Spiral wound gaskets are a type of sealing gasket used in various industrial applications where there is a need for a reliable and resilient seal between two flanges under high temperature, high pressure, and potentially corrosive conditions. These gaskets are constructed by winding a metal strip, usually stainless steel, and a filler material, often graphite or PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), in a spiral pattern.
They are commonly used in industries such as oil and gas, petrochemical, chemical processing, power generation, and refining. The primary purposes of spiral wound gaskets include:Sealing: They provide an effective seal between two flanges, preventing leakage of fluids or gases from the joint, even under extreme conditions of pressure and temperature.Adaptability: Spiral wound gaskets are designed to adapt to flange surface imperfections, irregularities, and variations in temperature and pressure, ensuring a tight and reliable seal.Resistance: They offer resistance to a wide range of chemicals, making them suitable for use in applications involving corrosive substances.High-Performance Applications: These gaskets are preferred in applications where other gasket types might fail, such as in high-temperature steam services, high-pressure pipelines, and critical fluid handling systems.Overall, spiral wound gaskets are chosen for their durability, reliability, and ability to maintain a secure seal in demanding industrial environments.