Factors for the sealing performance of metal wound gaskets?

- 2022-06-20-

Sealing is achieved by compressing the gasket material and filling uneven sealing surfaces. This kind of seal can effectively prevent the leakage of the medium. In order to maintain this working condition, the connection part must exert enough load to resist the end-face hydrostatic pressure caused by the internal pressure of the system. The use of gaskets depends on many factors. Let's introduce the factors that affect the sealing performance of stainless steel metal spiral wound gaskets.

1. Metal materials and filling materials, the materials must be able to withstand the following factors:
Temperature: Temperature adversely affects the mechanical and chemical properties of the gasket, as well as the physical properties of the gasket such as oxidation and resilience

Pressure: Media or pipeline internal pressure may blow the gasket out of the flange surface

Medium: The gasket material must be resistant to corrosion by the medium

2. Connection design:

 The force of the connection of the two flanges must be sufficient to prevent the flanges from separating due to the hydrostatic pressure on the end face caused by the internal pressure of the system.


3. Appropriate bolt load: 

If the bolt load is not large enough, the deformation of the gasket does not meet the requirements, or if the load is too large and the gasket is crushed, leakage will occur.


4. Surface processing: 

If the surface processing does not meet the requirements of the gasket, it will not have a good sealing effect.


Stainless steel spiral wound gaskets can be used in pipelines, valves, pressure vessels, condensers, heat exchangers, towers, manholes, Static sealing parts at flange connections such as hand holes. Spiral wound gaskets provide a low cost seal that can be used under operating temperature and pressure fluctuations. The sealing septum formed by the winding of multiple layers of metal and filler effectively reduces possible leakage. It is made by alternating winding of formed metal strips and soft filler material. When placed between two flanges and compressed, a very effective seal is formed. A metal wound gasket may include an outer ring, an inner ring or both. The outer ring aligns the gasket with the flange and acts as a limit for gasket compression. The inner ring not only provides additional radial strength, but also reduces flange erosion and protects sealing elements.