Pikotek is a name synonymous with quality and high reliability when it comes to electrical flange isolation gaskets. Pikotek gaskets and insulating kits are designed to operate in the most demanding applications found throughout the world without the worry of breaking, leaking or shorting. In addition to its line of high pressure, very critical service insulating gaskets (VCS), Pikotek created the IsoCore™, a highly reliable, cost-effective alternative to conventional insulating gaskets and kits for non-critical, low pressure applications.

The IsoCore insulating gasket is manufactured from Neoprene coated glass-reinforced epoxy (NEMA grade G- 10) in place of the failure-prone conventional phenolic reinforcing material. Glass-reinforced epoxy ("GRE") is many times stronger than conventional paper grade or fabric-reinforced phenolic. The result is that the IsoCore is an economical, low pressure insulating gasket that is much stronger in compression, much more resistant to stress fractures and breakage, and thus much more reliable than conventional phenolic insulating gaskets.

In addition to being much stronger, the IsoCore gasket has a significantly lower fluid/gas absorption factor and higher dielectric strength than phenolic materials (see table). This provides increased electrical insulation with less fluid migration through the central gasket material, which can ultimately result in shorting and loss of tensile strength. Finally, the IsoCore gasket uses a thicker layer of facing Neoprene (1/16") than do conventional coated insulating gaskets. This results in lower initial seating stress, more sealing forgiveness, and more resistance to leaks caused by pressure cycling, thermal cycling and/or vibration.

Advantages & Benefits

• High-reliability sealing at low pressure (up to 750 psig).
• Superior electrical isolation.
• Cost-effective alternative to phenolic or inferior non-reinforced sheet gasket materials.
• GRE washers made of the same high compressive strength material for added reliability.
• No phenolic or polypropylene material used.
• 1/8" (.125" or 3.2 mm) cross section with 1/16" GRE core.
• 1/32" (.031" or 0.8 mm) thick neoprene facing material.
• High compressive strength gasket core results in less breakage and increased reliability.
• Thicker facing material provides enhanced sealing on older flanges.
• Full-length sleeves are designed to fit inside of washers and seal out moisture.
• GRE washers made of high compressive strength material for added reliability.
• Mylar sleeves standard with GRE available for even greater reliability against mishandling.
• Double washer sets provide added assurance for electrical insulation.
• Metal washers are either high-strength, zinc-plated carbon steel or stainless steel.
• Manufactured to complement the field-proven Pikotek line of flange isolation kits.
• Available in full face (Type E) or raised face (Type F).
• Meets all low-pressure flange specifications (i.e., ANSI, AWWA, DIN, etc.)

Why The IsoCore Is Superior to Conventional Insulating Gaskets

Pikotek products are well known for their high reliability, superior sealing characteristics and outstanding electrical insulation properties. Pikotek created this reputation by supplying only superior materials in engineered products. However, for those cases where economics prohibit specifying engineered products, especially in non-critical service applications (e.g. low pressure and/or non-aggressive media), Pikotek created the IsoCore, a cost effective insulating gasket made with superior grade materials. The IsoCore bridges the gap between Pikotek's sophisticated VCS/PGE gaskets and conventional neoprene-coated phenolic or cut-sheet gaskets with phenolic washers and polypropylene sleeves. The IsoCore was designed to provide operational reliability in an economical, cost effective package.

As with Pikotek's other products, the IsoCore uses only materials that will perform reliably over a wide range of conditions. The GRE center of the IsoCore is far stronger and much more resilient than traditional materials. Pikotek only uses GRE insulating washers and either Mylar or GRE sleeves, which have a far greater reliability than conventional materials. Inferior materials such as phenolic, Minlon or polypropylene are subject to crushing, cracking, breaking and thread pinch, which compromise product integrity, create leaks and result in electrical shorting. The IsoCore eliminates these problems in an affordable package.

Insulating Sleeve Options

IsoCore insulating kits come standard with cost-effective Mylar sleeves for insulating the stud bolts. Mylar is superior to either phenolic or polypropylene, which is the standard material in most conventional insulating kits. If requested, GRE (Glass-Reinforced Epoxy) sleeves can be supplied and are the best solution for all around reliability. These sleeves are extremely strong and can withstand significantly more abuse and harsh conditions than any other sleeve material available. Both Mylar and GRE offer excellent resistance to crushing, cracking, breaking and thread pinch compared to other sleeve materials.

Washers

The insulating washers electrically insulate the nuts from the rest of the flange assembly. Pikotek only offers insulating washers made from GRE. These washers must withstand the full compressive force of the nuts when the flange is made up or electrical insulation will be lost.

Pikotek GRE washers have a compressive strength of 60,000 psi. These washers will continue to insulate long after inferior materials such as paper grade phenolic, which has a compressive strength of only 12,000 psi (comparable to plywood), have cracked, broken and failed. Steel washers are used to prevent the twisting action of the nuts from scarring or gouging the insulating washers. Pikotek's standard insulating kit uses high-strength zinc plated 1050 steel washers, which have excellent corrosion resistance and mechanical strength.

For special situations, other steel washer types such as stainless steel or Teflon coated carbon steel are available.