Spiral Wound Gaskets

Spiral wound gaskets are generally intended for single use to maintain optimal sealing integrity. Once compressed, the gasket material undergoes deformation which compromises its ability to reseal effectively if reused. In high pressure or high temperature environments, reusing a spiral wound gasket can lead to leaks or failure. While some low risk systems may allow limited reuse if the gasket appears undamaged, it is strongly recommended to replace the gasket after disassembly to ensure long term reliability and safety.

The purpose of a spiral wound gasket is to form a leak tight seal between two flanged components especially in high pressure and high temperature systems. It accommodates thermal cycling, vibration and flange irregularities due to its layered structure of metal winding and soft filler. These gaskets retain compressibility and sustain effective sealing performance even under variable pressure and thermal cycling. They are widely used in critical equipment such as pressure vessels, heat exchangers, piping joints and refinery systems where reliable long term sealing is essential.

Most spiral wound gaskets are made from stainless steel winding strips combined with a compressible filler material like graphite or PTFE. This structure provides both strength and flexibility allowing the gasket to handle extreme conditions while maintaining a tight seal. The most common configuration is the Style CGI which includes both inner and outer guide rings for added blowout resistance and precise centering. These gaskets are designed in accordance with global sealing standards such as ASME B16.20, API 601 and EN 1514 2 for reliable performance.