Supporting the Energy Transition
Offshore wind power development in the UK, particularly in the north east and Humber region, is rapidly increasing. To support the renewables sector, WR Gaskets Ltd have invested in larger CAD operated gasket cutting machines.
This improvement in capacity provides greater options and diversity of size and quantity in the production of gaskets for renewable energy sectors. The Humber region's ports also enjoy easy access to the large offshore wind development areas on the east coast, and to other European sites.
We can manufacture bespoke gaskets from CAD drawings for renewable energy OEMs and maintenance providers who need non-standard sizes and shapes, including prototype gaskets for new equipment designs as well as replacement gaskets for existing installations.
Key Products for Renewable Energy
Gaskets for Wind, Biomass and Beyond
Wind turbines contain hydraulic systems, gearboxes, cooling circuits, and nacelle enclosures that all require gaskets and seals. The gaskets in turbine gearboxes and hydraulic manifolds need to resist oil and vibration over long service intervals, because access to offshore turbines is limited by weather windows. We supply gaskets in nitrile, Viton, and other oil-resistant elastomers that can handle these conditions. Our rubber sheeting page has more details on the grades we stock.
Nacelle and tower section gaskets can be very large in diameter. Our Atom CNC knife cutting machines can handle large gaskets that would be difficult or impossible to produce with conventional die cutting. If you have a DXF file for a non-standard gasket shape, we can program it in and start cutting the same day.
Biomass and energy-from-waste plants share many of the same gasket requirements as conventional power stations. Flue gas systems need high-temperature gaskets in reinforced graphite or non-asbestos fibre jointing. Steam pipework uses spiral wound gaskets with graphite filler. Cooling water systems use EPDM rubber gaskets. We stock all of these.
Hydrogen production and storage is a growing area, and gasket material selection for hydrogen service needs careful thought. Hydrogen is a very small molecule that can permeate through many standard gasket materials. PTFE, expanded PTFE (such as GORE GR), and flexible graphite are among the materials that perform well in hydrogen service. We can advise on the right material for your pressure and temperature conditions.
Solar thermal systems use heat transfer fluids that can be aggressive to certain elastomers. For solar thermal heat exchangers and pipework, we supply gaskets in materials compatible with common HTF fluids including Therminol and Dowtherm. Compression packing for pumps in these circuits is also available.
Anaerobic digestion (AD) plants are another renewable energy application we supply regularly. The gas-tight seals on digester tanks, gas storage membranes, and biogas pipework all need gaskets that resist hydrogen sulphide and other corrosive biogas components. EPDM and PTFE materials work well here.
Renewable Energy Gasket Standards
Standard flange gaskets for renewable energy plants are specified to the same ASME B16.20, B16.21, and BS EN 1514 standards used across the process industries. For wind turbine OEM components, gaskets are often specified by the turbine manufacturer with specific material and dimensional requirements. We can work to these specifications and provide the documentation to match.
For hydrogen applications, standards are still developing. BS EN 13555 covers gasket parameters for calculation purposes, and specific hydrogen compatibility testing is carried out by material manufacturers. We can supply the relevant test data and material safety information for hydrogen service gaskets.
Right Place, Right Capability
The Humber region is at the centre of the UK's offshore wind industry. Grimsby's port handles operations and maintenance for several major offshore wind farms, and new manufacturing facilities for turbine components are being built nearby. Our location puts us close to this activity, and we already supply gaskets to companies working in this sector.
Renewable energy equipment often uses non-standard flange sizes and gasket shapes that are not available off the shelf. Our CNC cutting machines and large stock of sheet materials mean we can produce bespoke gaskets without the lead times that come with traditional die cutting. For prototype work or small batches, this is a real advantage.
We also supply gaskets internationally, which is useful for renewable energy projects at sites across Europe and beyond. Visit our international shipping page or contact us to discuss your project.
Need Renewable Energy Gaskets?
Contact us for gaskets and sealing products for your renewable energy applications. We can manufacture bespoke gaskets from your drawings or samples.