The Cooney 12 Days of Christmas: Day 11, Full Face Gaskets

As we count down the days to Christmas, we’ve re-imagined the classic 12 Days of Christmas song! Check back tomorrow, Friday, December 20th for a final verse of our updated song.
The Cooney 12 Days of Christmas
On the eleventh day of Christmas Cooney Brothers sold to me
Eleven Full Face Gaskets
Ten Copper Couplings
Nine Y-Type Strainers
Eight Wash Down Stations
Seven Pressure Gauges
Six Clamp End Fittings
Five Urinals
Four Bronze Ball Valves
Three lengths of pipe
Two RIDGID Wrenches, and
A pump for condensate recovery
Full Face Gaskets vs Raised Face Gaskets
A Full Face Gasket is the same size (same OD) as the flange, therefore covering the entire flange face. This style of gasket is typically used in flat faced flanges and includes pre-made holes that the securing bolts will pass through. This makes alignment easier. By extending the gasket out to be the same size as the flange fills in the gap between bolting surfaces and prevents dirt from entering, however, the joint must be completely dissembled for installation.
When specifying a full-face gasket, be prepared with the following measurements:
- Inner Diameter (I.D.): This is also the size of the pipe bore
- Outer Diameter (O.D.): This is also the Flange O.D.
- Bolt circle diameter: This is the diameter on which all the bolt hole centers are located
- Number of bolt holes
- Gasket thickness
- Bolt hole spacing: Though very unusual, note if the spacing between holes is not consistent
Alternatively, Raised Face Gaskets, also known as ring gaskets, have no need for holes as they are never bolted. This style of gasket, typically used in raised face flanges, sits on top of the raised surface. They are smaller, requiring less material and cutting, and can be installed without dissembling the joint. However, raised face gaskets are more difficult to clamp in place.
When specifying a raised face gasket, be prepared with the following measurements:
- Inner Diameter (I.D.): This is also the size of the pipe bore
- Outer Diameter (O.D.): This is also the Flange O.D.
- Gasket thickness
You will also need to know the material of the gasket required for your application. Within the industries we serve, one of the most common materials for flange gaskets is Non-Asbestos Nitrile Bound, which is resistant to oil and solvents and display good torque retention and excellent creep resistance. APG CAN-750 series of gaskets, green gaskets, are available in raised face or full face styles. Another common gasket material is made from Styrene Butadiene Rubber, red / rust colored, are a cost-effective solution for low pressure applications in heating and plumbing trades.
In addition to flange gaskets, Cooney Brothers is proud to carry hose fitting gaskets, pipe fitting gaskets, sanitary & clamp gaskets, spiral wound gaskets and more. Shop our online gaskets catalog or contact us for more information or a personalized quote.