Expanded graphite is a premier material for sealing solutions in demanding industrial environments.
Its inherent versatility and exceptional sealing capabilities make it ideal for applications for various
industrial sectors, including Oil & Gas, Chemical, Petrochemical, Power, and Steam supply industries.
What Is Expanded Mineral Graphite?
Expanded mineral graphite is a material derived from natural graphite, subjected to specialized
refining and thermal treatments that transform its grains into flakes, increasing their volume. The
flakes are then calendered into foil without a binder to produce expanded graphite sheets and
tapes, which are widely used in the manufacture of industrial seals capable of withstanding critical
operating conditions.
Expanded graphite exhibits chemical inertness, resisting most media within a pH range of 0-14,
excluding strong oxidizers. This characteristic, coupled with its high thermal resistance, makes it
suitable for a wide range of operational conditions, including cryogenic temperatures.
Properties and Advantages of Expanded Graphite
Seals made from expanded mineral graphite offer several advantages over other sealing materials:
• High-temperature resistance – It can operate in a temperature range from -200°C up to over
450°C in a moderately oxidizing environment and up to 650°C in non-oxidizing environments.
• Excellent chemical resistance – Expanded graphite is inert to most chemicals, with exceptions
for strongly oxidizing fluids.
• High compressibility and elastic recovery – Ensure a perfect seal even under fluctuating
pressure and temperature conditions.
• Low gas permeability – Essential for applications requiring maximum sealing performance,
such as high-pressure systems.
• Non-sensible to aging - It maintains its physical and chemical properties over long periods,
even in harsh operating conditions. This makes it an exceptionally durable material for
industrial applications.
Applications of Expanded Graphite in Industrial Sealings
Due to its unique characteristics, expanded mineral graphite is used in various industrial sectors,
including:
• Industrial Fields – For sealing in valves, heat exchangers, and piping connections.
• Thermal and nuclear power plants – Where resistance to high temperatures and pressure
is crucial.
• Automotive industry – Used in engine and turbine gaskets.
Carrara S.p.A.'s Expanded Graphite Products
Carrara S.p.A. offers a wide range of expanded graphite solutions for various industrial needs:
• VALVOGRAPH ™ for Industrial Valve Seals
Die-formed graphite braided packings rings and die-formed flexible graphite rings for stem,
bonnet and seat seals of industrial valves.
• PLANISTEEL ™ Semi-Metallic Gaskets
Spiral-wound and serrated gaskets for flange seals across the entire pressure range of piping
systems.
• PLANIGRAPH ™
Graphite gasketing sheets – Used for manufacturing custom flange gaskets, ensuring high
sealing performance.
• BRAIDED COMPRESSION PACKINGS
Graphite braided packings – Designed for sealing valves and pumps under severe conditions
of temperature and pressure.