Gaskets are crushed more frequently than many end users realize. Some maintenance professionals claim that is all they see when they separate a leaking flange. Many simply replace the gasket rather than investigating the cause of the failure in depth.
Gasket crush is a significant threat to plant reliability. This problem causes leaks, which can lead to a dangerous plant situation, especially if a hazardous fluid is involved. This issue is unpredictable and introduces variability into plant operations.