Question: What is the difference between a gasket and a seal?
Answer:
A gasket and a seal are both used to prevent leaks in machinery or equipment, but there are some differences between them.
A gasket is a mechanical seal that fills the space between two or more mating surfaces. It is usually made of a compressible material such as rubber, cork, or silicone and is designed to provide a tight seal when compressed between the surfaces. Gaskets are typically used in static applications, meaning that they do not move or rotate.
A seal, on the other hand, is a device that prevents the passage of a fluid or gas between two moving or stationary parts. Seals can be either dynamic or static, meaning that they can be used in applications where one or both parts are in motion. They can be made of a variety of materials, including rubber, plastic, metal, or a combination of materials, and can take many different forms, including o-rings, lip seals, and mechanical seals.
In summary, the main difference between a gasket and a seal is that a gasket is a static mechanical seal used to fill the space between two mating surfaces, while a seal is a device used to prevent the passage of fluid or gas between two moving or stationary parts.