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Corporate Engineering Standard

Engineering Standard: U5A

Gaskets and Packings

U5A
Code Gasket Selection
Table of Contents
1. Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2. Reference standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
3. Fire safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
4. Standard flanges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
5. Light flanges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
6. Chemical resistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
7. Selection procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

List of Figures
Figure 1. Gasket selection diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

List of Tables
Table 1. Code gasket chemical consideration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Document reaffirmed May 1989

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Page 1 of 9

U5A
Code Gasket Selection

1. Scope
This standard provides a method for selecting Du Pont Code gaskets for
chemical resistance and upper temperature limits. Joints involving novel
configuration, large size, aggressive chemicals not listed, or extremes of
pressure, temperature, or mechanical stress may need to be individually
engineered.

2. Reference standards
U1A Gasket Application
U2A Gasket Codes
SU2A Gasket CodesVendors

3. Fire safety
3.1 In case of fire, a gasketed joint may be subjected to temperatures
above design conditions. No joint can be expected to remain tight under
such conditions, no matter what gasket is present. However, a nonmetallic, nonretained gasket may melt or be blown from the joint. If the fluid is
flammable, a large amount of fuel is added to the fire. A metallic, semimetallic or fully retained gasket should be used in such applications since
it will not blow out.
3.2 Flexible reinforced graphite is the only sheet gasket material that can
be used to replace asbestos sheet and maintain joint fire resistance
where semi-metallics or metallic gaskets are not suitable. Flexible reinforced gaskets are recommended in pipelines containing flammable
gases above 50 psi.
3.3 Coded spiral-wound gaskets are first choice when:
a. A flammable liquid under pressure is sealed.
b. A toxic or highly reactive material is sealed. Highest integrity for holding fluids with spiral-wound gaskets is with fully confined (retained on
both outside and inside) gaskets.

4. Standard flanges (cast iron or steel flanges per ANSI/

ASME B16.5)
4.1 Where asbestos is not permitted, consider using the compressed
nonasbestos codesS80 (SBR binder), S81 (NBR), S82 (CR), or S83
(EPDM). These contain Kevlarr aramid fiber reinforcement. S83 is the
best choice for steam or aqueous solutions. It has a very low chloride
content making it safe for use in 300 Series stainless steel where high
chlorides often found in asbestos gaskets can cause stress-corrosion
cracking. For hydrocarbons, S81 with NBR is the best choice since EDPM
swells in contact with hydrocarbons.

Document reaffirmed May 1989

U5A
Code Gasket Selection

4.2 S1 and S2 (compressed asbestos) codes can be used only if no suitable replacement is available. Compressed asbestos covers a broader
range of temperatures and is more chemical and fire resistant than any
currently available substitute. Do not use these materials for aqueous
systems with 300 series stainless steel because there is potential for inducing cracks in the steel from chlorides leached from the gasket.

5. Light flanges (moderate temperature and pressure under

50 psi)
Use elastomer sheet. Give first choice to S10, S11, or S12 sheet (CR)
neoprene. Use other elastomers S6 (SBR), S45 (NBR), S20 (Premium
EPDM) Nordelr, or S21, S22 (FKM) Vitonr if special chemical, temperature, or radiation resistance is required.

6. Chemical resistance
6.1 Teflonr gaskets are selected for their universal chemical resistance
and minimum contamination. S50 Teflon gives best chemical resistance
and good sealability at low flange loading. S47 and S47W Teflon felts
require lowest flange loading while S48 woven Teflon tape is economical
for large flanges. S49A, S49B, S49F, and S49H are filled Teflon sheets
which provide improved mechanical properties such as creep and cold
flow resistance, S49 provides the best combination of sealability, moderate flange loads, and chemical resistance.
6.2 Teflon envelope gaskets G52 through G61 provide the chemical
resistance of Teflon with the soft sealing characteristics of the filler. This
makes them suitable for weak flanges such as fiberglass, plastic, or glass
pipe and vessels. In larger sizes (20 in. and up) envelope gaskets must
be shimmed to accommodate surface irregularities of glass flanges.
6.2.1 The split envelope (V shape) is less expensive than the machined
square shape but the point of the V may protrude inside the pipe bore
while the square style provides a surface flush with the inside of the pipe.
6.2.2 For low temperature, the neoprene filler is adequate as provided in
G52, G53, G54, or G55.
6.2.3 For higher temperature, preference should be given to G61 which
has an insert of TFE and Kevlar, Du Pont products, If the external chemical attack of the stainless steel center insert is possible, use G60A as
second choice.
6.3 Flexible graphite gaskets show little change in physical properties
over their entire temperature range and have good chemical resistance.
They should be used where maximum joint tightness is standard flanges
is needed for long periods at high or variable temperature. When electrolytes are sealed, the affect of the graphite on galvanic corrosion should be
considered. Reinforced graphite, S13S or S13W is preferred for its
mechanical strength.

Document reaffirmed May 1989

U5A
Code Gasket Selection

6.4 Spiral-wound gaskets in addition to their use for fire safety and
chemical resistance are preferred in flange ratings above 300 psi. Type
304 stainless steel tapes are generally used, with Type 316 occasionally
needed to match the piping system. A nonasbestos filler consisting of an
inert mineral and graphite mixture is used for routine services. Graphite
filler provides maximum sealability and fire resistance. Use Teflon only
when its chemical resistance is required.

7. Selection procedure
7.1 On Figure 1, each block asks a question answerable yes or no. The
logic path following a no answer exits the bottom of the block and leads
to another question. The logic path following a yes answer exits the right
side of the block. If no further questions are present, the last gasket considered is the selected one.
7.2 Table 1 lists the general suitability of different gasket codes to various
chemicals. Where there is operating experience with satisfactory gaskets,
that experience supersedes the table. Whenever possible, gaskets should
be selected having maximum temperature ratings well above the operating temperature, particularly at higher pressure.
7.3 After selection of a code gasket, U1A should be consulted to ascertain that no unconsidered limitations are present.
Example
A 3-inch, 150-lb, steel pipe system will handle a 5 percent mixture of
Du Pont Code A-7X1 oil and water at 150F (65C). Select a suitable
nonasbestos gasket.
Refer to Figure 1. Start at the top left block. The mixture is nonflammable
and no fire safe feature is required. Proceed down to the asbestos question block.
No asbestos is allowed. Proceed down to the flange question block.
Yes. Standard flanges are used. Proceed right to the S82/S83 question
block.
Refer to Table 1. Both S82 and S83 are suitable in water, but only S82 is
suitable in oil. S82 is temperature limited to 350F (177C), well above
the 150F (65C) operating value. Yes, S82 is OK. Proceed right from
the block. Since there are no more questions, S82 is the recommended
gasket, pending a check of U1A.

Document reaffirmed May 1989

U5A
Code Gasket Selection

Table 1. Code gasket chemical consideration(1) (continued)

Sheet and tape
Asbestos

Compressed non-asb

Elastomers

Teflon

Graphite

S1
S2

S40

S80

S81

S82

S83

S6

S10
S11
S12

S20

S21
S22

S45

S47
S47W

S48

S49A
S49H

S50
G51

S13
S13S
S13T
S13W

Maximum temp F (C)(2)

750
(400)

750
(400)

350
(177)

350
(177)

350
(177)

350
(177)

210
(100)

210
(100)

350
(175)

400
(205)

260
(125)

430
(220)

300
(149)

350
(177)

300
(149)

850
(454)

Specific liquids
Acetic acid

Acrylonitrile
Adiponitrile
Ammonia

Benzene

Butadiene

Carbon tetrachloride

Chlorine

Chloroform

Chromic acid

Cyclohexane

Dimethyl acetamide

Dimethyl formamide

Formic acid

Hexamethylene diamine

Hexane

Liquified petroleum gas (LPG)

Methacrylic acid

Methanol

Oil, petroleum

Perclene

Phosphoric acid

Sodium

Sulfur

Tetrahydrofuran

Titanium tetrachloride

Toluene

Vinyl acetate

Vinyl chloride

Telogen

See page 8 for notes

Document reaffirmed May 1989

U5A
Code Gasket Selection

Table 1. Code gasket chemical consideration(1) (continued)

Sheet and tape
Asbestos

Compressed non-asb

Elastomers

Teflon

Graphite

S1
S2

S40

S80

S81

S82

S83

S6

S10
S11
S12

S20

S21
S22

S45

S47
S47W

S48

S49A
S49H

S50
G51

S13
S13S
S13T
S13W

Maximum temp F (C)(2)

750
(400)

750
(400)

350
(177)

350
(177)

350
(177)

350
(177)

210
(100)

210
(100)

350
(175)

400
(205)

260
(125)

430
(220)

550
(290)

350
(177)

300
(149)

850
(454)

Gases
Ethylene

Hydrogen

Natural gas

Oxygen
Phosgene

Propane

Mineral acids
HCI, HF, Sulfamic

Nitric, sulfuric

Utilities
Water, steam

Oil, gasoline

Plant air, vacuum

Breathing air

Ammonia vapor

Freon

Dowtherm

Water solutions
Salts, brines

Alkalies, ammonia

See page 8 for notes

Document reaffirmed May 1989

U5A
Code Gasket Selection

Table 1. Code gasket chemical consideration(1) (continued)

Fabricated gaskets
Asbestos

Teflon

Teflon envelope

Spiral wound filler*

G8

G46

G52
G53
G54
G55

Maximum temp F (C)(2)

620
(325)

375
(190)

212
(100)

350
(177)

350
(177)

350
(177)

850
(454)

850
(454)

500
(260)

Specific liquids
Acetic acid

Acrylonitrile

Adiponitrile

Ammonia

G58
G59

G60
G61

G60A
G61A

Asbestos
mineral/graphite

Graphite

Teflon

Benzene

Butadiene

Carbon tetrachloride

Chloroform

Chromic acid

Cyclohexane

Dimethyl acetamide

Dimethyl formamide

Formic acid

Hexamethylene diamine

Hexane

Liquified petroleum gas (LPG)

Chlorine

Methacrylic acid

Methanol

Oil, petroleum

Perclene

Phosphoric acid

Sodium

Sulfur

Terahydrofuran

Titanium tetrachloride

Toluene

Vinyl acetate

Vinyl chloride

Telogen

See page 8 for notes

Document reaffirmed May 1989

U5A
Code Gasket Selection

Table 1. Code gasket chemical consideration(1) (continued from page 7)

Fabricated gaskets
Asbestos

Teflon

Teflon envelope

Spiral wound filler*

G8

G46

G52
G53
G54
G55

Maximum temp F (C)(2)

620
(325)

375
(190)

212
(100)

Gases
Ethylene

Hydrogen

Natural gas

Oxygen

G58
G59

G60
G61

G60A
G61A

Asbestos
mineral/graphite

Graphite

Teflon

350
(177)

350
(177)

350
(177)

850
(454)

850
(454)

500
(260)

Phosgene
Propane

Mineral acids
HCI, HF, Sulfamic

Nitric, sulfuric

Utilities
Water, steam

Oil, gasoline

Plant air, vacuum

Breathing air

Ammonia vapor

Freon

Dowtherm

Water solutions
Salts, brines

Alkalies, ammonia

* See U1A for complete gasket code

Notes:
1. Chemical suitability generally based upon laboratory tests at low to moderate temperatures. Actual operating conditions may change
performance significantly and operating experience is the best evaluation.
ASuitable

BDepends upon conditions

XNot suitable

BlankNo information available

2. Temperatures are the maximum under very mild conditions, mechanical stress and chemical reactivity may require much lower temperature
limits.
shading indicates an asbestos product.

Document reaffirmed May 1989

U5A
Code Gasket Selection

Figure 1. Gasket selection diagram

Document reaffirmed May 1989