The Importance of Making Vermiculite Spiral Wound Gaskets
Before time, China gasket manufacturers could not make vermiculite spiral wound gaskets, as we do not have vermiculite filler used for producing the gaskets. And now China can produce its own vermiculite spiral wound gasket, which can replace Flexitalic Thermiculite 835. It is a big step in the gasket industry.
In 1987, Flexitallic experimented with a mica-encapsulated graphite seal to resist extreme temperature and pressure conditions. Although unsuccessful, our search led to the discovery of vermiculite’s use in sealing—the basis for the incredibly versatile material, Thermiculite®. Unlike mica, vermiculite can be exfoliated. But unlike graphite, it will not oxidize—enabling Thermiculite to create a lasting, gas-tight seal in high-temperature (up to 1800°F/982°C) and high-pressure environments. Something mica, graphite, or mica still cannot do.
