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How to Select the Right Spiral Wound Gasket for Flange Connections?

2026-01-19

Introduction

Selecting the right gasket for flange connections is critical to ensure safe, leak-free, and long-lasting operation in industrial systems. Spiral Wound Gaskets are widely used in high-pressure, high-temperature, and chemically demanding environments because of their unique structure and resilience. At Ningbo Kaxite Sealing Materials Co., Ltd., our focus is on producing Spiral Wound Gaskets that deliver reliable performance and durability for a variety of industrial applications.


In this article, we will explore how to select Spiral Wound Gaskets effectively, taking into account flange conditions, operating parameters, product specifications, and manufacturing quality. Our factory experience demonstrates that careful evaluation at every step can significantly extend service life and reduce maintenance costs.


Inner and Outer Ring Of SWG


Table of Contents


What Are Spiral Wound Gaskets and Why Are They Essential for Flange Connections?

Spiral Wound Gaskets are a type of semi-metallic sealing solution widely used in industrial flange connections. They are specifically designed to handle high pressures, extreme temperatures, and chemically aggressive media. At Ningbo Kaxite Sealing Materials Co., Ltd., our Spiral Wound Gaskets are manufactured with precision, ensuring reliable sealing and long-term performance across various industrial applications.


The core structure of a Spiral Wound Gasket consists of alternating layers of a metal strip and a soft filler material. The metal strip, often stainless steel or alloy steel, provides mechanical strength and resilience. The filler material, typically flexible graphite, PTFE, or ceramic fiber, ensures adaptability and sealing capability. This combination creates a gasket that can recover after compression, tolerate flange irregularities, and resist chemical attack.


Key Advantages of Spiral Wound Gaskets

  • High Pressure Resistance: Spiral Wound Gaskets maintain sealing integrity under high-pressure conditions commonly found in pipelines and process systems.
  • Temperature Tolerance: They are suitable for a wide range of temperatures, from cryogenic conditions to high-temperature steam and chemical processes.
  • Chemical Compatibility: Depending on the filler and metal combination, these gaskets are compatible with acids, alkalis, hydrocarbons, and steam.
  • Resilience and Recovery: The winding structure allows the gasket to recover after thermal expansion or pressure fluctuations, reducing leakage risk.
  • Flange Surface Adaptation: Spiral Wound Gaskets can seal uneven or slightly damaged flange surfaces, which reduces the need for costly flange machining.
  • Long Service Life: With proper selection and installation, these gaskets can operate for years without replacement, minimizing downtime.


Typical Applications of Spiral Wound Gaskets

Our Spiral Wound Gaskets from Ningbo Kaxite Sealing Materials Co., Ltd. are used across multiple industries due to their reliability and versatility. Common applications include:

  • Oil and gas pipelines, refineries, and petrochemical plants
  • Chemical and pharmaceutical processing units
  • Power generation equipment, including boilers, turbines, and heat exchangers
  • Shipbuilding and marine applications
  • High-temperature steam and condensate systems
  • Food processing and water treatment facilities (with chemically compatible fillers)


Spiral Wound Gasket Structure and Material Options

Understanding the composition of Spiral Wound Gaskets is essential for selecting the right product for a specific flange connection. Below is a detailed breakdown of the structure and common materials we use at our factory:


Component Material Options Function
Metal Winding Stainless Steel 304/316, Carbon Steel, Alloy Steel Provides mechanical strength, resilience, and recovery capability
Filler Material Flexible Graphite, PTFE, Ceramic Fiber Ensures sealing, chemical resistance, and flexibility
Outer Ring (Optional) Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel Maintains gasket shape, prevents over-compression, and provides alignment
Inner Ring (Optional) Stainless Steel, Alloy Steel Prevents inward extrusion of the filler and adds stability in high-pressure applications

Selection Criteria for Spiral Wound Gaskets

When choosing a Spiral Wound Gasket, consider the following critical factors to ensure long-term performance:

  • Flange Type and Surface: Raised face, flat face, or ring type joint flanges influence gasket design and dimensions.
  • Operating Pressure and Temperature: Match gasket material and thickness to withstand maximum operating conditions.
  • Process Media: Select filler and metal compatible with the chemical nature of the media.
  • Compliance with Standards: Ensure ASME B16.20, EN 1514, or other relevant standards are met.
  • Installation Practices: Proper bolt torque, flange preparation, and handling affect the gasket’s sealing performance.


Example Product Specifications

At Ningbo Kaxite Sealing Materials Co., Ltd., our Spiral Wound Gaskets are available in multiple configurations to meet diverse industry requirements:


Model Metal Winding Filler Material Temperature Range Pressure Class
SWG-SS304-GR Stainless Steel 304 Flexible Graphite -50 to 550°C Class 150-600
SWG-SS316-PTFE Stainless Steel 316 PTFE -100 to 260°C Class 150-300
SWG-C45-CF Carbon Steel Ceramic Fiber -50 to 750°C Class 150-900
SWG-SS316-GR Stainless Steel 316 Flexible Graphite -50 to 600°C Class 150-600

Why Choose Spiral Wound Gaskets from Our Factory?

  • Our Spiral Wound Gaskets are manufactured to strict quality standards, ensuring uniform layer density and precise dimensions.
  • We perform extensive testing to verify performance under pressure, temperature, and chemical exposure.
  • Our team provides professional guidance on material selection, sizing, and installation to optimize long-term sealing performance.
  • Traceable materials and quality assurance minimize the risk of field failure and maintenance issues.
  • By choosing Ningbo Kaxite Sealing Materials Co., Ltd., our clients gain a reliable partner for consistent and high-performance sealing solutions.


In conclusion, understanding the structure, advantages, applications, and material options of Spiral Wound Gaskets is essential for proper selection. With careful evaluation and professional guidance from our factory, engineers can ensure safe, leak-free flange connections that maintain performance over time.


How to Select Spiral Wound Gaskets Considering Flange Conditions and Product Parameters?

Effective gasket selection requires evaluation of both the flange conditions and the product parameters. At Ningbo Kaxite Sealing Materials Co., Ltd., our factory has developed a structured approach based on years of field experience and testing.


1. Assess Flange Conditions

  • Flange Type: Identify whether the flange is raised face, flat face, or ring type joint. The gasket design must match the flange to ensure proper sealing.
  • Bolt Load and Tightening: Determine bolt number, strength, and tightening method. Proper torque ensures uniform gasket compression without over-tightening or under-compression.
  • Operating Pressure: Consider both continuous and fluctuating pressure. Our Spiral Wound Gaskets can handle a wide range of pressures depending on metal and filler selection.
  • Temperature Range: Account for maximum and peak temperatures. Selecting the correct filler and winding metal ensures thermal stability.
  • Process Media: Analyze chemical properties of fluids or gases. Our gaskets are designed with metal-filler combinations suitable for corrosive, inert, or aggressive media.
  • Surface Finish: Evaluate flange flatness and roughness. Spiral Wound Gaskets tolerate minor imperfections, but smoother surfaces enhance sealing performance.


2. Evaluate Product Parameters

Key parameters of Spiral Wound Gaskets impact their long-term reliability:

  • Metal Winding Material: Stainless steel, carbon steel, or alloys provide mechanical strength and corrosion resistance.
  • Filler Material: Flexible graphite, PTFE, or ceramic fibers are selected based on chemical compatibility and temperature resistance.
  • Winding Density: High-density winding improves resilience and recovery under thermal and pressure cycles.
  • Thickness and Width: Match flange dimensions to ensure proper compression without over-stressing.
  • Standards Compliance: Verify adherence to ASME B16.20 or EN 1514 for interchangeability and reliability.


3. Example Product Parameters

Model Metal Winding Filler Material Temperature Range Pressure Class
SWG-SS304-GR Stainless Steel 304 Flexible Graphite -50 to 550°C Class 150-600
SWG-SS316-PTFE Stainless Steel 316 PTFE -100 to 260°C Class 150-300
SWG-C45-CF Carbon Steel Ceramic Fiber -50 to 750°C Class 150-900

How Does Manufacturing Quality Affect Long-Term Sealing Performance?

Manufacturing quality plays a crucial role in determining the reliability and longevity of Spiral Wound Gaskets. At Ningbo Kaxite Sealing Materials Co., Ltd., our factory focuses on precise control of every production step to ensure optimal performance.


1. Impact of Material Selection

  • High-quality metal windings ensure mechanical strength and corrosion resistance.
  • Filler materials with consistent thickness and composition prevent leakage and maintain compressibility.
  • Traceability of raw materials guarantees consistent performance across batches.


2. Precision in Winding Process

  • Proper winding tension prevents delamination and ensures uniform elasticity.
  • Layer thickness must be controlled to achieve the correct density for thermal and pressure recovery.
  • Our factory monitors winding speed, tension, and alignment to meet international standards.


3. Dimensional Accuracy and Inspection

  • Accurate outer diameter, inner diameter, and cross-sectional thickness are critical for flange fit.
  • Quality inspection using calibrated measurement tools reduces variation and ensures leak-free performance.
  • Batch inspection and testing simulate operating conditions to validate sealing integrity.


4. Surface Treatment and Finishing

  • Metal surfaces are polished or coated to prevent corrosion and enhance sealing.
  • Edges and cutting surfaces are finished to avoid damage during installation.
  • Our factory implements strict finishing protocols to maintain gasket integrity over time.


5. Effect on Long-Term Performance

  • Gaskets manufactured with strict quality control maintain sealing stress under thermal cycling.
  • Uniform winding and filler distribution prevent localized compression failure.
  • Consistent production reduces installation errors and improves operational reliability.


Summary

Selecting the right Spiral Wound Gaskets requires a combined assessment of flange conditions, operating parameters, product specifications, and manufacturing quality. At Ningbo Kaxite Sealing Materials Co., Ltd., our factory emphasizes precision, high-quality materials, and strict inspection to deliver reliable, long-lasting gaskets. By aligning flange conditions with properly manufactured gaskets, our clients achieve leak-free operation, minimized downtime, and reduced maintenance costs. Contact our team today to receive professional recommendations and ensure optimal gasket selection for your applications.


FAQ

Q1: How do I know if a Spiral Wound Gasket is suitable for high-pressure applications?

A1: Verify the gasket's metal winding strength and filler material. Our Spiral Wound Gaskets are rated for various pressure classes, and our factory can provide guidance based on your specific flange pressure and operating conditions.

Q2: Can Spiral Wound Gaskets withstand chemical corrosion?

A2: Yes. By selecting corrosion-resistant alloys and compatible filler materials such as PTFE, our gaskets can reliably seal flanges exposed to aggressive chemical media.

Q3: How do manufacturing standards affect gasket performance?

A3: High manufacturing quality ensures consistent layer winding, proper filler density, and accurate dimensions, all of which maintain sealing stress under thermal and pressure cycles, preventing leaks over time.

Q4: How should I choose gasket thickness and width?

A4: Gasket dimensions must match flange specifications to avoid over-compression or under-sealing. Our factory provides technical charts and consultation to select precise dimensions.

Q5: Why choose Ningbo Kaxite Sealing Materials Co., Ltd. for Spiral Wound Gaskets?

A5: Our factory combines over two decades of experience, strict quality control, and material expertise to produce Spiral Wound Gaskets that meet international standards, ensuring long-term reliability and leak-free flange connections.

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