Page 30 - Design Criteria.qxd

MRG Gaskets
An MRG (Metal Reinforced Gasket) is a rigid laminated gasket consisting of soft layers bonded to each face of
a solid metal core by a high temperature/chemical resistant synthetic bonding agent.
While the solid metal core prevents gasket blowout, it provides high strength and rigidity; and the soft fac-
ings provide for an exceptional seal. The soft facing material flows easily into the flange faces allowing a high
integrity seal, even under low applied seating stresses.
The metal core material is selected to suit the application design conditions and the media to be sealed. A
wide range of core materials are available, from the relatively low cost carbon steels, through the range of stain-
less steels up to the "exotic" alloys. For chemical resistance and temperature stability purposes, the correct core
material must always be selected.
Standard core material is either 304 or 316 stainless steel, and standard core thickness is 1/8".
The soft gasket facings can be Flexicarb, PTFE, Sigma, Thermiculite, or non-asbestos fiber gasket mate-
rial. However, Flexicarb is the standard and most widely used facing material supplied with the MRG gasket.
Suitable up to pressure Class 300, the MRG is widely used in the chemical and petrochemical industries,
where a high temperature/corrosion resistant, high integrity joint is required. Although the MRG gasket can be
utilized on standard flange applications in place of conventional non-asbestos sheet gaskets, or in some instances
spiral wound gaskets, it is on special type assemblies where the MRG is mainly utilized. Due to laser manufac-
turing techniques, any type of gasket shape can be produced.
Where restricted or limited space precludes the use of spiral wound gaskets or limited bolt load is avail-
able to seat the gasket, the MRG’s narrow cross sectional width makes it ideal for use in floating head arrange-
ments of heat exchangers.
31 ® Welcome to the Next Generation of Sealing Technology
Soft Facing Materials
Soft Standard
Material Thickness (in.)
Flexicarb .020
Thermiculite 845 .020
PTFE .015
Sigma .030
Non-Asbestos Fiber .020
Other thicknesses are available on request.
1/8” Thick
Metallic
Core
Construction
Soft Material
Bonded to
Each Face