Inflatable Gasket Sizing

Inflatable Gasket Sizing Guide | Tank Lid Gaskets | GW Kent

What Are Inflatable Gaskets?

Inflatable gaskets (also called inflatable seals) are hollow rubber or vinyl gaskets that inflate with air pressure to create a secure, leak-tight seal on tank lids, manways, and pressure vessel hatches. When deflated, the lid opens easily for cleaning and inspection. When inflated, the gasket expands to press firmly against the sealing surface.

🔒 Pressure-Tight Seal

Creates reliable seal for pressurized tanks and fermenters when inflated

⚡ Easy Access

Deflate to open lid without removing clamps or hardware

🔨 Quick Maintenance

Fast opening and closing speeds up cleaning and inspection cycles

💰 Cost Effective

Less expensive than mechanical locking systems for tank access

Inflatable Black Rubber Gasket

Heavy-duty black rubber inflatable gaskets for brewery fermenters, brite tanks, and pressure vessels. Excellent chemical resistance and durability for repeated use.

Inflatable black rubber gasket for brewery tank lids
Item Diameter Fits Tank Lid SKU
60 cm Inflatable Black Rubber Gasket 60 cm 24" 25-060
70 cm Inflatable Black Rubber Gasket 70 cm 27.4" 25-070
75 cm Inflatable Black Rubber Gasket 75 cm 30.3" 25-075
80 cm Inflatable Black Rubber Gasket 80 cm 31" 25-080
85 cm Inflatable Black Rubber Gasket 85 cm 33" 25-085
90 cm Inflatable Black Rubber Gasket 90 cm 36" 25-090
95 cm Inflatable Black Rubber Gasket 95 cm 37" 25-095
100 cm Inflatable Black Rubber Gasket 100 cm 39" 25-100
105 cm Inflatable Black Rubber Gasket 105 cm 41" 25-105
110 cm Inflatable Black Rubber Gasket 110 cm 44" 25-110
120 cm Inflatable Black Rubber Gasket 120 cm 47" 25-120
125 cm Inflatable Black Rubber Gasket 125 cm 49" 25-125
130 cm Inflatable Black Rubber Gasket 130 cm 51" 25-130
140 cm Inflatable Black Rubber Gasket 140 cm 54" 25-140
145 cm Inflatable Black Rubber Gasket 145 cm 57" 25-145
160 cm Inflatable Black Rubber Gasket 160 cm 62" 25-160
170 cm Inflatable Black Rubber Gasket 170 cm 66" 25-170
185 cm Inflatable Black Rubber Gasket 185 cm 71" 25-185
200 cm Inflatable Black Rubber Gasket 200 cm 78" 25-200
210 cm Inflatable Black Rubber Gasket 210 cm 82" 25-210
240 cm Inflatable Black Rubber Gasket 240 cm 94" 25-240

Inflatable Vinyl Gasket

Economical vinyl inflatable gaskets for non-aggressive applications. Lighter weight than rubber, suitable for lower-pressure applications and frequent access lids.

Inflatable vinyl gasket for tank lids and hatche
Item Diameter Fits Tank Lid SKU
35 cm Inflatable Vinyl Gasket 35 cm 14" 288-3
40 cm Inflatable Vinyl Gasket 40 cm 16" 288-1
45 cm Inflatable Vinyl Gasket 45 cm 18" 288-4
50 cm Inflatable Vinyl Gasket 50 cm 20.4" 2880
60 cm Inflatable Vinyl Gasket 60 cm 24" 2881
65 cm Inflatable Vinyl Gasket 65 cm 25" 288-12
70 cm Inflatable Vinyl Gasket 70 cm 27.4" 2882
75 cm Inflatable Vinyl Gasket 75 cm 30.3" 288-2
80 cm Inflatable Vinyl Gasket 80 cm 31" 288-9
85 cm Inflatable Vinyl Gasket 85 cm 33" 288-10
90 cm Inflatable Vinyl Gasket 90 cm 36" 2883
95 cm Inflatable Vinyl Gasket 95 cm 36" 288-11
100 cm Inflatable Vinyl Gasket 100 cm 39" 2884
105 cm Inflatable Vinyl Gasket 105 cm 41" 288-13
110 cm Inflatable Vinyl Gasket 110 cm 44" 2885
125 cm Inflatable Vinyl Gasket 125 cm 49" 2886
130 cm Inflatable Vinyl Gasket 130 cm 51" 2887
140 cm Inflatable Vinyl Gasket 140 cm 54" 2888
160 cm Inflatable Vinyl Gasket 160 cm 62" 2889
170 cm Inflatable Vinyl Gasket 170 cm 66" 288-5
175 cm Inflatable Vinyl Gasket 175 cm 66" 288-6
185 cm Inflatable Vinyl Gasket 185 cm 71" 2889-1
190 cm Inflatable Vinyl Gasket 190 cm 74" 2889-2
200 cm Inflatable Vinyl Gasket 200 cm 78" 2889-3
210 cm Inflatable Vinyl Gasket 210 cm 81" 2889-4

Black Rubber vs. Vinyl: Which Should You Choose?

Black Rubber Gaskets

Best For:

  • Pressurized fermenters and brite tanks
  • Chemical exposure (cleaning solutions)
  • High-temperature applications
  • Long-term durability requirements
  • Heavy-duty commercial use

Characteristics:

  • Excellent chemical resistance
  • Higher durability
  • Better temperature range
  • More expensive
  • Heavier weight

Vinyl Gaskets

Best For:

  • Low-pressure applications
  • Frequent access lids
  • Budget-conscious operations
  • Smaller vessels and tanks
  • Homebrew and pilot systems

Characteristics:

  • Economical option
  • Lighter weight
  • Adequate for most brewing applications
  • Lower chemical resistance
  • Shorter lifespan than rubber

How to Measure for Inflatable Gaskets

1

Measure Tank Lid Diameter

Measure the outer diameter of your tank lid or manway opening in inches or centimeters.

2

Match to "Fits Tank Lid" Column

Find your measurement in the "Fits Tank Lid" column of the appropriate table (rubber or vinyl).

3

Note the Gasket Diameter

The corresponding gasket diameter (in cm) is the size you need to order.

4

Verify Groove Dimensions

Ensure your lid has an appropriate groove or channel to accommodate the inflatable gasket.

Installation & Maintenance Tips

Installation

  • Clean the groove - Remove any debris, old gasket material, or residue before installing new gasket
  • Seat properly - Ensure gasket is fully seated in the groove around the entire circumference
  • Check inflation valve - Verify valve is accessible and properly oriented before closing lid
  • Test inflation - Inflate gasket before pressurizing tank to verify it seals correctly
  • Use appropriate pressure - Don't over-inflate. Typically 5-15 PSI is sufficient for sealing

Maintenance

  • Deflate before opening - Always fully deflate gasket before attempting to open tank lid
  • Inspect regularly - Check for cracks, tears, or wear. Replace damaged gaskets immediately
  • Clean after use - Wipe gasket with mild cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals on vinyl gaskets
  • Protect from UV - Store tanks indoors or cover outdoor vessels to prevent UV degradation
  • Keep spare gaskets - Stock common sizes to avoid production delays from gasket failure
  • Check valve function - Test inflation valve periodically to ensure it holds pressure

Common Issues & Solutions

⚠ Gasket Won't Hold Air

Causes: Puncture, tear, or damaged valve

Solution: Submerge inflated gasket in water to locate leak. Small punctures can sometimes be patched, but replacement is usually more reliable.

⚠ Lid Still Leaks When Inflated

Causes: Under-inflation, debris in groove, damaged sealing surface

Solution: Increase inflation pressure slightly. Clean groove thoroughly. Inspect lid sealing surface for damage.

⚠ Gasket Difficult to Remove

Causes: Not fully deflated, stuck to groove

Solution: Ensure complete deflation. Use small amount of food-grade lubricant if gasket is stuck. Don't force removal.

⚠ Gasket Degrading Quickly

Causes: Chemical exposure, UV damage, over-inflation

Solution: Switch to black rubber for chemical resistance. Protect from sunlight. Use proper inflation pressure.

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