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RILSON GASKET
Ningbo Rilson Sealing Material Co., Ltd is dedicated to ensuring the secure and dependable operation of fluid sealing systems, offering clients the appropriate sealing technology solutions.
Content
- 1 What Are the Different Types of Spiral Wound Gaskets
- 2 How a Spiral Wound Gasket Is Constructed
- 3 Types of Spiral Wound Gaskets by Ring Configuration
- 4 Types of Spiral Wound Gaskets by Filler Material
- 5 Metal Options for Winding Strips and Rings
- 6 Comparing Performance Across Filler Types
- 7 Typical Compression Recovery Behavior
- 8 How to Choose the Right Type of Spiral Wound Gasket
- 9 Installation Considerations for Spiral Wound Gaskets
- 10 Related Metal Gasket and Hose Products
- 11 About Ningbo Rilson Sealing Material
- 12 Frequently Asked Questions
- 12.1 Q1: What is a spiral wound gasket used for
- 12.2 Q2: How does a spiral wound gasket seal
- 12.3 Q3: What are spiral wound gaskets made of
- 12.4 Q4: What is the difference between inner ring and outer ring in a spiral wound gasket
- 12.5 Q5: Why use graphite in a spiral wound gasket
- 12.6 Q6: How do I select a spiral wound gasket size
- 12.7 Q7: What pressure rating is a spiral wound gasket suitable for
- 12.8 Q8: How long does a spiral wound gasket last
- 12.9 Q9: Can spiral wound gaskets be reused
- 12.10 Q10: How to install a spiral wound gasket correctly
What Are the Different Types of Spiral Wound Gaskets
Spiral wound gaskets are generally classified in two main ways: by ring configuration and by the winding and filler material combination used inside the sealing element. Ring configuration options include a spiral wound gasket with inner ring, a spiral wound gasket with outer ring only, a spiral wound gasket without inner ring, and a basic style produced without any supporting ring at all. Material combinations are typically grouped by filler type, such as graphite, PTFE, or mica, paired with a metal winding strip chosen to match the process media and the flange material.
Because flange size, operating temperature, and the media being sealed all vary from one application to another, matching the correct type of spiral wound gasket to the service condition plays a central role in achieving a stable, long lasting seal at the flange connection.
How a Spiral Wound Gasket Is Constructed
A spiral wound gasket is made with an alternating combination of formed metal wire and soft filler material, wound together into a dense ring. When compressed between two flanges, the alternating layers form an effective seal while still allowing a degree of flexibility that plain metal gaskets do not offer.
Winding and Filler Layers
The metal winding gives the gasket its structural strength, while the filler layer fills microscopic surface irregularities on the flange face. Filler and winding metal can both be changed independently to accommodate different chemical compatibility requirements, which is part of why spiral wound gaskets are available in so many type combinations.
The V Shaped Metal Strip
A V shaped crown centered in the metal strip acts as a small spring, giving the gasket added resiliency under changing temperature and pressure conditions. If the available bolt load to compress a gasket is limited, the winding density and gasket dimensions can be adjusted to still provide an effective seal.
Types of Spiral Wound Gaskets by Ring Configuration
Ring configuration is usually the first classification a buyer needs to confirm, since it depends directly on the flange design being sealed. An outer centering ring positions the gasket accurately within the flange bolt circle and acts as a compression limiter, while an inner ring adds radial strength, reduces flange erosion, and protects the winding from the process media.
| Ring Configuration | Typical Description |
|---|---|
| With inner ring | Outer centering ring plus inner ring for added radial support and flange protection |
| With outer ring only | Outer centering ring only, commonly used on standard raised face flanges |
| Without inner ring | Sealing element with outer ring, no separate inner support ring included |
| Without any ring | Sealing element only, often used where the gasket seats inside a confined groove |
Typical Ring Configuration Usage Across Flange Applications
45%
With Inner Ring
30%
Outer Ring Only
20%
Without Inner Ring
5%
Without Any Ring
Figures represent general distribution patterns seen across common industrial flange applications and are shown for illustrative comparison only.
Types of Spiral Wound Gaskets by Filler Material
Filler material choice mainly depends on operating temperature and chemical exposure. Graphite filler is one of the most widely used options because it performs well across a broad temperature range and resists a wide variety of process media, though it is generally kept away from strongly oxidizing environments at very high temperature. PTFE filler is often selected for oxidizing or aggressive chemical service where graphite is not suitable. Mica based filler is used for higher temperature applications, and flexible non-metallic alternatives are available for lighter duty or lower temperature service.
Typical Maximum Continuous Service Temperature by Filler Type
Approximate reference ranges only; actual limits vary by exact formulation, winding metal, and process conditions.
Comparing Performance Across Filler Types
Choosing between a graphite filled, PTFE filled, or mica filled spiral wound gasket usually comes down to weighing temperature resistance, oxidation resistance, chemical compatibility range, compression recovery, and overall sealing reliability against the specific process conditions involved.
Filler Type Performance Comparison
Graphite Filled PTFE Filled Mica Filled
Ratings are relative and intended for general comparison; actual performance depends on exact formulation and service conditions.
Typical Compression Recovery Behavior
As bolt load increases toward the rated value, a spiral wound gasket gradually develops its full spring back and recovery capacity. This gradual recovery pattern is one of the reasons spiral wound gaskets tend to accommodate minor flange movement and thermal cycling better than flat, non-metallic gaskets.
General Recovery Trend Across Bolt Load Range
Curve illustrates a general recovery pattern; exact values vary by gasket construction, filler type, and installation conditions.
How to Choose the Right Type of Spiral Wound Gasket
Selecting between the available types of spiral wound gaskets generally comes down to reviewing a short list of service conditions before placing an order with a spiral wound gasket supplier.
- Confirm the operating temperature range and whether the process runs in an oxidizing or non-oxidizing environment, which helps determine filler type.
- Check the pressure rating and flange class to help set the correct winding density and ring configuration.
- Review chemical compatibility between the process media and both the filler material and winding metal.
- Match the ring configuration to the flange facing type, since raised face, tongue and groove, and ring type joint style grooves each seat the gasket differently.
- Confirm available bolt load, since limited bolt load may call for an adjusted winding density or gasket dimension.
For flanges built around a ring type joint groove, a ring type joint gasket or solid metal RTJ gasket is generally used instead of a standard spiral wound gasket, so confirming flange facing type early avoids ordering the wrong product family.
Installation Considerations for Spiral Wound Gaskets
- Inspect flange faces for damage or debris before placing the gasket.
- Center the gasket accurately within the bolt circle using the outer ring as a guide.
- Tighten bolts gradually in a cross pattern rather than working around the flange in one direction.
- Avoid reusing a spiral wound gasket once it has been compressed and removed from service.
- Store unused gaskets flat, away from moisture, to keep the winding and filler in stable condition.
About Ningbo Rilson Sealing Material
Ningbo Rilson Sealing Material Co., Ltd. was founded in 2007 and is located in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, operating as a spiral wound gasket manufacturer and spiral wound gasket supplier. The manufacturing facility spans about 20,000 square meters and runs multiple production lines dedicated to sealing products for the petroleum, chemical, power, shipbuilding, and machinery manufacturing sectors.
As a spiral wound gasket factory, the company produces spiral wound gaskets, ring joint gaskets, kammprofile gaskets, corrugated metal gaskets, insulation kit gaskets, and non-asbestos gaskets, maintaining structured internal quality control procedures throughout production. With clients across multiple regions, the company focuses on delivering practical sealing technology solutions built around integrity, precision, innovation, and long term customer relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is a spiral wound gasket used for
Spiral wound gaskets are used to seal flange connections and are widely applied in chemical processing, oil and gas pipelines, power plants, heat exchangers, and pressure vessels.
Q2: How does a spiral wound gasket seal
When compressed between two flanges, the alternating metal winding and filler layers conform to minor surface irregularities on the flange face while the metal winding provides spring back to help maintain contact pressure.
Q3: What are spiral wound gaskets made of
A spiral wound gasket is made from a formed metal winding strip combined with a soft filler material, often paired with an outer ring, an inner ring, or both, depending on the configuration.
Q4: What is the difference between inner ring and outer ring in a spiral wound gasket
The outer ring centers the gasket in the flange and limits compression, while the inner ring adds radial support, helps reduce flange erosion, and protects the winding from the process media.
Q5: Why use graphite in a spiral wound gasket
Graphite filler is widely used because it performs across a broad temperature range and resists many process media, making it a common general purpose choice for spiral wound gaskets.
Q6: How do I select a spiral wound gasket size
Gasket size is generally matched to the flange nominal pipe size and pressure class, so confirming the exact flange dimensions and facing type is the first step before ordering.
Q7: What pressure rating is a spiral wound gasket suitable for
Spiral wound gaskets are used across a wide range of flange pressure classes, with winding density and ring configuration adjusted to suit the specific pressure rating involved.
Q8: How long does a spiral wound gasket last
Service life depends on operating temperature, pressure, the process media involved, and storage conditions before installation, so periodic inspection during scheduled shutdowns is generally recommended.
Q9: Can spiral wound gaskets be reused
Spiral wound gaskets are generally intended for single use, since the winding and filler lose their spring back capacity once compressed and removed from service.
Q10: How to install a spiral wound gasket correctly
Correct installation involves inspecting the flange faces, centering the gasket within the bolt circle, and tightening bolts gradually in a cross pattern to apply even compression.
