ePTFE tapes

ePTFE tape, also known as expanded PTFE tape, is a versatile sealing material made from 100% PTFE that has been processed into a micro-porous, fibrous structure. It's commonly used as a form-in-place gasket material, especially in flange connections, due to its excellent sealing properties, chemical resistance, and ability to conform to uneven surfaces.

What is ePTFE?

ePTFE stands for expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, a form of PTFE (Teflon) that has been expanded to create a porous, flexible material. This expansion process gives ePTFE unique properties like high compressibility, flexibility, and chemical resistance.

What makes it multi-directional?

Traditional PTFE tapes often have a grain or fiber direction, meaning they are stronger and more flexible in one direction than another. Multi-directional ePTFE tapes are engineered to have a more uniform fiber structure, providing strength and flexibility in both the longitudinal and cross directions.
This is achieved through specialized manufacturing processes that create a more isotropic material.

Key Properties and Benefits:

• Conformability :

  The multi-directional structure allows the tape to easily conform to uneven or damaged sealing surfaces.

• Creep Resistance:

  Improved resistance to creep (deformation under load) compared to some other PTFE materials.

• Low Stress Sealing:

  Effective sealing at low bolt loads, which is important for sensitive or fragile applications.

• Chemical Resistance:

  Excellent resistance to a wide range of chemicals, making it suitable for various industries.

• Temperature and Pressure Range:

  Can handle a wide range of temperatures and pressures, depending on the specific product.

• FDA Compliance:

  Some multi-directional ePTFE tapes are FDA compliant, making them suitable for use in food and pharmaceutical applications.

• Easy Installation:

  Often self-adhesive on one side for easy application.

Common Applications:

• Flange Gaskets:

  Used on metallic, glass-lined, and other types of flanges in pipelines and apparatus.

• Heat Exchangers:

  Suitable for sealing heat exchanger flanges and other components.

• Pressure Vessels:

  Used in pressure vessels where a reliable seal is critical.

• Irregular Surfaces:

  Ideal for sealing areas with surface irregularities or damage.

• Stress-Sensitive Joints:

  Effective in applications where low bolt loads are required.

• Manhole and Inspection Hole Connections:

  Certain tapes are designed specifically for these applications.

Mono axial ePTFE tapes,* often used as joint sealants, are a type of expanded PTFE (ePTFE) tape that expands primarily in one direction (laterally) when compressed. This expansion characteristic, typically 200-300% of the original width, makes them highly conformable and easy to install on various flange types, including those with complex geometries. They are well-suited for applications where ease of installation and adaptability are crucial.

Key Characteristics and Applications:

• Monoaxial Expansion:

  The tape expands mainly in width when compressed, requiring careful consideration during installation to ensure proper fit.

• Conformability:

  Their flexibility allows them to easily adapt to uneven surfaces and complex flange geometries.

• Ease of Installation:

  Monoaxial ePTFE tapes are generally easy to install, often with a self-adhesive backing.

• Wide Temperature and Chemical Resistance:

  They are suitable for a wide range of static applications in various industries due to their thermal and chemical resistance.

• Typical Applications:

  Common uses include sealing flanges, pump housings, compressors, heat exchangers, and more.

Key Properties and Characteristics:

• Form-in-place gasket:

  ePTFE tape is designed to be easily installed on-site, conforming to the shape of the sealing surface.

• Chemical resistance:

  It is highly resistant to a wide range of chemicals, making it suitable for various industrial applications.

• Temperature resistance:

  ePTFE tapes can withstand a wide range of temperatures, from cryogenic to high temperatures, depending on the specific product.

• Flexibility and conformability:

  The expanded PTFE structure provides flexibility and compressibility, allowing it to seal even on uneven or damaged surfaces.

• Adhesive backing:

  Many ePTFE tapes come with a self-adhesive backing, simplifying installation and ensuring proper placement.

• Longevity:

  ePTFE is a durable material that does not age and has excellent UV resistance, offering long-term sealing performance.

Common Applications:

• Flanged pipe connections:

  ePTFE tapes are widely used to seal flanges in various industries, including chemical processing, oil and gas, and power generation.

• Man-way hatches and reactor lids:

  The tape's ability to conform to irregular surfaces makes it ideal for sealing these types of openings.

• Aerospace industry:

  ePTFE tapes are used in aerospace applications due to their lightweight nature and ability to withstand demanding conditions.