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In the demanding world of industrial sealing, reliability is paramount. Spiral Wound Gaskets stand as a cornerstone technology for creating robust, pressure-tight seals in critical piping and vessel connections. Engineered for high-performance applications, these gaskets combine flexibility with high mechanical strength, making them the go-to choice for flanged joints in industries ranging from oil and gas and petrochemicals to power generation and pharmaceuticals. At Kaxite Sealing, we leverage decades of engineering expertise to manufacture spiral wound gaskets that meet the most stringent international standards and perform reliably under extreme conditions of temperature and pressure.
The unique construction of a spiral wound gasket is key to its performance. It is fabricated by winding a pre-formed metal strip and a soft filler material (such as graphite, PTFE, or ceramic) around a center ring in a spiral (V-shaped) formation. This combination creates a resilient, semi-metallic seal. Under bolt load, the gasket compresses. The metal windings provide spring-like resilience and structural integrity, while the filler material flows into any micro-imperfections on the flange faces, creating an effective barrier against leakage. This design allows the gasket to accommodate thermal cycling, vibration, and varying internal pressures, maintaining a tight seal throughout its service life.
Selecting the correct spiral wound gasket requires careful consideration of its construction parameters. Kaxite Sealing offers fully customizable solutions tailored to your specific application needs.
| Component | Common Material Options | Key Properties & Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Metal Windings | 304/316 Stainless Steel, Alloy 20, Monel, Inconel, Titanium, Hastelloy | Provides structural strength and spring-back. Choice depends on temperature, pressure, and corrosion resistance requirements. |
| Filler Materials | Flexible Graphite (Grafoil), PTFE, Ceramic (Mica), Non-Asbestos | Creates the primary seal. Graphite offers high temp resistance; PTFE provides excellent chemical resistance. |
| Inner & Outer Rings | Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel (matching winding material) | Inner rings prevent gasket blow-in. Outer rings provide radial stability and aid in centering during installation. |
| Flange Size Range | Pressure Class (ANSI/ASME) | Standard Thickness | Gasket Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2" to 60" (DN15 to DN1500) | 150, 300, 600, 900, 1500, 2500 | 3.2 mm (1/8"), 4.5 mm (11/64") | Standard and High-Density options available for higher pressure service. |
| Parameter | Typical Range with Standard Materials | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature Range | -240°C to +1000°C (-400°F to +1832°F) | Dependent on metal/filler combination. Graphite filler allows for the highest temperatures. |
| Pressure Range | Up to 25,000 psi (1725 bar) | Capability depends on gasket density, flange design, and bolting. |
| pH Range | 0 - 14 (Full range possible) | Specific chemical compatibility depends on the chosen filler and metal alloy. |
Correct selection ensures safety, longevity, and leak-free operation. Follow this guide for specifying a Kaxite Sealing spiral wound gasket:
Q: What is the primary difference between a spiral wound gasket and other gasket types like sheet gaskets or ring joint gaskets?
A: Spiral wound gaskets are semi-metallic, combining metal for strength and resilience with a soft filler for sealability. This makes them far more adaptable to varying pressures and temperatures compared to static, non-metallic sheet gaskets. Unlike solid metal ring joint gaskets (RTJ), spiral wound gaskets require lower bolt loads to achieve a seal and are more forgiving to flange surface imperfections, making them suitable for a broader range of standard flange types.
Q: When should I use an inner ring and/or an outer ring on my spiral wound gasket?
A: An inner ring (centering ring) is strongly recommended for high-pressure applications (typically Class 600 and above) or where the internal pressure could cause the gasket windings to buckle inward (blow-in). It also provides additional radial stability. An outer ring is used to provide radial stability, help center the gasket on the flange during installation, and protect the windings from physical damage. For standard raised face flanges, an outer ring is common, while inner rings are specified based on service conditions.
Q: Can Kaxite Sealing spiral wound gaskets be used in corrosive or sour service environments?
A: Absolutely. This is a key strength of spiral wound gaskets. For corrosive chemical service, the metal winding can be specified in high-alloy materials like Hastelloy C-276 or Tantalum, with fillers like PTFE. For sour service (environments containing H2S) as defined by NACE MR0175/ISO 15156, Kaxite Sealing can manufacture gaskets using compliant materials to prevent sulfide stress cracking, ensuring safety and integrity in oil and gas applications.
Q: How do I determine the correct gasket thickness (e.g., 3.2mm vs. 4.5mm) for my application?
A: The standard thicknesses are 3.2mm (1/8") and 4.5mm (11/64"). The 4.5mm thickness is often the default for standard pressure classes (150#-600#) as it provides more filler material for sealability and greater resilience. The thinner 3.2mm gasket may be used where flange clearance is limited or for lower-pressure services. For high-pressure classes (900# and above), the design often requires specific, sometimes thicker, configurations. Consulting Kaxite Sealing's engineering team with your flange specifications is the best way to confirm the optimal thickness.
Q: What is the proper installation procedure for a spiral wound gasket to ensure a leak-free seal?
A: Correct installation is critical. First, ensure the flange faces are clean, undamaged, and aligned. Place the gasket carefully, centering it on the flange. The outer ring (if present) aids in this. Use the correct bolt tightening sequence (cross-pattern, star pattern) and torque values in multiple incremental passes (e.g., 30%, 60%, 100% of final torque) to apply even compression across the entire gasket face. Never reuse a spiral wound gasket that has been compressed in a previous installation, as its sealing properties are compromised.
Q: How does Kaxite Sealing ensure the quality and traceability of its spiral wound gaskets?
A: Kaxite Sealing implements a rigorous quality management system. Each production batch uses certified raw materials with full traceability. Our manufacturing process includes in-process inspections and final dimensional checks against customer drawings and international standards. We provide Material Test Certificates (MTC/C of C) as standard, and for critical applications, we can offer additional documentation and testing, such as helium leak testing or full third-party inspection.
