Environmental Considerations for Gasket Selection and the Development of an Emissions Calculator for Gasket Materials

The choice of gasket type for flanged connections has typically been determined on the basis of temperature, pressure, and chemical nature of the contained fluid; sealability; ease of handling and installation; expected service life; comparable cost; and other factors. Of ever increasing importance is the environmental performance of the selected gasket with an emphasis on fugitive emissions reduction. All gaskets have some level of fluid leakage but this may vary significantly depending on the type selected. A practical tool using Microsoft^® Excel^® has been developed that can help predict anticipated fugitive emissions of gaskets for which Room Temperature Testing (ROTT) data are available. The construction and application of this tool are described and a relative comparison of tightness parameters and projected fugitive emissions for example gasket types are documented.