tri-clamp silicone gasket vs PTFE gasket

[luva69r]

Wrap it in ptfe tape. Stainless, gasket, cardboard... doesn't matter. It will work.

And yes, that is his opinion, a very valid and logical one. Which he has every right to express. When people over complicate issues for the sake of originality (and not much return) around here, we back them up and ask why.

Not trying to be original. Not trying to over complicate things. I have seen numerous posts about dodgy gaskets that leak, wrapping tape around them to seal them, the argument over PTFE v Silicone etc adnauseum... In my research I came across the 50/50 Teflon 316 S/S gaskets and only asked if anyone had any history of using them, as I hadn't found a forum topic mentioning them.

[Avo]

Wrap it in ptfe tape. Stainless, gasket, cardboard... doesn't matter. It will work.

And yes, that is his opinion, a very valid and logical one. Which he has every right to express. When people over complicate issues for the sake of originality (and not much return) around here, we back them up and ask why.

Not trying to be original. Not trying to over complicate things. I have seen numerous posts about dodgy gaskets that leak, wrapping tape around them to seal them, the argument over PTFE v Silicone etc adnauseum... In my research I came across the 50/50 Teflon 316 S/S gaskets and only asked if anyone had any history of using them, as I hadn't found a forum topic mentioning them.

I fully support your post and it's content; if the topic had been 'Taboo' I could understand a mild hullabaloo,
all that was happening here was a gentle dialogue, and then the post is swamped with criticism.
I don't see any reason why individuals cannot seek to improve their own interest in the hobby, it's called innovation.

In the meanwhile, I have had an email from a distributor in my own country, they are going to quote me for the gaskets.
I have asked for the specifications, also pertinent questions about the products use.
When I get the information I will p.m. you.



Best wishes

AVO

[luva69r]

Wrap it in ptfe tape. Stainless, gasket, cardboard... doesn't matter. It will work.

And yes, that is his opinion, a very valid and logical one. Which he has every right to express. When people over complicate issues for the sake of originality (and not much return) around here, we back them up and ask why.

Not trying to be original. Not trying to over complicate things. I have seen numerous posts about dodgy gaskets that leak, wrapping tape around them to seal them, the argument over PTFE v Silicone etc adnauseum... In my research I came across the 50/50 Teflon 316 S/S gaskets and only asked if anyone had any history of using them, as I hadn't found a forum topic mentioning them.

I fully support your post and it's content; if the topic had been 'Taboo' I could understand a mild hullabaloo,
all that was happening here was a gentle dialogue, and then the post is swamped with criticism.
I don't see any reason why individuals cannot seek to improve their own interest in the hobby, it's called innovation.

In the meanwhile, I have had an email from a distributor in my own country, they are going to quote me for the gaskets.
I have asked for the specifications, also pertinent questions about the products use.
When I get the information I will p.m. you.



Best wishes

AVO

Cheers for that. I look forward to hearing how you go with them and the info. that you receive.

[Expat]

Wrap it in ptfe tape. Stainless, gasket, cardboard... doesn't matter. It will work.

And yes, that is his opinion, a very valid and logical one. Which he has every right to express. When people over complicate issues for the sake of originality (and not much return) around here, we back them up and ask why.

Not trying to be original. Not trying to over complicate things. I have seen numerous posts about dodgy gaskets that leak, wrapping tape around them to seal them, the argument over PTFE v Silicone etc adnauseum... In my research I came across the 50/50 Teflon 316 S/S gaskets and only asked if anyone had any history of using them, as I hadn't found a forum topic mentioning them.

Ah, but you are over complicating things; specialist gaskets aren't required or helpful for distillation. Do you actually have a leak, or just casting about because you heard that others had an issue?

Also, for reference, there is no argument on silicone, it's a no go; consider the category this is posted under.

[luva69r]

Wrap it in ptfe tape. Stainless, gasket, cardboard... doesn't matter. It will work.

And yes, that is his opinion, a very valid and logical one. Which he has every right to express. When people over complicate issues for the sake of originality (and not much return) around here, we back them up and ask why.

Not trying to be original. Not trying to over complicate things. I have seen numerous posts about dodgy gaskets that leak, wrapping tape around them to seal them, the argument over PTFE v Silicone etc adnauseum... In my research I came across the 50/50 Teflon 316 S/S gaskets and only asked if anyone had any history of using them, as I hadn't found a forum topic mentioning them.

Ah, but you are over complicating things; specialist gaskets aren't required or helpful for distillation. Do you actually have a leak, or just casting about because you heard that others had an issue?

Also, for reference, there is no argument on silicone, it's a no go; consider the category this is posted under.

Haha... like a dog with a bone, aren't you? In your opinion not required or helpful? So if your Teflon gasket couldn't be improved upon, you wouldn't use it? Even if someone gave them to you for free? Spare me. Pull the other one, it plays Jingle Bells.

And I considered the category before posting, that's why it's in here. And it's not a specialist gasket. It's a just an option. The only person complicating things is staring at you in the mirror.

[still_stirrin]

...Haha... like a dog with a bone, aren't you? In your opinion not required or helpful? So if your Teflon gasket couldn't be improved upon, you wouldn't use it? Even if someone gave them to you for free? Spare me. Pull the other one, it plays Jingle Bells.

Hey now...this type of flaming is not necessary.

I agree with Expat that a teflon tri-clover gasket is perfectly designed for our utility when using tri-clover ferrules. I’ve never had one leak...and I don’t need to tighten them with a screwdriver to get them to seal. The gasket has a cast-in bead that matches with the ferrules and when the clamps are put in place, the taper on the ferrules naturally draws the joint tight and leak free. Over-tightening may be the problem some users have with the gaskets...I don’t know.

But for our service...our operating temperature range is well below teflon’s melting point and teflon’s caustic and acidic reactivity is highly tolerable for any chemicals our hobby may encounter, and the design operating pressures for the gaskets are far beyond our requirements...so you simply don’t need anything more.

Sure, you can “throw money to the wind” and buy exotic materials...go ahead and do it. The fact that there aren’t many threads like yours points to the fact that it simply isn’t needed. And asking why not only shows your lack of experience...not your creative cleverness.

I would suggest to the moderators that this thread be checked and controlled if the flaming continues.

...And I considered the category before posting, that's why it's in here. And it's not a specialist gasket. It's a just an option. The only person complicating things is staring at you in the mirror.

This may be the appropriate forum for this thread to die in. So, let’s let it.

[luva69r]

...Haha... like a dog with a bone, aren't you? In your opinion not required or helpful? So if your Teflon gasket couldn't be improved upon, you wouldn't use it? Even if someone gave them to you for free? Spare me. Pull the other one, it plays Jingle Bells.

Hey now...this type of flaming is not necessary.

I agree with Expat that a teflon tri-clover gasket is perfectly designed for our utility when using tri-clover ferrules. I’ve never had one leak...and I don’t need to tighten them with a screwdriver to get them to seal. The gasket has a cast-in bead that matches with the ferrules and when the clamps are put in place, the taper on the ferrules naturally draws the joint tight and leak free. Over-tightening may be the problem some users have with the gaskets...I don’t know.

But for our service...our operating temperature range is well below teflon’s melting point and teflon’s caustic and acidic reactivity is highly tolerable for any chemicals our hobby may encounter, and the design operating pressures for the gaskets are far beyond our requirements...so you simply don’t need anything more.

Sure, you can “throw money to the wind” and buy exotic materials...go ahead and do it. The fact that there aren’t many threads like yours points to the fact that it simply isn’t needed. And asking why not only shows your lack of experience...not your creative cleverness.

I would suggest to the moderators that this thread be checked and controlled if the flaming continues.

...And I considered the category before posting, that's why it's in here. And it's not a specialist gasket. It's a just an option. The only person complicating things is staring at you in the mirror.

This may be the appropriate forum for this thread to die in. So, let’s let it.

For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. I simply posed a question. He is the one that came out swinging. Just because you don't feel the need to try something different, doesn't mean others can't. And now your telling Moderators how to do their job.

The Teflon tri-clover gasket is not perfectly designed for our stills because it is prone to leakage as it doesn't expand and contract like copper/ss does when heated and cooled. Just because I haven't posted a 1000 times on here doesn't make me inexperienced or unintelligent. In fact, I'd say it's the opposite.

[still_stirrin]

...The Teflon tri-clover gasket is not perfectly designed for our stills because it is prone to leakage as it doesn't expand and contract like copper/ss does when heated and cooled....

Do yours leak? How often do you have a leak?

Are your ferrules built per specification?

Are you trying to offset a bending moment in your T/C joint?

What is YOUR experience with teflon gaskets on tri-clover joints?

p.s. to add - I use double hinge point T/C clamps exclusively. They are easier to install, the hinge pins are loaded in double shear and there are two hinge points. So, the pins are not loaded in bending, only shear. And it is easy to draw the gasket snug in the joint...it never requires more than finger tight...forget about wrenching with a screwdriver.

So, maybe the problem is not the gasket...rather the clamp. Spend your money there and you’ll be glad you did.

[luva69r]

...The Teflon tri-clover gasket is not perfectly designed for our stills because it is prone to leakage as it doesn't expand and contract like copper/ss does when heated and cooled....

Do yours leak? How often do you have a leak?

Are your ferrules built per specification?

Are you trying to offset a bending moment in your T/C joint?

What is YOUR experience with teflon gaskets on tri-clover joints?

p.s. to add - I use double hinge point T/C clamps exclusively. They are easier to install, the hinge pins are loaded in double shear and there are two hinge points. So, the pins are not loaded in bending, only shear. And it is easy to draw the gasket snug in the joint...it never requires more than finger tight...forget about wrenching with a screwdriver.

So, maybe the problem is not the gasket...rather the clamp. Spend your money there and you’ll be glad you did.

Good advice. Thank you. I am also looking to buy a 4 sectioned bubble plate. It has silicone gaskets between each section, which I understand from numerous posts are bad news and people have replaced them with PTFE but they have found they are prone to leakage, because of their hardness . That is why I asked my initial question with regards to the 50/50 Teflon/SS gasket. I was only asking if anyone had used these and did they have any feedback. I wasn't trying to re-invent the wheel. Just trying to avoid issues before they arise. Cheers.

[seabass]

Just to throw out other options, there are commercially available ptfe foam gaskets and ptfe covered viton gaskets.

If you're willing to spend a few extra dollars for piece of mind and ease of use, get the ptfe covered viton gaskets. You get the compressibility of viton and the chemical resistance of ptfe.

The foam ptfe gaskets might be less resistant than the solid ptfe due to plasticisers being added.

I'm honestly surprised that this conversation has gone on this long. Normally any talk about plastics is abruptly shut down. I disagree with shutting down a topic if there is a genuine search for information and research. Science is science. There's nothing wrong with dissuading people from using unsafe plastics, but discussions on what is safe should not be shut down.

Part of improving this hobby's legitimacy is improving the knowledge base. That can only happen with the sharing of knowledge and challenging each other's ideas.

[luva69r]

...The Teflon tri-clover gasket is not perfectly designed for our stills because it is prone to leakage as it doesn't expand and contract like copper/ss does when heated and cooled....

Do yours leak? How often do you have a leak?

Are your ferrules built per specification?

Are you trying to offset a bending moment in your T/C joint?

What is YOUR experience with teflon gaskets on tri-clover joints?

p.s. to add - I use double hinge point T/C clamps exclusively. They are easier to install, the hinge pins are loaded in double shear and there are two hinge points. So, the pins are not loaded in bending, only shear. And it is easy to draw the gasket snug in the joint...it never requires more than finger tight...forget about wrenching with a screwdriver.

So, maybe the problem is not the gasket...rather the clamp. Spend your money there and you’ll be glad you did.

Sorry. I also have three silicone gaskets that I want to replace and have 2 single hinged T/C clamps on my setup.

[luva69r]

Just to throw out other options, there are commercially available ptfe foam gaskets and ptfe covered viton gaskets.

If you're willing to spend a few extra dollars for piece of mind and ease of use, get the ptfe covered viton gaskets. You get the compressibility of viton and the chemical resistance of ptfe.

The foam ptfe gaskets might be less resistant than the solid ptfe due to plasticisers being added.

I'm honestly surprised that this conversation has gone on this long. Normally any talk about plastics is abruptly shut down. I disagree with shutting down a topic if there is a genuine search for information and research. Science is science. There's nothing wrong with dissuading people from using unsafe plastics, but discussions on what is safe should not be shut down.

Part of improving this hobby's legitimacy is improving the knowledge base. That can only happen with the sharing of knowledge and challenging each other's ideas.

Cheers, will look into those.

[NZChris]

In case you missed it, the Viton & EPDM sandwiches have already been suggested on this forum and on this thread. If you have managed to warp a ferrule and can't machine it flat, they would be an easy option.

My understanding is that the lack of memory in PTFE foam makes that solution a one time only fix. Ok if you are going to clamp it and leave it forever, but don't expect it to seal a second time.

I'd also suggest that if you want to bring up a subject that hasn't been discussed here before, that you start a new thread about it so that it doesn't get lost in something only slightly related.

[luva69r]

In case you missed it, the Viton & EPDM sandwiches have already been suggested on this forum and on this thread. If you have managed to warp a ferrule and can't machine it flat, they would be an easy option.

My understanding is that the lack of memory in PTFE foam makes that solution a one time only fix. Ok if you are going to clamp it and leave it forever, but don't expect it to seal a second time.

I'd also suggest that if you want to bring up a subject that hasn't been discussed here before, that you start a new thread about it so that it doesn't get lost in something only slightly related.

I didn't think it was worthy of a new thread as it's just another type of PTFE gasket. Thanks for the heads up on the other types.

[NZChris]

I'm looking forward to hearing how this new gasket compares to your leaky PTFE gasket.

[luva69r]

I'm looking forward to hearing how this new gasket compares to your leaky PTFE gasket.

I will post after doing a couple of runs.

[Expat]

I also have three silicone gaskets that I want to replace and have 2 single hinged T/C clamps on my setup.

I am also looking to buy a 4 sectioned bubble plate. It has silicone gaskets between each section, which I understand from numerous posts are bad news and people have replaced them with PTFE but they have found they are prone to leakage, because of their hardness .

So the answer to the question that both Still and I asked is, No; you don't have a leak. You're trying to solve a problem you don't even have. So yeah, you're over complicating.

If you're the type of person who only wants others to substantiate their opinions, then you misunderstand what this place is dedicated to, and would probably be happier elsewhere. You asked for opinions and you got them. Don't like the result, suck it up and leave the BS commentary out. Or don't, and i'm sure you'll soon be rewarded with a vacation.

[ShineonCrazyDiamond]

It's fine to use. Use it if you like. Just don't keep saying ptfe leaks and that's why you need to use it. If it does, then link 3 post from 3 different people from the forums that says the ptfe leak.

Enjoy your seals.

[GCB3]

I’ve been using them for two years And only have had one leaking problem. May have mentioned that in a previous post, not sure. However, the leak was caused by me not paying enough attention during the column assembly. I created a moment by putting the PC and both the RC and PC water lines on the same side. The leak was easily fixed by rearranging the column configuration. In other words, it wasn’t the seals fault.

[luva69r]

It's fine to use. Use it if you like. Just don't keep saying ptfe leaks and that's why you need to use it. If it does, then link 3 post from 3 different people from the forums that says the ptfe leak.

Enjoy your seals.

Just type "leaking seals" in Search. I've got better things to do.

[luva69r]

I also have three silicone gaskets that I want to replace and have 2 single hinged T/C clamps on my setup.

I am also looking to buy a 4 sectioned bubble plate. It has silicone gaskets between each section, which I understand from numerous posts are bad news and people have replaced them with PTFE but they have found they are prone to leakage, because of their hardness .

So the answer to the question that both Still and I asked is, No; you don't have a leak. You're trying to solve a problem you don't even have. So yeah, you're over complicating.

If you're the type of person who only wants others to substantiate their opinions, then you misunderstand what this place is dedicated to, and would probably be happier elsewhere. You asked for opinions and you got them. Don't like the result, suck it up and leave the BS commentary out. Or don't, and i'm sure you'll soon be rewarded with a vacation.

I never asked anyone for their opinion. I asked anyone if they had used them. Get over yourself.

[ShineonCrazyDiamond]

Better things to do than exhaust energy on this.