Estimating Elevated Temperature Gasket Performance with ATRS Tests

Typical results of Aged Tensile Relaxation tests (named ATRS) and FIRe Simulation (FIRS) tests are discussed in terms of gasket quality, suggested performance criteria and a correspondence between thermal aging and damage to elastomer bound sheet gaskets that holds to 1200°F. ATRS fixture development, and recent extensions of ATRS applications to higher temperatures and to composite gaskets are noted. The relationship of ATRS test results to hot tightness tests (HOTT and AHOT) is also examined in the context of a suggested scheme for estimating long term sheet gasket performance.