Intro to Millwright Practice Exam

What type of gaskets are made from compressible and flexible material for low-pressure applications?

1. Metal Gaskets

2. Rubber Gaskets

3. Cork Gaskets

4. Plastic Gaskets

The correct answer is: Cork Gaskets

Cork gaskets are made from a compressible and flexible material, making them suitable for low-pressure applications. Cork is a natural material that can deform under pressure, allowing for effective sealing against fluids and gases in various environmental conditions. Its resilience helps to create a tight seal without requiring excessively high compression, which is ideal for applications where pressure is not substantial. In addition, cork gaskets can absorb minor irregularities in the surfaces they seal against, further enhancing their sealing capacity. This quality is particularly useful in applications such as automotive and household plumbing, where they can be used to prevent leaks without the need for extreme pressure. While rubber gaskets (the second option) can also be flexible and compressible, they are typically used in applications that may require higher pressure tolerance than what cork gaskets can handle. Metal gaskets, on the other hand, are designed for high-pressure scenarios due to their rigid structure. Plastic gaskets generally lack the compressibility needed for effective sealing, as they tend to be more rigid and may not perform optimally in low-pressure situations.