Industrial inflatable gaskets: design, operation and customized sealing solutions

Industrial inflatable gaskets: design, operation and custom sealing solutions

Inflatable gaskets are a sealing solution designed for applications where a conventional gasket cannot maintain a permanent, effective seal. Also known as inflatable gaskets, pneumatic gaskets, or inflatable seals, they generate sealing contact only when needed through the controlled application of pressure inside a hollow elastomeric profile.

Axial Expansion Inflatable Gasket: In axial expansion, the profile primarily increases in height relative to the housing. The gasket advances forward until it contacts the second surface. This configuration is common in lids, doors, gates, manholes, tanks, and other systems where two surfaces face each other.

External Radial Expansion Inflatable Gasket: In this design, the profile increases in diameter outward. This can be suitable when the gasket is installed on an internal geometry and must exert pressure against the outer wall of a housing.

Internal Radial Expansion Inflatable Gasket: The deformation occurs primarily inward. This configuration allows for sealing around elements such as pipes, ducts, shafts, or cylindrical geometries.

The direction of expansion must be analyzed from the beginning of the project because it conditions both the selection of the profile and the design of the groove and the radii of curvature.