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I have a two-part question about gasket materials. I'm using a 2" bulk head fitting to attach the column to my boiler, but it requires, and also includes, a 1/4" thick rubber gasket for the inside. Now, I know rubber is a no-no. I'm curious, though, if there are opinions/thoughts/experience with wrapping a rubber gasket in PTFE tape. Would the tape provide a functional barrier between the vapor and rubber thus eliminating the threat of leeching toxins, or is that too close to the line between safety and practicality and should make my own gasket from only materials known to be safe? If making my own gasket is the optimal solution, then how does everyone feel about using cork sheet material for gaskets? Thanks for your time!

Cork sheet will almost definitely be a manufactured cork which contains glue. I used a cork sheet gasket when I first built my still to do the cleaning and sacrificial runs and I found that with heat and pressure from the clamp it just cooked and compacted, becoming quite hard and squashed, which made it pretty useless anyway. I have, since then, been using the cardboard wrapped in Teflon tape without any problems and they do last for a long time, although I have had to re-wrap one.

Thanks, CuWhistle. How about wrapping a rubber gasket with the Teflon tape? You think it's too risky?

bigbushybeard wrote:Thanks, CuWhistle. How about wrapping a rubber gasket with the Teflon tape? You think it's too risky?

That choice is up to you but I, personally, wouldn't use the rubber when cardboard is so readily available...

+1 for rad's post

I apologize for sounding mean. We need more info to answer your question about safety.
What material is the bulk head fitting made of ?
Do you have a part#, link or a description of it.
The question about the gasket needed, might be the least of your worries.