Gaskets are used in between pipes or to seal off joints. They are made out of a flexible material that will mold with the joint, if necessary. The gasket seals up the cracks and doesn't allow any liquid out of the pipes. The actual material that the gaskets are made out can vary, partly because of the setting and partly because of the liquid flowing through the system. 

Silicone

Silicone is a commonly used material for gaskets. The silicone stays flexible in temperatures that could cause other rubber materials to harden or crack. It weathers better, so it will last longer in an outdoor environment. Because silicone is slightly more elastic than other materials, it also stands up better to stress and strain. It will flex as necessary and still maintain its integrity. Silicone also offers a high biocompatibility, which makes it very useful in food prep areas. 

Cork

Cork is another option that gets used in food prep areas, especially if it is natural cork. Cork's benefits include the fact that it is compressible. That makes it good for low-pressure pipes. Cork is also a very resilient material, meaning that it also has a long life span. Cork is also resistant to temperature change. Cork can also be combined with rubber to create cork rubber, which can be used for gaskets. This form of cork is often seen in gas industries as well as automotive settings. One reason for this is that cork has sound absorption qualities. That means it cuts down on engine noise. It also cuts down on vibrations which could damage machinery. 

Neoprene

Neoprene is another option for gaskets. It has many benefits, including the fact that it keeps its features even under extreme temperatures. Those features include elasticity and strength. Neoprene can also twist, so if the joints that a neoprene gasket is being used for are in a place where twisting is a possibility, the neoprene will still hold its integrity under the stress. The neoprene gaskets often show up in the gas and oil industry.

Gaskets make it possible for liquids to go through pipes without any leaks. Any time two or more pipes need to be joined together, a gasket needs to be placed there. Not only do the gaskets keep the pipes from leaking, they can also help to protect the pipes themselves. A setting where there is a lot of vibration can damage joints, but the right gasket in between the two pipe will minimize damage. 

For more information on gaskets, contact a professional like those at FB Wright of Cincinnati.