Composite gasket for sealing flanges and method for making and using same

A process for sealing a fluid connection within an apparatus, which process comprises:

• providing a gasket material comprising a core of elongated polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and means to constrain the core from lateral flow when the core is placed under compressive pressure, the means comprising a film wrapped around the core of sufficient tensile strength to limit creep of the PTFE core when the gasket is placed under pressure;
• attaching the gasket material within a flange of the apparatus;
• applying pressure to compress the gasket and seal the fluid connection together, forming a fluid tight seal.

A gasket material for sealing a fluid connection;

• which gasket material comprises:
• a core of elongated polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE);
• means to constrain the core from lateral flow when the core is place under compressive pressure to establish and maintain a fluid seal, the means comprising a tight film wrap around the PTFE core of sufficient tensile strength to limit creep of the PTFE core when the gasket is placed under pressure.