What Are CNAF Gaskets? What Are They Used For?

 

CNAF stands for Compressed Non-Asbestos Fiber. CNAF gaskets are made of compressed non-asbestos fiber to seal flanges and joints in a wide range of industries in Dubai, UAE.

Initially, asbestos gaskets were used in most industries, including ships, boilers, refineries, and engines. However, asbestos is linked with many health concerns such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, larynx cancer, ovary cancer, and asbestosis i.e. lung fibrosis. Hence, the use of asbestos got banned in the UAE in 2006. The use of asbestos was banned in various other countries as well.

As a result, gasket manufacturers had to find new alternatives to asbestos for gasket manufacturing. The latest solution and alternative to asbestos gaskets that has become extremely popular in Dubai is a compressed non-asbestos fiber (CNAF) gasket.

What Is Compressed Non-Asbestos Fiber (CNAF)?

Compressed non-asbestos fiber is a high-quality material made for sealing and jointing purposes. This material comes in the form of sheets made from aramid fibers (non-asbestos), fiberglass, and rubber. It can be cut into any size or custom shape and is known for its high resistance to compression, high temperatures, and chemicals. It is also resistant to corrosion, chlorides, oils, and organic & inorganic compounds.

Owing to its sealing properties and excellent resistance to corrosion, compression, high temperatures, and chemicals, CNAF makes the best material for gasket-making.

Asbestos Gaskets vs. CNAF Gaskets: Which Gaskets Are Better?

Gaskets are small components that when clamped between two fixed parts help prevent the passage of media. They act as mechanical seals and fill the space between two or more mating surfaces or parts. As a result, they help prevent leakage from or into the joined objects when exposed to compression. They are created from sheet materials and allow for less-than-perfect mating surfaces fill irregularities.

Asbestos is a mining product hazardous in nature. Asbestos gaskets are used in different industries for a long time. However, because of their hazardous nature and link with serious health concerns, their use has been banned in the UAE for more than 15 years.

Compressed non-asbestos fiber (CNAF) gaskets have been introduced as a substitution for asbestos gaskets. Like asbestos gaskets, non-asbestos gaskets can withstand high compression and high temperatures, and are chemically inert in nature. CNAF gaskets are also resistant to chemicals such as oils, chlorides, organic compounds, and inorganic compounds.

Nowadays, all industries in the UAE prefer the use of non-asbestos gaskets. While there are many options in non-asbestos gaskets, such as carbon fiber gaskets, aramid fiber gaskets, and synthetic fiber gaskets, CNAF gaskets are the best choice because CNAF is a high-grade material.

At Sunel Wala Building Materials (SWBM), you can place an order for CNAF gaskets in Dubai. Its CNAF gaskets are the perfect option for extreme processing conditions. These gaskets have excellent sealing properties and can be ordered with neoprene or EPDM binder based on what application you need these gaskets for. At SWBM, you can order CNAF gaskets in full face and raised face and different sizes. Place your order for CNAF gaskets in Dubai now.