ASTM F2378-05(2023)

Standard Test Method for Sealability of Sheet, Composite, and Solid Form-in-Place Gasket Materials

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method is designed to compare sealing characteristics of gasket materials under controlled conditions by providing a precise measure of leakage rate at different press loads up to 32 MPa (4640 psi).  
5.2 This test method is suitable for measuring leakage rates from 0.1 mL/min to as high as 5 L/min for gases.  
5.3 This test method evaluates leak rates after time periods (typically 30 min) that result in a steady state leakage rate condition. Holding gasket materials under load and internal fluid pressure until steady state is achieved is required to obtain reproducible results.  
5.4 If the fluid being used in the test causes changes, such as swelling, in the gasket material, it may affect results and diminish repeatability.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers a means of evaluating the sealing properties of sheet, composite, and solid form-in-place gasket materials (see Classification F104 or F868) at room temperature, and may be used for fluid (gas or liquid) leak rate measurements. It utilizes relatively short hold times and is not intended to predict long-term performance in application.  
1.2 This test method is suitable for evaluating the sealing characteristics of a gasket material under different press loads by measuring the leakage rate. This test method may be used as an acceptance test when the producer and user have agreed to specific test conditions for the following parameters: (1) test medium, (2) internal pressure of the medium, (3) press load on the gasket specimen, and (4) the surface finish of the platens.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Mar-2023
• ICS: 21.140 - Seals, glands
• Technical Committee: F03 - Gaskets
• Drafting Committee: F03.10 - Composite Gaskets

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F2378 − 05 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Test Method for
Sealability of Sheet, Composite, and Solid Form-in-Place
1
Gasket Materials
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2378; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope motive Applications
F104 Classification System for Nonmetallic Gasket Materi-
1.1 This test method covers a means of evaluating the
als
sealing properties of sheet, composite, and solid form-in-place
F868 Classification for Laminated Composite Gasket Mate-
gasket materials (see Classification F104 or F868) at room
rials
temperature, and may be used for fluid (gas or liquid) leak rate
3
2.2 ANSI Standard:
measurements. It utilizes relatively short hold times and is not
B57.1 Compressed Gas Cylinder Valve Outlet and Inlet
intended to predict long-term performance in application.
Connections
1.2 This test method is suitable for evaluating the sealing
characteristics of a gasket material under different press loads
3. Terminology
by measuring the leakage rate. This test method may be used as
3.1 Definitions:
an acceptance test when the producer and user have agreed to
3.1.1 press load—the load applied by the hydraulic press to
specific test conditions for the following parameters: (1) test
the test assembly divided by the gasket area. The press load is
medium, (2) internal pressure of the medium, (3) press load on
not compensated for as the internal pressure is increased, so the
the gasket specimen, and (4) the surface finish of the platens.
gasket stress is reduced for the test conditions.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
3.1.2 solid form-in-place gasket—a solid length of gasket-
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
ing material generally in a ribbon or rope form that can be laid
only.
out on the platen surface and overlapped at the ends to form a
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
continuous sealing surface.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4. Summary of Test Method
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
4.1 This test method utilizes a test specimen compressed in
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
increasing stages between the surfaces of two flat steel platens.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
After the specified press load is applied, fluid (typically
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
nitrogen) is introduced into the center of the annular gasket
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
compressed between platens, and a pressure of 4 MPa (580 psi)
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
is applied. The fluid leak rate is measured. The fluid pressure is
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
relieved and the press load is increased to the next level. The
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
fluid pressure is reapplied and the leak rate measured again.
The cycle is repeated 5 times until a final press load of 32 MPa
2. Referenced Documents
(4640 psi) is achieved. Other press loads, internal pressures,
2
2.1 ASTM Standards: pressurizing fluids, and number of cycles can be used as agreed
D2000 Classification System for Rubber Products in Auto- upon between the producer and the user. All variations from the
standard requirements must be reported with the test results.
4.1.1 The fluid leak rate is measured by mass flow meters
1
located downstream from the gasket test fixture. Other means
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F03 on Gaskets
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F03.10 on Composite Gaskets.
of leak measurement also may be used and would depend upon
Current edition approved April 1, 2023. Published April 2023. Originally
the test fluid, the leak rate, and the accuracy required as agreed
approved in 2005. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as F2378 – 05 (2016).
upon between the producer and the user.
DOI: 10.1520/F2378-05R23.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
3
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
the ASTM website. 4th Flo
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