Custom Spiral Wound Gaskets for OEM and Private Label Solutions

What Are Spiral Wound Gaskets?

A spiral wound gasket is a semi-metallic sealing device engineered to create a reliable, leak-tight seal between two flanged surfaces. They are meticulously constructed by winding a pre-formed metal strip (the "windings") and a soft, pliable filler material (such as graphite or PTFE) in a continuous spiral around a solid metal centering ring, typically made of carbon steel or stainless steel. This unique combination of metal and filler provides an exceptional balance of resilience and strength, making them the gasket of choice for demanding industrial applications. The metal windings give the gasket structural integrity and spring-back properties, while the softer filler material conforms to flange imperfections, ensuring a tight seal even under variable pressures and temperatures. For over two decades, Kaxite Sealing has been a leader in manufacturing high-performance spiral wound gaskets that meet and exceed global standards for safety and reliability.

Key Features and Benefits of Our Spiral Wound Gaskets

Kaxite Sealing's spiral wound gaskets are designed to deliver unmatched performance. Our commitment to quality ensures every gasket provides:

• Exceptional Resilience and Recovery: The inherent spring action of the spiral-wound metal allows the gasket to compensate for changes in internal pressure, thermal cycling, and flange movement, maintaining a consistent seal.
• Superior Sealing Across Diverse Conditions: By selecting the appropriate metal and filler combination, our gaskets perform reliably in extreme temperatures (cryogenic to high-heat), high pressures, and corrosive media.
• Excellent Stress Distribution: The layered construction helps distribute flange bolting stress evenly, minimizing the risk of flange damage or distortion.
• Robust Construction and Longevity: Built with premium materials, Kaxite gaskets resist creep relaxation and blow-out, ensuring a longer service life and reducing maintenance downtime.
• Wide Compatibility: We offer a vast range of material combinations to suit specific process fluids, including hydrocarbons, steam, acids, and caustic solutions.

Detailed Product Parameters and Specifications

To specify the correct spiral wound gasket, several critical parameters must be considered. The table below outlines the standard specifications for Kaxite Sealing spiral wound gaskets. Custom configurations are also available to meet unique application requirements.

Material Selection Guide for Common Services

Choosing the right material combination is paramount. Here are typical Kaxite Sealing recommendations:

• General Purpose / Steam Service: SS304/SS316 with Flexible Graphite filler.
• Hydrocarbon & Refinery Service: SS316 or Alloy 20 with Flexible Graphite filler.
• Highly Corrosive Acids (e.g., Sulfuric): Alloy 20 or Hastelloy with PTFE filler.
• High-Temperature Oxidizing Service: Inconel with Ceramic/Mica filler.
• Cryogenic Service: SS304/SS316 with PTFE filler.
• Food & Pharmaceutical: SS316 with FDA-approved PTFE filler.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Spiral Wound Gaskets

Q: What are the main advantages of a spiral wound gasket over other gasket types?

A: Spiral wound gaskets offer a superior combination of strength and sealability. Their key advantages include excellent resilience and spring-back (recovery), which allows them to maintain a seal during thermal cycles and pressure fluctuations where other gaskets might fail. They are highly versatile, with material combinations for extreme temperatures and pressures, and they distribute bolt load effectively to protect flanges. Compared to solid metal gaskets, they require lower bolt load to seal; compared to soft gaskets, they are much more robust and resistant to blow-out.

Q: How do I select the correct spiral wound gasket for my application?

A: Selection requires evaluating five key factors: 1) Flange Details: Standard (ASME, DIN, etc.), pressure class, size, and surface finish. 2) Service Temperature: Both maximum and minimum operating temperatures. 3) Internal Pressure: Design and working pressure. 4) Media/Process Fluid: Chemical composition to determine corrosion resistance needs. 5) Cycling Conditions: Frequency of thermal or pressure cycles. Providing this information to Kaxite Sealing allows our engineers to recommend the optimal metal/filler/ring combination.

Q: What is the purpose of the inner and outer rings on a spiral wound gasket?

A: The outer centering ring is primarily for alignment—it centers the gasket within the bolt circle during installation, preventing misplacement. It also acts as a compression stop to prevent over-compression of the spiral wound element and can provide a degree of corrosion protection for the windings. The inner ring (optional but recommended) serves to protect the vulnerable inner edge of the windings from erosion by high-velocity fluids, contains the filler material, and adds radial stability, which is crucial for high-pressure applications and vacuum service.

Q: Can spiral wound gaskets be reused?

A: It is strongly discouraged to reuse a spiral wound gasket. During initial installation, the gasket is compressed to a specific seating stress, and the filler material conforms to the unique imperfections of the flange faces. Once disassembled, the gasket has undergone permanent deformation (creep) and may have sustained microscopic damage. Reusing it cannot guarantee the same leak-tight integrity, posing a significant safety and environmental risk. Kaxite Sealing always recommends using a new gasket for every assembly.

Q: What are the proper installation torque and bolt tightening procedures for these gaskets?

A: Correct installation is critical. Always follow a cross-pattern, multi-pass bolting sequence (e.g., ASME PCC-1 guidelines). Do not use impact wrenches for final tightening. The target torque value depends on the bolt size, grade, lubrication, and the specific gasket design. Kaxite Sealing provides detailed, application-specific installation guidelines and recommended torque values with every order. Using a calibrated torque wrench and following the proper sequence ensures even load distribution, preventing gasket distortion and achieving a reliable seal.

Q: How does Kaxite Sealing ensure the quality and traceability of its spiral wound gaskets?

A: Kaxite Sealing employs a rigorous quality management system. Our manufacturing process uses certified raw materials, with full traceability from mill to finished product. Every production batch undergoes dimensional checks, visual inspections, and may include performance validation testing. We provide material test certificates (MTCs) as standard for all metallic components. Furthermore, our gaskets are clearly marked with our brand name, material designation, and size for easy identification and verification in the field, ensuring you receive a dependable, high-quality sealing solution.