Customers looking for a stainless steel IBC lid gasket often want solid protection for their products in stainless steel IBC tanks. The choice you make in getting the right (or wrong) gasket can impact the safety of your product. This is why you must take special consideration in choosing and installing your IBC gaskets.

Usually customers make certain inquiries such as:

• What does the gasket do?
• What are the gasket material types available?
• What is the best option for my product?
• And where can I get them?

Luckily, there are answers to all of these questions.

About the Gaskets

The lid gaskets protect the content in your stainless steel IBC tote tank. Tank lid gaskets are made in a variety of materials that match the specific chemical compatibility of the contents inside the IBC. Customers can check the elastomer chemical compatibility chart for further information.

The lid gasket for stainless steel IBCs is made to fit around a IBC tank's neck ring. After the gasket is in place, a 22-1/2 inch diameter lid is placed on top. A plated steel clamp ring is fitted and tightly pulled with a nut and bolt. The gasket seals the lid of the tank making it leak free for safe transfer.

There are several types of gaskets (White and black EPDM, Teflon, Viton, Santoprene, etc) with each having different product compatibilities.

Black EPDM

The black EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) is the most common material for lid gaskets. EPDM is a rubber that can keep its integrity when used with many products. They are reliable, able to be used repeatedly, and are inexpensive enough to be replaced as often as necessary. EPDM gaskets are chemically compatible with numerous products making them the first option for a stainless steel IBC tank.

White EPDM

Made as the same material as black EPDM, white EPDM is a common gasket material that is compatible with many products. Because the material is graded safe by the FDA, the white EPDM gasket is commonly used in the food industry.

Teflon

As a gasket material, Teflon is compatible with the most chemicals. However, its hard nature does not allow it to seal well enough to be used as the lid gasket on stainless steel IBC tanks. The alternative to Teflon is a Teflon-coated EPDM. The EPDM core is dipped in and coated with Teflon. The resulting gasket has a combination of Teflon's properties on the outside and the inner sealing abilities of EPDM.

Other gasket types for IBCs include Santoprene and solid Viton.

Lid Gasket Installation

After the proper gasket is selected based on its compatibility, it must be placed on the neck ring properly. The following considerations should be taken for a good seal:

• The gasket and clamp ring should be installed so that the placement of the gasket doesn't exert excessive pressure on the joint.
• The gasket seam should be held between both hands while the gasket is extended over the main body.
• Pull the gasket around the sides until the gasket is fitted snug on the neck ring.
• This video shows the proper installation of the lid gasket.

Metano has a variety of gaskets for your selection. To learn more about IBC parts and accessories, visit www.metanoUSA.com, shoot us an email or feel free to call us at (800) 634 4128.