ASTM F37-06(2013)
(Test Method)Standard Test Methods for Sealability of Gasket Materials
Standard Test Methods for Sealability of Gasket Materials
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 These test methods are designed to compare gasket materials under controlled conditions and to provide a precise measure of leakage rate.
4.2 These test methods are suitable for measuring leakage rates as high as 6 L/h and as low as 0.3 mL/h. In many cases, “zero” leakage may not be attainable.
4.3 These test methods evaluate leakage rates after time periods that are typically 5 to 30 min under load. Holding a gasket material under load for extended time periods may give different results.
4.4 If the fluid being used in the test causes changes, such as swelling, in the gasket material, then unpredictable results may be obtained.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods provide a means of evaluating the sealing properties of sheet and solid form-in-place gasket materials at room temperature. Test Method A is restricted to liquid leakage measurements, whereas Test Method B may be used for both liquid and gas leakage measurements.
1.2 These test methods are suitable for evaluating the sealing characteristics of a gasket material under different compressive flange loads. The test method may be used as an acceptance test when the producer and user have agreed to specific test conditions for the following parameters: test medium, internal pressure on medium, and flange load on gasket specimens.
1.3 These test methods use a small-diameter narrow-width gasket as the test specimen under relatively low gasket loads and relatively low pressures. Test Method F2378 is another sealability test method that uses a larger gasket specimen and higher internal pressures and flange loads.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values in parentheses are for information only.
1.5 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. (For specific hazard or warning statements, or both, see 5.2.11, Section 6, 6.3, 8.2.4, 11.3.2, and 11.4.2.)
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Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
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Designation: F37 − 06 (Reapproved 2013)
Standard Test Methods for
Sealability of Gasket Materials
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F37; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of original
adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript
epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope D2000 Classification System for Rubber Products in Auto-
motive Applications
1.1 These test methods provide a means of evaluating the
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
sealing properties of sheet and solid form-in-place gasket
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
materials at room temperature. Test Method A is restricted to
F38 Test Methods for Creep Relaxation of a Gasket Material
liquid leakage measurements, whereas Test Method B may be
F104 Classification System for Nonmetallic Gasket Materi-
used for both liquid and gas leakage measurements.
als
1.2 These test methods are suitable for evaluating the
F2378 Test Method for Sealability of Sheet, Composite, and
sealing characteristics of a gasket material under different
Solid Form-in-Place Gasket Materials
compressive flange loads. The test method may be used as an
2.2 ANSI Standard:
acceptance test when the producer and user have agreed to
B57.1 Compressed Gas Cylinder Valve Outlet and Inlet
specific test conditions for the following parameters: test
Connections
medium, internal pressure on medium, and flange load on
gasket specimens. 2.3 ASTM Adjuncts:
Leakage Test Fixtures
1.3 These test methods use a small-diameter narrow-width
gasket as the test specimen under relatively low gasket loads
3. Summary of Test Methods
and relatively low pressures. Test Method F2378 is another
sealability test method that uses a larger gasket specimen and
3.1 Both test methods utilize a test specimen compressed
higher internal pressures and flange loads.
betweenthesurfacesoftwosmoothsteelflangefaces.Afterthe
specified flange load is applied, the test medium is introduced
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
into the center of the annular gasket compressed between the
standard. The values in parentheses are for information only.
flangesandthespecifiedpressureisappliedtothemedium.For
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
liquid sealability tests (Test MethodsAand B), Reference Fuel
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
A (see Test Method D471, Motor Fuel Section of Annex) is
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
recommended and the leakage rate is measured by a change in
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
the level of a sight-glass located in the line upstream from the
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.(Forspecifichazard
gasket testing fixture. Nitrogen is the recommended gas for the
orwarningstatements,orboth,see5.2.11,Section6,6.3,8.2.4,
gas sealability test (Test Method B) and the leakage rate is
11.3.2, and 11.4.2.)
measured by a change in the level of a water manometer
located in the line upstream from the gasket testing fixture.
2. Referenced Documents
3.1.1 Test MethodAuses a test fixture (Fig. 1) by which an
2.1 ASTM Standards:
external load is transferred into the fixture to produce a
D471 Test Method for Rubber Property—Effect of Liquids
compressive force on the gasket specimen.
3.1.2 Test Method B uses a test fixture (Fig. 2 and Fig. 3)in
which the flanges are held within a four-bolt cage that permits
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F03 on
loading the flanges at various force levels. The flange load is
Gaskets and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F03.10 on Composite
measured by a transducer held within the cage.
Gaskets.
Current edition approved May 1, 2013. Published May 2013. Originally
approved in 1962. Last previous edition approved in 2006 as F37 – 06. DOI:
10.1520/F0037-06R13.
2 3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Available from American National Standards Institute, 11 W. 42nd St., 13th
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Floor, New York, NY 10036.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from ASTM International Headquarters. Order Adjunct No.
the ASTM website. ADJF0037. Original adjunct produced in 1962.
Copyright ©ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA19428-2959. United States
F37 − 06 (2013)
FIG. 1 Test Assembly for Determining Sealability of Gasket Materials by Liquid Leakage Measurements—Test Method A
FIG. 2 Test Assembly for Determining Sealability of Gasket Materials by Liquid Leakage Measurements—Test Method B
3.2 Resultsofthe sealability tests are expressed asaleakage 4.2 These test methods are suitable for measuring leakage
rate in millilitres per hour for the test specimen under the
rates as high as 6 L/h and as low as 0.3 mL/h. In many cases,
specific conditions of the test.
“zero” leakage may not be attainable.
4. Significance and Use 4.3 These test methods evaluate leakage rates after time
periods that are typically 5 to 30 min under load. Holding a
4.1 These test methods are designed to compare gasket
gasket material under load for extended time periods may give
materials under controlled conditions and to provide a precise
different results.
measure of leakage rate.
F37 − 06 (2013)
FIG. 3 Test Assembly for Determining Sealability of Gasket Materials by Gas Leakage Measurements—Test Method B
4.4 Ifthefluidbeing used in the test causes changes,suchas 5.2.1 Nitrogen Supply Cylinder and Pressure Regulator—A
swelling, in the gasket material, then unpredictable results may
cylinder of dry nitrogen with a suitable regulator to control the
be obtained.
outlet pressure.
5.2.2 Pressure Gauge,suitableformeasuring 690-kPa(100-
5. Apparatus
psig) pressure precisely.A114-mm (4.5-in.) diameter Bourdon-
5.1 Test Method A:
type gauge with scale calibrated in 3.4-kPa (0.5-psig) gradua-
5.1.1 Compressed Air Supply and Regulator—A source of 5,6
tions is recommended.
compressed air with a suitable regulator to control the pressure
5.2.3 Test Fixture Cage, consisting of top and bottom
at a point between 0 and 101.4 kPa (14.7 psi).
platens and four threaded studs with nuts, in accordance with
5.1.2 Manometer or Pressure Gauge—A 101.4-kPa (14.7-
6,7
Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. Orient the fixture cage base horizontally
psi) manometer or suitable pressure gauge to read the pressure
and use a bubble level on the cage top platen to improve
to the nearest 0.67 kPa (0.1 psi).
alignment of the top and bottom platen during compression of
5.1.3 Buret, 10-mL capacity, graduated in 0.05 mL, with a
the gasket.
connection at each end for flexible hose.
5.1.4 Leakage Test Fixture, including a suitable dial indica-
5.2.4 Test Fixture Flanges, an upper and a lower, that
tor graduated in 0.025 mm (0.001 in.) and mounted as shown
support the gasket being tested.The surface finish shall be 0.41
in Fig. 1. (See 2.3.)
to 0.82 µm (16 to 32 µin.) Ra.
5.1.5 Petcock, inserted in the upper flange to bleed air from
5.2.5 Load Transducer Assembly, consisting of a calibrated
the fixture.
load transducer, the diameter of which is dependent upon the
5.1.6 Hose, flexible, suitable to withstand the pressure and
load range desired (Note 1); an indicator rod that projects up
liquid specified for the test being run. Piping the system with
rigidcopperorstainlesssteeltubingmayresultinlessvariation
during testing.
Thesolesourceofsupplyoftheapparatus(1900Series,200psipressurerange)
5.1.7 Loading Device—A suitable means of applying an
known to the committee at this time is U.S. Gauge Division, PO Box 152,
accurate external load to the leakage test fixture and of
Sellersville, PA 18960.
maintaining the load within 61.0 %. Loading shall range from
If you are aware of alternative suppliers, please provide this information to
a minimum of 862 kPa (125 psi) to a maximum of 27.6 MPa ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consider-
ation at a meeting of the responsible technical committee, which you may attend.
(4000 psi).
The sole source of supply of the apparatus known to the committee at this time
5.2 Test Method B: is Metal Samples Co., Inc., Route 1, PO Box 152, Munford, AL 36268.
F37 − 06 (2013)
6,8
the center of the transducer; a self-aligning ball bushing that 5.2.12 Prepare some type of holding fixture to hold the
fits on the load transducer; and a precision dial indicator (50 bottom platen of the test fixture cage when the nuts at the top
mm (2 in.) in diameter and a total range of 0.152 mm (0.006 are tightened.
6,9
in.), with scale divisions of 0.013 mm (0.0005 in.)) for
6. Hazards
measuring the deflection of the transducer.
6.1 Normal safety practices required for operating pressure
NOTE 1—Load transducers of various sizes will provide different load
equipment shall be observed by the personnel conducting the
ranges. A transducer with a shaft diameter of 8.10 mm (0.319 in.) will
deflect 0.025 mm/4.45 kN (0.001 in./1000 lbf). A transducer with a shaft tests.
diameter of 11.0 mm (0.433 in.) will deflect 0.025 mm/8.90 kN
6.2 A suitably mounted, transparent safety shield shall be
(0.001 in.⁄2000 lbf). A deflection of 0.076 mm (0.003 in.) should not be
usedasabarrierbetweentheoperatorandthepressurizedglass
exceeded, or damage to the test fixture may result.
tubing.
5.2.6 Steel Buffer Disk—Thisdiskofannealedsteelprevents
the hardened-steel transducer from damaging the top of the 6.3 All components of the system must be designed to
safely accommodate a maximum working pressure of
flange.
1.03 MPa (150 psig), in order to satisfy the requirements of the
5.2.7 Adapter Collet—The adapter collet is used to attach
user and ensure the safety of the operator. (Warning—The
the dial indicator to the threaded end of the load transducer.
maximum force that can be safely applied to the equipment is
When attached properly, the indicating member on the load
44.48 kN (10 000 lb).)
transducer contacts the actuating button on the dial indicator.
6.4 Care shall be exercised to ensure proper support of
NOTE 2—Depending on the exact equipment used, sometimes the
adapter collet used in Test Methods F38, Test Method B, can be used with nitrogen gas cylinders and pressure regulators used for oper-
this fixture.
ating pressure control in accordance with ANSI Standard
B57.1. Full details are also included in the Handbook of
5.2.8 Manometer—A standard Meriam-type 101.4-kPa
Compressed Gases.
(14.7-psi) manometer suitable for use with water and suitable
for 2.07-MPa (300-psig) pressure.The scale shall be calibrated
7. Test Specimens
with 1.0-mm (0.04-in.) graduations.
5.2.9 Sight Glass and Reservoir—The liquid testing proce- 7.1 Preparation of Test Specimens for Test Method A:
7.1.1 When sheet gasket material (see Classification F104)
durerequiresaliquidreservoirthatmaybeanymetalcontainer
3 3
of approximately 1500-cm (100-in. ) capacity that can be is to be tested, test specimens shall be die-cut so that the edges
are flat, clean, and free of burrs. If necessary the test specimens
piped into the system and conveniently filled. A sight-glass
made from 2.07-MPa (300-psig) boiler-gauge glass tubing is shall be flattened to remove any rollover of the specimen edges
generated during die cutting. The size shall be 32.26 to 32.31
usedforobservingthefluidlevel.Apieceof16-mm(0.625-in.)
outside diameter glass tubing approximately 280- mm (11-in.) mm (1.270 to 1.272 in.) in inside diameter and 44.20 to 44.32
mm (1.740 to 1.745 in.) in outside diameter. The thickness
long has proven satisfactory. This glass gauge shall be as-
shall be approximately 0.76 mm (0.030 in.) unless otherwise
sembled with appropriate fittings and a stand. The scale used
agreed upon between the producer and user. The assumed
with the gauge shall be calibrated with 1.0-mm (0.04-in.)
2 2
average area of this test specimen is 719.35 mm (1.115 in. ).
graduations. If desired, the manometer described in 5.2.8 can
7.1.2 For reporting purposes, measure the thickness of the
be used as a sight-glass (see 9.2).
gasket test specimens with a micrometer in accordance with
5.2.10 Tubing, Fittings, and Valves—Suitable high-pressure
Classification F104.
flexible tubing and either flare or compression adapter fittings
7.1.3 The test specimens shall be inspected and rejected for
may be used. Piping the system with rigid copper or stainless
surface irregularities, such as scratches, tears, and clumps of
steel tubing may result in less variation during testing. Small
fibers.
hand valves shall be used where indicated. The tubing con-
necting the manometer or sight-glass to the test fixture shall be
7.2 Preparation of Test Specimens for Test Method B:
of small bore to reduce the internal volume. Capillary tubing
7.2.1 Sheet Gasket Material (see Classification F104):
with a 1.6-mm (0.0625-in.) inside diameter is suggested.
7.2.1.1 Test specimens shall be die-cut so that the edges are
5.2.11 Laboratory Stress-Strain Equipment—Suitable ten-
flat, clean, and free of burrs. If necessary the test specimens
sion equipment with calibrated load cell to produce and
shall be flattened to remove any rollover of the specimen edges
measure a force required for a given deflection of the trans-
generated during die cutting. They shall be of circular con-
ducer tube. The tension equipment shall have an accuracy of
struction having concentric inside and outside diameters such
65 % of the load value read. (Warning—The maximum force
that they fit the sealability test cell. The thickness shall be
that can be safely applied to the equipment is 44.48 kN (10 000
approximately 0.76 mm (0.030 in.) unless otherwise agreed
lb).)
upon between the producer and user.
7.2.1.2 For reporting purposes, measure the thickness of the
gasket specimens with a micrometer in accordance with
Classification F104.
The sole source of supply of the apparatus (Model 6SF10) known to the
committee at this time is The Timken Company (Torrington Company), 1835
Dueber Ave. SW, Canton, OH 44706-0932.
9 10
Thesolesourceofsupplyoftheapparatus(No.25209)knowntothecommittee Available from the Compressed Gas Association, Inc., 500 Fifth Ave., New
at this time is The L.S. Starrett Company, Athol, MA. York, NY 10110.
F37 − 06 (2013)
7.2.2 Types 4 and 5 Form-In-Place Gasket Material
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