3 reasons to use union gaskets with filter

In busy production environments within the food or pharmaceutical industries, cleanliness and operational reliability are paramount. Some of the smallest but most critical components in your piping system are the union gaskets. But have you considered how upgrading to union gaskets with screen gaskets could save your company both unplanned downtime and expensive repairs?

In this guide, we take a closer look at how filter glands work as an effective defence against contaminants and why they are a strategic investment in your process optimisation.

A screen gasket – often called a filter gasket – combines the traditional sealing function with an integrated metal mesh. This mesh acts as a barrier. It catches foreign objects such as particles, rubber residues or small metal pieces before they reach pumps and their mechanical seals, valves or heat exchangers. 

When you build new, rebuild or recondition piping systems, there is a natural risk that unwanted particles will be pumped through the system. This often affects lobe pumps, which ensure gentle flow in your production. In addition to the direct costs of a production stoppage, repairing or repurchasing pumps can quickly run into tens of thousands of pounds. By using the right filter gaskets during both installation and maintenance, you can protect your operations against these unforeseen expenses. 

The first major advantage is the direct protection of your critical process equipment. Pumps and heat exchangers are damaged if hard particles circulate in the product flow. With filter gaskets installed close to the equipment, you achieve: 

• Effective barrier: You stop welding residues, metal particles and gasket residues before they penetrate the sensitive parts of the pump. 
• Less wear: Mechanical wear is significantly reduced, extending the service life of your expensive equipment. 
• Lower costs: The need for repairs is reduced, lowering your overall maintenance costs over time. 

Unplanned stoppages are one of the biggest hidden costs in the process industry. When a machine fails due to particles, entire lines can be taken out of operation. By integrating filter gaskets, you get a simple solution without major design changes. 

The filter is easily accessible when the union is opened for cleaning or inspection. This gives you a better opportunity to plan your maintenance rather than reacting to emergency breakdowns. It creates the predictability necessary for efficient production. 

The third key reason for using union gaskets with filters is product quality. In the food and pharmaceutical industries, the requirement for particle-free products and high food safety is non-negotiable. 

Screen gaskets contribute to this by: 

• Trapping foreign objects that could otherwise end up in the finished product and cause complaints or product recalls. 
• Supporting HACCP and other quality management systems by acting as a controllable critical control point in the piping system. 
• Complying with relevant standards and approvals for contact with food and pharmaceuticals, including FDA, USP Class VI and EC 10/2011. 

For the end customer, this means more consistent and reliable quality, while you as a manufacturer strengthen both food safety and your brand. 

Our union gaskets with screens for Clamp, SMS, DIN and Mini Clamp come in different mesh sizes from mesh 20, 40, 100 etc. and comply with FDA, USP Class VI and EC 10/2011. Specifically, for example, “mesh 20” covers 20 threads per inch in both directions. The opening is therefore square, and the higher the mesh value, the smaller the hole size. For example, the smallest size has a 10μm retention, 200 x 1150 threads.

To get the most out of your union gaskets with filters, correct selection and maintenance are important. When the filter collects particles, the pressure drop will increase, and therefore the gaskets must be included in your regular maintenance and cleaning plan. 

When choosing screen gaskets for unions, you should consider the following: 

• Union type: SMS, DIN, Clamp or Mini Clamp. 
• Media and process: Product, water, WFI, CIP or other media. 
• Temperature, chemical exposure and requirements for elastomer materials (e.g. EPDM, FKM/Viton, PTFE and silicone). 
• Krav til godkendelser og dokumentation i fødevare- eller pharmaapplikationer. 

If you are still unsure about how the different filter types, union types and materials affect pressure drop, cleaning and overall operation, please feel free to contact us on +45 7020 0422 or send an email to inquiry@alfotech.eu. We are happy to advise you on material selection, mesh sizes and specific filtration and sealing solutions.