Is This an Asbestos Gasket on My Air Compressor?

stickyfingers on 07/10/2019 - 00:59
Last edited 07/10/2019 - 01:07

I’m cleaning up an Ingersoll Rand air compressor with an SS-3 model pump I purchased used a while ago.

As part of the clean up I’ve planned to replace the gaskets and inspect the internal condition of the pump.

As I started disassembly today I became a little worried when I noticed the valve plate gasket had a warning printed on it, making me suspicious it contained asbestos. I couldn’t read the warning in full as most of the text has been stamped out.

After popping a mask on I started trying to ply it off with a flathead screwdriver and a razor blade but it just ended up tearing, releasing fine dust and exposing fibres, furthering my concern.

I’ve popped a bag over it for now but as somebody who has never dealt with asbestos before I’d like some advice.

  1. Does this look like asbestos to you?
  2. If it is or isn’t, how do I remove the stuck gasket safely?
  3. I’m working this in a small storage room, if it is asbestos how do I clean out any potential dust I may have released into the room?

Apologies for what might be an overreaction but health is a priority for me and I’d rather be safe than sorry!

Images:
https://m.imgur.com/a/YtJICCm

Home & Garden

Comments

  • Davo1111 on 07/10/2019 - 01:03
    +1

    asbestos kit

  • resubaehtgnolhcs on 07/10/2019 - 02:47
    +3

    According to this link it most likely is asbestos - scroll down to the part titled "products".

    As for you other questions, I can't help as I have no experience in asbestos removal.

    • stickyfingers on 07/10/2019 - 07:13

      I did spot that in a bit of searching but I guess it's about as indicative as saying Toyota used asbestos. I've got no idea how old the compressor is and when IR stopped using it.
      Although it is handy to know there is a chance it could be asbestos.

  • JIMB0 on 07/10/2019 - 06:10
    +1

    Just leave it there, it should seal up again.

    • stickyfingers on 07/10/2019 - 07:12

      Probably would be the best bet if I didn't touch it. Unfortunately, as seen in the lower pics I had a crack at getting it off and the seal is buggered now.

      I'm thinking the best bet might be to take the pump off the tank, move it to an open space, pop on a respirator, and scrape it off.

  • stickyfingers on 07/10/2019 - 07:48

    Update: After a bit of searching the gasket seems to be Klinger Sil as the text on the gasket in this image seems to match mine.

    Klinger Sil is a synthetic fibre, non-asbestos gasket material. The SDS isn't too clear on its removal so I'll contact them tomorrow for advice. If anybody has any advice on safe and easy removal it's still welcome!

  • Hithere on 07/10/2019 - 07:51
    +6

    Get a spray bottle with water in it and just keep the gasket damp as you remove it.

  • whooah1979 on 07/10/2019 - 09:02

    How old is the gasket?

    It looks like silica fibre.
    https://m.imgur.com/a/YtJICCm
    https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodium_silicate

  • abuch47 on 07/10/2019 - 11:15
    +2

    get it tested to be sure generally $100. treat silica the same as asbestos anyway.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join