tiivistekaaria

Tiivistekaari refers to an arc-shaped gasket or sealing element used on curved sealing surfaces in mechanical engineering. The term is primarily encountered in Finnish technical literature and product catalogs, where it denotes seals that follow a curved geometry rather than a straight line. Tiivistekaaret are commonly applied in joints or interfaces with cylindrical or arcuate contact surfaces, such as curved flanges, elbows in piping systems, or rotary seals where uniform contact pressure around a curve is important.

Design and construction typically involve arc or crescent-like cross-sections that fit into a matching groove or act as an integral sealing lip. Materials vary with application and may include elastomers such as nitrile rubber (NBR), EPDM, or fluorocarbon (FKM), as well as metal gaskets with elastomeric coatings. Some tiivistekaaret are part of composite or multi-layer seals to combine chemical resistance, temperature tolerance, and mechanical performance. The exact geometry is chosen to achieve reliable sealing under expected pressure, movement, and thermal cycling while minimizing extrusion and wear.

Applications span curved piping connections, valve bodies, hydraulic and pneumatic components, and HVAC systems where straight-seal solutions would not maintain even contact along a curved interface. Proper installation requires clean mating surfaces, correct groove dimensions or seating, and adequate compression. Maintenance considerations include regular inspection for deformation, set or extrusion in the seal, and replacement during system overhaul. The term tiivistekaari highlights a geometry-specific approach within the broader field of gasketing and sealing.