A spiral wound gasket is a type of gasket that is made up of a spirally wound strip of metal, with a non-metallic filler material sandwiched in between. The filler material is typically made of graphite, PTFE, or another elastomer. The metal strip is usually made of stainless steel, but other metals such as nickel or titanium can also be used.
A spiral wound gasket is a type of gasket that is made up of a spirally wound strip of metal, with a non-metallic filler material sandwiched in between. The filler material is typically made of graphite, PTFE, or another elastomer. The metal strip is usually made of stainless steel, but other metals such as nickel or titanium can also be used.
They are particularly well-suited for applications where high pressures, extreme temperatures, or chemical attack are present. This is because the spiral construction of the gasket allows it to compress evenly, providing a good seal even under harsh conditions.
Types of spiral wound gasket
Reinforced gaskets: These gaskets have an additional layer of metal on the outside, which helps to prevent them from buckling under pressure.
Inner ring gaskets: These gaskets have an inner ring that helps to prevent the windings from buckling and to protect the filler material from the fluid being sealed.
Centering gaskets: These gaskets have a centering ring that helps to keep the gasket centered in the flange joint.
Asme Standard for Spiral Wound gasket
ASME B16.20: This standard covers metallic gaskets for pipe flanges, including Spiral Wound Gaskets. It provides guidelines for the dimensions, tolerances, materials, and markings of gaskets used in various flange configurations and pressure classes.
Colour coding of spiral wound gasket to identify the material.
The Outer Ring (A) Colour has to follow the colour coding as per ASME B16.20.
Spiral wound seals must have a colour code that shows what materials are used for the coils and the filler. The winding metal will be shown by a colour that goes all the way around the edge of the middle ring.
Suppose the gasket has been installed on the tightened flange, we still can check the type of the gasket material by peep in between the flange and check the color of the outer ring.
Working of spiral wound gasket
The spiral winding of the metal strip helps to distribute the load evenly, preventing the gasket from buckling under pressure. This is because the spiral winding creates a series of small “springs” that help to absorb the load.
The non-metallic filler material helps to create a good seal between the flange faces. The filler material is typically made of a soft, compressible material that can conform to the surface of the flange faces. This helps make a tight seal that keeps water from getting in.
The different types of spiral wound gaskets are designed for different applications. For example, reinforced gaskets are used in applications where high pressures are present, while inner ring gaskets are used in applications where the filler material needs to be protected from the fluid being sealed. Reinforced gaskets have an additional layer of metal on the outside, which helps to prevent them from buckling under pressure. Inner ring gaskets have an inner ring that helps to prevent the windings from buckling and to protect the filler material from the fluid being sealed.
Spiral wound gaskets are typically made to order, and the specific materials and dimensions will vary depending on the application. The materials used for spiral wound seals depend on what they will be used for and where they will be used. For example, gaskets that will be subjected to high temperatures may be made of materials that can handle high temperatures, such as stainless steel or titanium.
Application of Spiral wound gasket
- Pumps
- Valves
- Heat exchangers
- Piping systems
- Pressure vessels
- Chemical plants
- Research laboratories
- Cryogenic facilities
Advantages of Spiral wound gasket
- They are able to withstand high pressures and temperatures.
- They are resistant to chemical attack.
- They are flexible and can be compressed evenly.
- They are relatively easy to install.
Disadvantages of Spiral wound gasket
- They can be more expensive than other types of gaskets.
- They can be more difficult to seal in some applications.
- They can be more prone to leaks if not installed properly.
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