spiral wound gaskets have emerged as critical components in industrial sealing applications, offering unparalleled performance in high-temperature and high-pressure environments. Their unique construction of alternating metal and filler materials has established them as the preferred sealing solution for industries ranging from petrochemicals to power generation and aerospace.

1. What are spiral wound gaskets?

spiral wound gaskets are high-performance sealing elements manufactured by precision-winding pre-formed metal strips with soft filler materials into a distinctive V-shaped cross-section. This innovative structure creates multiple sealing barriers that can withstand extreme operating conditions while compensating for minor flange surface imperfections.

Key characteristics include:

Multi-layer construction with alternating metal and filler layers

V-shaped winding pattern for optimal compression and recovery

Available with or without inner and outer reinforcement rings

Customizable materials for specific application requirements

2. Technical Specifications and Performance Features

spiral wound gaskets offer exceptional technical capabilities:

Temperature Resistance:

Standard range: -250°C to 540°C

Special configurations up to 1000°C

Pressure Capability:

Vacuum to 25 MPa (3600 psi)

Excellent performance in pressure cycling conditions

Mechanical Properties:

Superior spring-back characteristics

Excellent creep resistance

Maintains seal integrity during thermal cycling

3. Material Combinations and Configurations

The versatility of spiral wound gaskets lies in their material adaptability:

Metal Windings:

304/316 Stainless Steel: General purpose applications

Titanium: Chloride-rich environments

Nickel Alloys (Inconel, Monel): High-temperature corrosion resistance

Duplex Stainless Steels: Stress corrosion cracking resistance

Filler Materials:

Flexible Graphite: Universal chemical resistance, -200°C to 850°C

PTFE: Excellent chemical resistance, -260°C to 260°C

Mica: High-temperature steam applications

Ceramic Fiber: Extreme temperature environments

4. Industrial Applications

spiral wound gaskets serve critical functions across multiple sectors:

Oil & Gas Industry:

Wellhead equipment and Christmas trees

Pipeline flanges and refinery installations

LNG processing facilities

Power Generation:

Steam turbine systems

Boiler connections and heat exchangers

Nuclear power plant components

5. Customization and Selection Guidelines

Manufacturers offer comprehensive customization options:

Standard Features:

Sizes from DN15 to DN1200 (½" to 48")

Various thicknesses: 3.2mm, 4.5mm, and 6.5mm

Multiple winding densities for different pressure classes

Selection Considerations:

Operating temperature and pressure ranges

Chemical compatibility with process media

Flange type, surface finish, and bolting

Regulatory and certification requirements

Maintenance accessibility and service intervals

6. Quality Standards and Certifications

spiral wound gaskets manufactured to international standards:

ASME B16.20: Pipe flanges and gaskets

API 601: Metallic gaskets for piping

ISO 9001:2015 Quality management systems

PED 2014/68/EU: Pressure equipment directive

NACE MR0175: Sulfide stress corrosion resistance

Conclusion

spiral wound gaskets represent the pinnacle of sealing technology, combining sophisticated engineering with practical performance benefits. Their ability to perform in the most demanding applications while providing long-term reliability makes them an indispensable component in modern industrial operations.

If you would like to find out more about spiral wound gasket or purchase other products, please contact us at sales@weitengroup.com, wwww.weitengroup.com.