The Complete Gasket Material Selection Guide for Breweries, Wineries & Beverage Facilities
Choose the wrong gasket material and you risk product contamination, failed seals, or costly equipment damage. Here's how to select the right material for every application in your facility.
The Five Essential Gasket Materials
Every brewery, winery, distillery, and beverage facility uses gaskets throughout their process equipment. While tri-clamp gaskets are the most common, understanding material properties applies to all gasket types: cam-and-groove, threaded fittings, manway covers, pump seals, and valve seats.
The five materials you'll encounter most often are:
- PTFE (Teflon) - Universal chemical resistance
- Buna-N (Nitrile) - Economical general purpose
- Viton (FKM) - High-temperature and chemical resistance
- Silicone - Food contact and flexibility
- EPDM - Steam and hot water applications
Quick Reference Comparison Table
| Material | Max Temp | Best For | Avoid With | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PTFE | 500°F (260°C) | Acids, solvents, high purity | Strong bases at high temps | $$ |
| Buna-N | 250°F (121°C) | Water, oils, CO₂, general use | Ozone, strong acids, ketones | $ |
| Viton | 400°F (204°C) | High heat, acids, aggressive chemicals | Amines, ketones, hot steam | $$$ |
| Silicone | 450°F (232°C) | Food contact, flexibility, clean-in-place | Steam, strong acids/bases, oils | $$ |
| EPDM | 300°F (149°C) | Steam, hot water, caustics | Oils, solvents, petroleum products | $ |
Material Deep Dive
PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) - The Universal Choice
Common Names: Teflon (brand name), PTFE, white gaskets
(-200°C to 260°C)
Why Breweries Use It: PTFE offers virtually universal chemical resistance and works across the widest temperature range. It's chemically inert, meaning it won't leach compounds into your product or degrade from contact with cleaning chemicals.
Best Applications:
- High-purity applications where contamination is unacceptable
- Any connection exposed to aggressive CIP chemicals
- Hot wort transfers and high-temperature brewing processes
- Connections that see both hot and cold throughout the day
- Long-term installations where you don't want to replace gaskets frequently
Limitations: PTFE has less "grip" than elastomers, so it requires proper clamp tension. Not ideal for vacuum applications or connections subject to vibration.
Shop PTFE Gaskets →Buna-N (Nitrile, NBR) - The Economical Workhorse
Common Names: Buna-N, Nitrile, NBR, Buna, black gaskets
(-40°C to 121°C)
Why Breweries Use It: Buna-N is cost-effective and works well for most cold-side brewing applications. Its elasticity creates excellent seals at lower clamp pressures, and it resists water, CO₂, and mild cleaning solutions.
Best Applications:
- Cold-side brewing: fermenters, brite tanks, serving lines
- Glycol systems and cooling water lines
- CO₂ and compressed air connections
- Low-temperature storage and transfer
- Non-critical connections where frequent replacement is acceptable
Limitations: Not suitable for hot wort, steam, or SIP (sterilize-in-place) applications. Will degrade with repeated exposure to strong caustic cleaners above 140°F (60°C).
Shop Buna-N Gaskets →Viton (FKM, Fluoroelastomer) - High-Performance Durability
Common Names: Viton (brand name), FKM, fluoroelastomer, brown/black gaskets
(-26°C to 204°C)
Why Breweries Use It: Viton offers the best balance of heat resistance, chemical resistance, and elastomer properties. It's the go-to choice when you need a gasket that can handle high temperatures and aggressive chemicals without the cold-flow issues of PTFE.
Best Applications:
- Hot wort and hot liquor tanks
- Pump connections on brew kettles
- High-temperature cleaning and sanitizing systems
- Connections exposed to repeated thermal cycling
- Applications requiring both heat and chemical resistance
Why It Costs More: Viton's fluorine content makes it expensive to produce, but you're paying for superior durability. A Viton gasket will typically last 2-5 times longer than Buna-N in demanding applications, making it cost-effective over time.
Limitations: Not recommended for steam service (use EPDM instead). Limited resistance to ketones and some amines.
Shop Viton Gaskets →Silicone - Clean, Flexible, Food-Safe
Common Names: Silicone, VMQ, food-grade silicone, white/translucent gaskets
(-54°C to 232°C)
Why Breweries Use It: Silicone is valued for its flexibility, wide temperature range, and clean appearance. Its non-stick properties make it easy to remove during cleaning, and it doesn't harbor bacterial growth the way some elastomers can.
Best Applications:
- Food contact surfaces where appearance and cleanliness matter
- Connections that are frequently disassembled for cleaning
- Keg couplers and draft system components
- Sample ports and sight glass connections
- Applications requiring extreme flexibility
Why Wineries Love It: Silicone's resistance to UV degradation and ozone makes it popular in wineries where equipment may be outdoors or in sunlit areas. Its flexibility also accommodates the thermal expansion common in wine production.
Shop Silicone Gaskets →EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) - The Steam Specialist
Common Names: EPDM, ethylene propylene, black gaskets
(-54°C to 149°C)
Why Breweries Use It: EPDM excels in steam and hot water applications where other elastomers fail. It resists swelling and degradation from steam exposure better than any other elastomer, making it essential for SIP (sterilize-in-place) systems.
Best Applications:
- Steam connections and SIP systems
- Hot water supply lines
- Caustic cleaning chemical lines (hot or cold)
- Applications with exposure to brake fluids, glycol, or ketones
- Outdoor applications (excellent UV and ozone resistance)
Critical Limitation: EPDM swells significantly in contact with oils, mineral-based lubricants, and hydrocarbon solvents. Don't use it anywhere near petroleum products.
Note: While EPDM gaskets are less common in tri-clamp applications (breweries typically use PTFE or Viton for hot applications), they're essential for threaded steam fittings, flanges, and specific equipment connections.
Shop EPDM Gaskets →Application-Based Selection Guide
By Brewery Zone
Hot Side (Brewhouse):
- First choice: PTFE - handles the full temperature range and all CIP chemicals
- Alternative: Viton - good for pumps and valves where elasticity helps
- Steam lines: EPDM on threaded fittings
Cold Side (Fermentation & Packaging):
- Budget choice: Buna-N - works well below 180°F
- If using hot CIP: PTFE or Viton
- Sample ports: Silicone for easy removal and cleaning
Cellar Operations:
- Fermenters/Brites: Buna-N (cold only) or PTFE (hot CIP)
- CO₂ lines: Buna-N or PTFE
- Glycol systems: Buna-N or EPDM
CIP System:
- Supply side: PTFE or Viton (hot caustic/acid exposure)
- Return side: Viton excellent for thermal cycling
- Chemical storage connections: PTFE for universal compatibility
By Temperature Range
Cold Applications (<100°F / 38°C):
- Use Buna-N for economy
- Use PTFE if the connection will later see high temps
Medium Heat (100-180°F / 38-82°C):
- Use Buna-N short-term exposure only
- Use Viton for sustained exposure
- Use PTFE if also exposed to aggressive chemicals
High Heat (180-250°F / 82-121°C):
- Use Viton for elastomer properties
- Use PTFE for highest chemical resistance
- Use EPDM for steam applications only
Very High Heat (250°F+ / 121°C+):
- Use PTFE - it's your only practical choice for tri-clamps
- Use EPDM for threaded steam connections up to 300°F
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Using Buna-N gaskets on hot CIP returns
This is the most common gasket failure in breweries. Hot caustic at 160-180°F will degrade Buna-N gaskets rapidly, leading to leaks and contamination risk. Use PTFE or Viton instead.
2. Mixing gasket materials on the same tank
Using different materials on the same vessel can cause confusion during maintenance and increase the chance of installing the wrong gasket. Standardize by zone or temperature range.
3. Reusing old gaskets "one more time"
Gaskets are single-use items in sanitary applications. Reusing a gasket—even one that looks fine—can compromise the seal and introduce contamination. Factor gasket replacement into your operating budget.
4. Over-tightening to compensate for the wrong material
If a gasket won't seal properly, the answer isn't more clamp force—it's the right material. Over-tightening can damage ferrules and make future disassembly difficult.
5. Choosing based solely on price
A $1.50 Buna-N gasket that fails after three months costs more than a $3.50 PTFE gasket that lasts two years. Calculate cost-per-year, not cost-per-gasket.
Gasket Lifecycle and Replacement
When to Replace
Replace gaskets when you observe:
- Compression set: Gasket remains compressed and doesn't spring back when removed
- Surface cracking: Visible cracks or crazing on the sealing surface
- Hardening: Gasket feels rigid or brittle compared to new
- Swelling: Gasket appears puffed or oversized
- Discoloration: Significant color change indicating chemical degradation
- Leak history: Connection has leaked even once
Expected Service Life
Under normal brewery conditions with regular CIP cycles:
- PTFE: 2-5 years depending on temperature cycling
- Viton: 1-3 years in high-heat applications
- Buna-N: 6-18 months in cold-side applications
- Silicone: 1-2 years with frequent disassembly
- EPDM: 2-4 years in steam service
Storage and Handling
Proper storage extends gasket life:
- Store gaskets in a cool, dark location away from direct sunlight
- Keep elastomer gaskets away from electric motors and welding equipment (ozone exposure)
- Don't store gaskets compressed or hanging—lay flat in bins
- Keep gaskets in sealed bags until use to prevent dust contamination
- Use FIFO (first in, first out) rotation—even uninstalled gaskets age
- Separate by size and material to prevent installation errors
Beyond Tri-Clamp: Other Gasket Applications
The same material selection principles apply to other gasket types in your facility:
Manway Gaskets
Large oval or circular gaskets for tank access ports. Most facilities use EPDM for steam-capable tanks and PTFE for high-purity applications. The larger size makes material cost more significant—factor replacement costs when specifying new equipment.
Cam-and-Groove Gaskets
Transfer hose connections typically use Buna-N for cold side and EPDM for hot water/CIP hoses. Consider upgrading to Viton for flexible hoses that see both hot and cold service.
Pump Seals and O-Rings
Centrifugal pump mechanical seals often include Viton or PTFE components. O-rings throughout your equipment follow the same material selection rules as gaskets.
Valve Seats and Seals
Butterfly valves and ball valves contain gaskets and O-rings that must match the process conditions. Steam-capable valves require EPDM seats, while high-purity applications benefit from PTFE.
Sight Glass Gaskets
The gaskets between glass and ferrules typically use silicone or PTFE for clarity and chemical resistance. Replace these any time you service the sight glass—don't reuse them.
Specification Considerations for New Equipment
When purchasing new tanks, pumps, or process equipment, specify gasket materials up front:
- Ask the manufacturer what material comes standard and whether you can upgrade
- Consider your CIP program - if running hot caustic, specify PTFE or Viton throughout
- Think about standardization - can you use one material for the entire vessel?
- Factor replacement costs - PTFE gaskets on a 50-port tank add up over time
- Document your choices - future staff need to know what you specified and why
Quality Considerations
Not all gaskets of the same material are created equal:
FDA Compliance
Verify that gaskets meet FDA requirements for direct food contact (21 CFR regulations). This should be documented by the manufacturer.
Shore Hardness
Elastomer gaskets are available in different durometer (hardness) ratings. Softer gaskets (60-70 Shore A) seal at lower pressures but wear faster. Harder gaskets (75-80 Shore A) require more clamp force but last longer.
Encapsulated vs. Solid PTFE
Some high-end gaskets feature a silicone or Viton core with PTFE facing. These combine the chemical resistance of PTFE with the sealing properties of elastomers—excellent for difficult applications but expensive.
Manufacturing Quality
Look for gaskets with clean, uniform edges and consistent thickness. Poor quality gaskets may have flash, uneven surfaces, or voids that compromise sealing.
Need Help Selecting the Right Gaskets for Your Facility?
GW Kent stocks tri-clamp gaskets in all major materials and sizes. Our technical team can help you select the right material for your specific applications.
Browse All Gasket OptionsFinal Recommendations
If you're looking to simplify your gasket inventory, here's a practical two-material approach that works for most craft breweries:
The Simple System:
- Use PTFE everywhere on the hot side and anywhere that sees temperatures above 180°F or aggressive chemicals
- Use Buna-N everywhere on the cold side below 180°F
- Keep Viton gaskets as spares for specific high-wear applications
- Stock silicone only for sample ports and applications where it provides specific benefits
This gives you excellent coverage while keeping inventory manageable. Yes, you'll pay more than necessary on some cold-side connections with PTFE, but the standardization benefits often outweigh the cost difference.
For facilities with steam systems or other specialized needs, work with your equipment supplier to develop a material specification chart for your entire facility. Document your choices and train all staff on proper material selection.
Summary
Choosing the right gasket material is straightforward once you understand these key principles:
- Temperature drives the initial decision - Know your max operating temperature and select materials rated above it
- Chemical exposure narrows the choices - Match the material to your CIP chemicals and process fluids
- Application specifics determine the final selection - Consider factors like frequency of disassembly, thermal cycling, and required service life
- Standardization reduces errors - Use as few different materials as practical while meeting technical requirements
- Document your decisions - Future staff need to understand your material choices
When in doubt, PTFE works in almost any application. While it costs more up front, its universal compatibility and long service life often make it the most economical choice when you factor in the total cost of ownership.
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PTFE Gaskets Buna-N Gaskets Viton Gaskets Silicone Gaskets EPDM GasketsQuestions about material selection for your specific application? Contact our technical team—we're here to help.