A Spiral Wound Gasket is a semi-metallic sealing device, engineered to deliver reliable performance in high-pressure and high-temperature applications. Its unique construction combines alternating layers of preformed metal windings and a soft, non-metallic filler material, wound together in a spiral pattern. This design creates a resilient, spring-like structure that compensates for flange irregularities, thermal cycling, and pressure fluctuations. Widely regarded as the industry standard for critical sealing tasks, these gaskets are indispensable in sectors such as oil and gas, petrochemical, power generation, and heavy industrial processing, where leak prevention is paramount for safety, efficiency, and environmental compliance.
The performance of a spiral wound gasket is determined by its precise construction. At Kaxite Seals, we manufacture to exacting standards, ensuring each gasket meets the specific demands of your application.
Kaxite Seals manufactures spiral wound gaskets in full compliance with international standards to ensure global interchangeability and reliability.
| Standard | Scope | Common Pressure Classes (e.g.) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASME B16.20 | Standard for Metallic Gaskets for Pipe Flanges (Ring-Joint, Spiral-Wound, and Jacketed) | Class 150, 300, 600, 900, 1500, 2500 | Defines dimensions, materials, and marking for raised face (RF) and flat face (FF) flanges. The primary North American standard. |
| EN 1514-2 | European standard for dimensions of gaskets for PN-designated flanges. | PN 6, 10, 16, 25, 40, 63, 100 | Covers gasket types, dimensions, and tolerances for the European market. |
| DIN 2697 / 2698 | German standards for dimensions of spiral wound gaskets for PN and Class-designated flanges. | PN 10 to PN 100 / Class 150 to 600 | Widely used in Europe, especially for DIN flange connections. |
| JIS B 2404 | Japanese Industrial Standard for spiral wound gaskets. | 5K, 10K, 16K, 20K, 30K, 40K, 63K | Specifies requirements for the Japanese and Asian markets. |
| Parameter | Description | Kaxite Seals Capability / Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Nominal Size (NPS/DN) | The pipe size the gasket is designed to fit. | Available from 1/2" (DN15) to 60" (DN1500) and larger as custom orders. |
| Pressure Class (ASME) / PN (DIN/EN) | The pressure-temperature rating of the flange. | Manufactured for all standard classes: 150 to 2500 (ASME) and PN 6 to PN 100/160 (DIN/EN). |
| Flange Face Type | The surface finish of the mating flanges. | Standard for Raised Face (RF). Also available for Flat Face (FF), Ring-Type Joint (RTJ) grooves (as filler), and Tongue & Groove (T&G). |
| Gasket Density | The compactness of the wound layers, affecting sealing force and resilience. | We offer standard and high-density windings. High-density provides greater bolt load for challenging services. | Operating Temperature | The continuous and peak temperatures of the process media. | Material selection is critical. Example: Graphite-filled SS up to ~850°F (454°C) in oxidizing atmosphere; PTFE-filled up to ~500°F (260°C); Ceramic-filled for higher temps. |
| Media Compatibility | The chemical composition of the fluid being sealed. | Our engineering team provides material recommendations based on media to prevent corrosion of windings or degradation of filler. |
| Bolt Load (Seating Stress) | The pressure applied by the flange bolts to compress the gasket. | Each Kaxite gasket is designed with a recommended seating stress (e.g., 10,000 psi min.) to ensure proper initial seal. |
Q: How do I correctly select a spiral wound gasket for my application?
A: Correct selection requires analyzing several key factors: 1) Flange Standards & Dimensions: Identify the flange standard (ASME B16.5, DIN, etc.), Nominal Pipe Size (NPS/DN), Pressure Class/PN rating, and face type (RF, FF). 2) Process Conditions: Determine the maximum operating temperature, pressure, and full chemical composition of the media. 3) Material Compatibility: Choose the metal winding and filler material that can withstand the temperature and resist corrosion/chemical attack from the media. 4) Regulatory & Specification Requirements: Consider any industry-specific standards (NACE for sour service, FDA for food-grade, etc.). Consulting with the engineering team at Kaxite Seals is recommended for critical or non-standard applications.
Q: What is the purpose of the inner and outer rings on a spiral wound gasket?
A: The rings, often called centering rings, serve multiple vital functions. The outer ring centers the gasket within the bolt circle during installation, preventing misalignment. It also provides radial stability, protects the delicate windings from physical damage during handling, and helps control the compression of the sealing element. The inner ring (used in many, but not all, designs) prevents inward buckling of the windings, especially under high pressure or vacuum conditions, and offers protection against erosion from turbulent process flow. For Kaxite Seals gaskets, the ring material is typically selected to match the flange material to prevent galvanic corrosion.
Q: Can spiral wound gaskets be reused?
A: It is generally not recommended to reuse a spiral wound gasket. During the initial bolting process, the gasket is compressed to a specific design height, and its metallic windings deform plastically to create the seal. Once disassembled, the gasket has lost its initial "spring-back" and calibrated density. Reusing it will likely result in an incorrect seating stress and a high probability of leakage. For reliable, leak-free performance and safety, always install a new, unused Kaxite spiral wound gasket.
Q: How do I properly install and torque a spiral wound gasket?
A: Proper installation is critical for performance. Follow these steps: 1) Inspection: Ensure flanges are clean, undamaged, and aligned. Verify the gasket is correct for the service. 2) Positioning: Place the gasket carefully onto the flange face, centered by the outer ring. 3) Bolting: Install clean, lubricated bolts and hand-tighten nuts. 4) Torquing: Use a calibrated torque wrench and follow a cross-pattern bolting sequence (star pattern). Tighten in multiple incremental steps (e.g., 30%, 60%, 100% of final torque) to achieve even compression. Always adhere to the equipment manufacturer's or Kaxite Seals' recommended bolt torque values, which are calculated based on gasket seating stress and flange integrity.
Q: What is the difference between a standard and a high-density spiral wound gasket?
A: The primary difference lies in the compactness of the wound layers, often expressed as the number of windings per inch. A high-density gasket has more metal and filler material packed into the same cross-sectional space. This results in a stiffer gasket that requires a higher bolt load to seat properly but offers greater resilience and resistance to creep relaxation under high pressure and temperature cycling. Standard density is suitable for most general applications, while high-density from Kaxite Seals is specified for more severe service conditions, higher pressure classes, or when using flexible graphite filler to optimize its performance.
Q: How do Kaxite Seals ensure the quality and traceability of their gaskets?
A: Kaxite Seals implements a rigorous quality management system. Every production batch uses certified raw materials with Mill Test Reports (MTRs). Our manufacturing process is controlled to meet precise dimensional standards like ASME B16.20. Each finished gasket is marked with essential data for traceability, which typically includes our Kaxite Seals brand name, material designation (e.g., 316L/FG for 316L Stainless Steel with Flexible Graphite), size, pressure class, and a unique heat/lot number. This allows full traceability from raw material to final product, ensuring accountability and compliance with customer and industry specifications.
