[NHCOLL-L:5619] Gaskets for wet collection vats

[Frederick, Moretta RBCM:EX]

I need to find a replacement for the gaskets lining the lids of our fluid storage vats, and am interested in hearing what materials others are using to seal their large storage containers, as well as suggestions for suppliers in North America.


We are looking to seal two types of vats, both of which are used to store fish or invertebrate specimens in ethanol or isopropanol.  The vats are not opened often (~2-10 times a year), and the material used will need to prevent evaporation as well as hold up well against alcohol fumes and fish oil.  Ideally, we would like to find something with a peel and stick side so it can be attached directly to the lid.



Our larger vats (4'x6') are fiberglass with flat mating lips, held closed with through bolts every 12" or so.



Our smaller vats are HDPE, about 3'x4' with a gravity sealed lid that slips over the vat and has a groove in it to hold the gasket. We are hoping to create a tighter seal on these vats with strapping. The groove is about 1/2" in diameter and previous gaskets were simply stuffed into this space with no adhesive.  We have found however that over time these gaskets slip out, falling into the vat, so we are hoping to find something that we can adhere inside the groove.


Thanks for any advice you can give me!

Cheers,

Moretta
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Moretta Frederick      Collections Manager, Invertebrates, Fish, Amphibians, Reptiles  |  Natural History
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