TUF-STEEL gaskets

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I wish to upgrade the gaskets in my CLS.

I have been doing some research. This is what I found for temperature ranges of common gasket types:

Buna (Nitrile) -35 F to 250 F (-37 C to 121 C)
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene) -65 F to 300 F (-54 C to 149 C)
PTFE (Teflon) -250 F to 450 F (-157 C to 232 C)
FKM (Viton) -15 F to 437 F (-26 C to 222 C)
PTFE/ss316 (Tuf-Steel) -325 F to 550 F (-198 C to 288 C)
PTFE/Viton (envelope) -30 F to 400 F (-34 C to 204 C)
PTFE/EPDM (envelope -20 F to 300 F (-28 C to 149 C)

Here are the recommendations for gaskets to be used per chemical:

Alcohols: any type
Butane: Buna-N, Viton or PTFE
Propane: Buna-N or PTFE
Acetone: EPDM or PTFE
Hexane: Buna-N or PTFE
Naptha: Buna-N or PTFE
Dimethyl Ether: Buna-N,
So…obviously PTFE is the gasket material of choice.

I would like to switch out to all PTFE gaskets. I understand that straight PTFE is a PITA to seal, thus the envelope gaskets. Envelope gaskets allow easier sealing, while retaining the chemical resistance of PTFE. I have seen discussions of the two common types, PTFE with a Viton core and PTFE with an EPDM core. What I have not seen is any mention of Tuf-Steel gaskets.

Tuf-Steel are a 50/50 mix of PTFE and 316 stainless. Looking at the temperature profile of these, I would think that they would be a top choice. Has anyone tried these? If so, how easy are they to seal? Do you recommend them, they appear to be around the same price points?

A guide to chemical resistance of sanitary gaskets:

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Pretty sure @Dred_pirate uses these, he may have some insight.

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I only use TUF-STEEL, Ive tried them all but TUF-STEEL holds it shape the longest in my experience, second best was envelope. Keep them clean and use ethanol to help them seal.

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@that445guy is right. I do use them. I do need to get more, they lasted a year with going from sub zero temps (down to - 75/80 at times) to room temp swings. They hold shape well and don’t need replacing very often. Also, they are easily cleaned with alcohol and won’t break down like others.

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How are they when it comes to tightening? Are they more like PTFE, kinda picky, or are they comparable to the envelope style, as in, easier to get a good seal?

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They aren’t nearly as picky. I’m not a huge fan of ptfe

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What your opinion on the Alibaba.com ptfe gaskets?

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Sorry, I don’t have experience with them. Most of the spools and pieces come from China, so the gaskets are probably of comparable quality.

PTFE are a bitch to seal. Better choice is to buy envelope or Tuf-Steel.

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Actually I’m glad this thread popped up, I am considering tuf-steels. Is the longevity of these comparable to the price difference? A 12” tuf-steel is near $150 more at glacier

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Have you guys used the gaskets that wrap around the top so its easier to put on? Any good?

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As best that I can tell, the main advantage of the Tuf-Steel vs. envelope type is that you can determine if gasket material is in your mix, through the use of x-rays. The steel provides a radio-opaque component. Otherwise, their resistance to wear, chemicals and temperature are similar. Similar is not identical, the Tuf-Steel rings are a bit better.

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