What is the Best Gasket Material for Piping Systems Carrying Gases?

Gas leaks are dangerous, costly, and in some cases explosive. The wrong gasket material in gas piping systems can lead to system failures, safety hazards, and regulatory violations. Are your gaskets strong enough to seal against gas under pressure?

For gas piping systems, nitrile rubber is ideal for low pressure, while spiral wound, graphite, and metallic gaskets are preferred for high temperature and pressure applications.

Let’s walk through the best gasket materials based on gas type, pressure, temperature, and sealing requirements, so you can choose the safest and most effective solution.

What gasket material is best for low-pressure gas piping?

Not every gas line runs at extreme pressure. Which materials are reliable for general-use pipelines?

Nitrile (NBR) and neoprene rubber gaskets are widely used for low-pressure, ambient temperature gas systems, particularly for natural gas and hydrocarbon pipelines.

Sealing natural gas¹ safely

Natural gas, primarily composed of methane, can easily permeate weak gasket materials. NBR² and neoprene³ provide a balance of flexibility and chemical resistance. These elastomers are commonly used in low-pressure regulators, residential gas lines, and light industrial applications.

I’ve recommended NBR gaskets to multiple clients managing urban gas distribution. It’s easy to source, economical, and performs well in ambient environments.

What gasket should be used in moderate-pressure pipelines?

When the system goes beyond household-level pressure, what material holds up?

Fiber gaskets are often used in moderate-pressure gas pipelines due to their compressibility and affordability.

Fiber under pressure

Compressed fiber gaskets (like aramid, cellulose, or mineral fiber sheets) are commonly selected for pipelines carrying dry gas or low-moisture hydrocarbons. Their ability to conform to flange surfaces ensures a tight seal.

In gas valve flanges or small meter housings, fiber gaskets offer a quick and effective sealing solution.

What gasket is best for high-pressure or high-temperature gas systems?

Higher pressure needs more than elastomer or fiber. What works at industrial scale?

Spiral wound gaskets with graphite or PTFE fillers are ideal for high-pressure and high-temperature gas piping systems.

Spiral wound gasket performance

Made by companies like Flexitallic, spiral wound gaskets combine a metal winding (usually stainless steel) with a soft sealing filler like graphite or PTFE. They are designed for dynamic applications where temperature and pressure fluctuate, such as oil and gas pipelines, power plants, and refineries.

We’ve shipped hundreds of spiral wound gaskets for use in pressurized hydrogen, nitrogen, and natural gas lines. Their performance remains unmatched in heavy-duty flange sealing.

What if the system is ultra-high pressure?

Gas pipelines in oil and gas fields often hit extreme pressures. What type of gasket is used?

Metallic gaskets like Ring Type Joint (RTJ) gaskets are preferred for extreme pressure and temperature gas systems.

RTJ gaskets for extreme sealing

RTJ gaskets are machined from solid metals like stainless steel, Inconel, or Monel. They create a metal-to-metal seal that can hold up under pressure above 1000 bar. These are essential in subsea systems, wellheads, and refineries.

I only recommend RTJ gaskets when there's zero margin for error—especially where flange faces are designed with RTJ grooves.

Summary Table: Gasket Materials for Gas Systems

Conclusion

For low-pressure gas, NBR or neoprene rubber gaskets are safe and affordable. For more demanding conditions, spiral wound and graphite gaskets provide superior sealing. When pressure or temperature is extreme, go with metallic RTJ gaskets for total security.