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U.S. Department of Energy
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Asbestos-free gasket materials for turbines

Journal Article · · Journal of Testing and Evaluation; (United States)
OSTI ID:6014109
 [1];  [2]
  1. Westinghouse Electric Corp., Charlotte, NC (United States)
  2. Westinghouse Electric Corp., Orlando, FL (United States)

The results of a systematic program undertaken to evaluate potential substitute materials for asbestos-free gaskets used in power plant turbines are reviewed. Thirty-three commercially available materials were subjected to a series of tests reflecting the requirements of a good gasket material for turbine applications. The results identified flexible graphite as the only material to meet or exceed the properties of asbestos gaskets. One limitation of flexible graphite uncovered in the program, however, is its relatively high stress relaxation behavior especially at temperatures above 650 F (343 C). Ten-thousand-hour stress relaxation tests were conducted in the temperature range of 500 to 850 F (260 to 454 C) to determine the usable temperature limit of flexible graphite. The effects of joint flexibility and reloading were also evaluated at high temperatures.

OSTI ID:
6014109
Journal Information:
Journal of Testing and Evaluation; (United States), Journal Name: Journal of Testing and Evaluation; (United States) Vol. 21:1; ISSN JTEVAB; ISSN 0090-3973
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English