskets handle?
Performance depends on the specific grade:
- Blue-Gard® series (3000–3700): up to ~650°F (343°C) and 1500 psi (103 bar).
- 9800 / 9850 / 9900 series: engineered for higher temperature and steam service, exceeding 700°F (371°C) with excellent chemical resistance.
Always consult Garlock pressure-temperature (P×T) charts for application-specific limits.
What binders are available in Garlock CNAF materials?
Depending on the style, Garlock CNAF sheets are reinforced with elastomer binders such as NBR (nitrile), SBR, EPDM, and neoprene to optimize performance in oils, fuels, water, steam, and refrigerants.
Are Garlock CNAF gaskets environmentally compliant?
Yes. Garlock CNAF gaskets are asbestos-free, meet environmental safety regulations, and many styles support low-emission requirements for compliance with EPA, ISO 15848, and TA-Luft standards.
How do I choose the right Garlock CNAF gasket for my application?
Selection depends on media type, temperature, pressure, and flange conditions. For oil and fuel service, Blue-Gard 3300 (NBR) is ideal. For water and steam, Blue-Gard 3400 (EPDM) works well. For higher temperatures or steam service, Garlock 9800 or 9900 may be recommended.