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To:
Subject: Reuse of Ring Gasket

Question:

Some people say that an octagonal ring gasket cannot be used again after dismantling flanges, but oval ring gaskets can be reused in the same situation, Please comment?

Answer:

No previously used API ring gasket of any type will provide a second time seal suitable for unattended field service. Some persons will reuse gaskets for shop test purposes believing that money saved will exceed the cost of occasionally having to break and remake the connection.

Field expense and risk so greatly exceeds shop expense and risk that it always pays to use new gaskets in the field (even new gaskets handled roughly will sometimes fail to hold on first use, see Ring Gasket Handling and Inspection Before Assembly). For an explanation of ring gasket sealing, see Field Appraisal of Ring Grooves. For more about ring gasket reuse, click here.

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