Products I know
Industrial sealants: gaskets, threads and joints that don't leak.
Industrial sealants stop leaks of oil, coolant, gas and water at flanges, threads and joints. The right choice depends on whether the flange is rigid or flexible, the size of the gap, the temperature and fluid, and whether the joint will be opened again.
The main families
| Family | Best for |
|---|---|
| Anaerobic flange sealant | Rigid, machined metal flanges such as gearbox and pump housings |
| RTV silicone | Flexible or stamped flanges, larger gaps and high temperatures |
| Anaerobic thread sealant | Pipe and fitting threads in hydraulic, pneumatic and fluid systems |
| Polyurethane, polysulphide and hybrid sealants | Joints that move, such as panels, glazing and structural joints |
Why formed-in-place gaskets replace cut gaskets
A liquid gasket fills the flange surface completely, including scratches and machining marks, so it seals better than a cut gasket that only touches the high points. It also removes the need to stock many gasket shapes and sizes.
Thread sealants vs PTFE tape
PTFE tape is cheap and familiar, but shreds of tape can enter hydraulic and pneumatic systems and block valves. Liquid anaerobic thread sealants fill the threads completely, do not shred and lock the fitting against vibration. In maintenance, that difference is easy to demonstrate.
How I help
Sealants are bought by both production lines and maintenance stores, often through different people. I help brands reach both, and help plants standardise on fewer, better grades. Related: threadlockers and engineering and maintenance.
Questions people ask
When should I use RTV silicone instead of an anaerobic gasket?
Use anaerobic flange sealants on rigid, close-fitting machined metal flanges. Use RTV silicone on flexible or stamped flanges, larger gaps, or where temperatures are very high.
Is liquid thread sealant better than PTFE tape?
For hydraulic and pneumatic systems, usually yes. It seals the full thread, will not shred into the system and resists vibration loosening. For simple low-pressure plumbing, tape may be enough.
Can a formed-in-place gasket be taken apart?
Yes. Most anaerobic flange sealants allow disassembly with normal tools. The old sealant is cleaned off and fresh sealant applied.