How to choose the right gasket for the food and pharmaceutical industry 

How to choose the right gasket material - 3 important factors to consider 

Each application has its own requirements. To ensure that your packing over time, you need to start from these basic parameters:  

1. Pressure: If the application involves high pressure systems, the gasket must be able to withstand this without deforming or breaking. Rubber gaskets, for example, can have limited pressure resistance and are not always suitable in high-pressure environments, where materials such as PTFE or metal-reinforced gaskets may be better options. 
2. Temperatures: High temperatures can break down some gasket materials quickly. For example, rubber gaskets may perform well under moderate temperatures but fail when exposed to extreme heat. 
3. Chemicals and liquids: The gasket must be chemically compatible with fluids passing through the system, as different materials react differently to chemicals. For example, strong acids may require PTFE gaskets, while food applications with CIP fluids often lend themselves to rubber gaskets such as EPDM. Choosing the right material reduces the risk of degradation, leakage and downtime. 

The most common gasket materials and when to use thems

Here are some common material choices for hygienic processes, with brief guidelines on when they are most suitable: 

EPDM (Ethylene propylene diene rubber)

A common type of rubber gasket with good chemical resistance. EPDM is particularly popular in CIP/SIP (Clean-In-Place/Sterilize-In-Place) systems and is widely used in food and pharmaceutical processes such as dairy handling, beverage production, cleaning systems, serum and vaccine manufacturing. This type of gasket can withstand temperatures up to around 130°C.

silicone

Silicone gasket is food grade and can withstand very high temperatures, but is less resistant to some harsh chemicals - so always double check with your media. This gasket is best suited to applications where temperature resistance and flexibility are more important than chemical resistance, for example in dairy processes, steam environments or where frequent disassembly is required.

PTFE (Teflon)

PTFE is almost completely inert, making it a top choice for demanding chemical handling or when low friction is a must. However, it often needs support structure at high pressures.

FKM (Viton®)

FKM is another type of rubber gasket and is an ideal choice in environments where oils, solvents and strong disinfectants are present. Commonly used in pharmaceutical production and other processes where both chemical resistance and sterility are required.

Environment, safety and sustainabilityt gasket material

In hygiene-critical environments, it's not just media and pressure that affect the life of a gasket, external factors also come into play. The right material must be able to withstand: 

• UV radiation and ageing (especially if the equipment is used outdoors or near windows). 
• Mechanical abrasion during frequent assemblies and disassemblies. 
• High hygiene standards where materials must not emit particles or absorb liquid. 

By taking a long-term approach to material selection, you not only contribute to fewer breakdowns and downtime, but also to a more sustainable and safer process environment. 

Your partner for reliable gasket solutions 

At Colly Flowtech, we have extensive experience in delivering packaging solutions to customers in both the food and pharmaceutical industries. When you contact us, we understand your entire application - from operating environment and media to regulatory requirements in order to recommend materials that meet technical, hygienic and economic needs. 

By choosing the right gasket from the start, you reduce the risk of downtime, increase safety and create the conditions for safe and efficient production. With our technical expertise and industry understanding, you get solutions that last over time and a partner to count on. 

Want to know more or get help finding the right pack? Get in touch - I'm happy to help!