Spiral wound metallic gaskets are a critical choice for ensuring leak-tight seals on high-temperature and high-pressure flanged connections. This guide highlights top options ideal for various piping sizes and flange ratings, helping buyers select the right gasket for their application. The selections below emphasize robust metal-to-filler sealing, compatibility with flat and raised face flanges, and suitability for boiler, heat exchanger, and process-line services. The buyers most likely to benefit are plant maintenance engineers, process supervisors, and procurement specialists seeking reliable, ASME-compliant gaskets.
| Product | Pipe Size / Class | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sterling Seal and Supply, Inc. API 601 9000IR.500304GR600 | 1/2″ Pipe Size x 600# | Chemical processing, high-pressure lines | 304SS inner ring for secure seating |
| Spiral Wound Metal Gasket, 3 in., 11/64 in | 3″ Pipe, 11/64″ thick | Mid-sized process piping | 304SS with flexible graphite, high temperature range |
| Sterling SSI90006304GR150X24 | 6″ Pipe, 150# | Boiler rooms, heat exchangers | 304SS windings with graphite filler, durable outer ring |
| Sterling Seal and Supply, Inc. API 601 9000IR3304GR150 | 3″ Pipe x 150# | General process lines | 304SS inner ring for reliable seating |
| 4″-600# Flexitallic Spiral Wound Gasket, Style CG | 4″ Flange, 600# | Heavy-duty flange connections | Flexitallic CG series for rugged service |
Sterling API 601 9000IR.500304GR600
This gasket uses a 304 stainless steel spiral windings with a 304SS inner ring designed for flat face and raised face flanges. The sealing element comprises metal winding and a soft filler, delivering a robust barrier against leaks in high-temperature, high-pressure services. Best for: small-diameter, high-pressure connections where inset stability is critical. Limitations: data notes emphasize standard flange compatibility; verify thermal expansion constraints for specialized media.
Spiral Wound Metal Gasket, 3 in., 11/64 in
This gasket is a 3″ spiral wound with a 11/64″ thickness, featuring 304SS windings and a flexible graphite filler. It includes a carbon steel centerring and is specified for a high continuous temperature range (up to 842°F). Best for: medium-size piping where flexible graphite filler provides good sealing under thermal cycling. Better for: systems where a robust metallic core is needed, with practical temperature tolerance. Caution: ensure compatible flange face and media compatibility with graphite fillers.
Sterling SSI90006304GR150X24 Spiral Wound Gasket
Sterling Seal & Supply Style 9000 gaskets are 304 stainless steel spiral wound with a graphite filler and a carbon steel outer ring. They are offered for flat and raised face flanges, and are suitable for heat exchangers and high-temperature, high-pressure joints. Best for: larger-bore or higher-pressure lines requiring strong flange erosion protection. Caution: verify ASME B16.20 markings and labeling requirements on gaskets to ensure compliance in critical installations.
4″ Flexitallic Spiral Wound Gasket, Style CG
The Flexitallic CG gasket is designed for 4″ flanges at 600# class, using a spiral wound construction with a metal windings and soft filler. Best for: heavy-duty process lines with demanding pressure classes. Better for: applications requiring strong resilience against flange erosion and turbulent flow. Limitation: ensure correct outer ring material to match flange corrosion conditions, as data indicates generic outer ring composition.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations For Spiral Wound Gaskets
- Material compatibility: Match the winding metal (e.g., stainless steel 304/316) and filler (graphite) to process media (chemicals, hydrocarbons, steam) and temperature limits.
- Flange type and class: Confirm flat face or raised face compatibility and the flange pressure class (e.g., 150#, 300#, 600#) to prevent leakage under operation conditions.
- Inner vs outer rings: An inner ring stabilizes seating on smaller bores and prevents extrusion; an outer ring provides outer diameter stability in high-stress joints.
- Temperature and pressure rating: Consider continuous service temperatures up to around 842°F in examples, with higher pressures for smaller pipe sizes depending on design.
- Applications and media: For heat exchangers, boilers, and high-temperature valves, select gaskets designed for those environments to minimize flange erosion and turbulence.
- Markings and compliance: Look for ASME B16.20 markings and consistent identification on gaskets for traceability and safety compliance.
- Installation considerations: Proper gasket seating, bolt torque, and flange alignment are essential for sealing performance; avoid overtightening which can damage the gasket.
FAQ
- What is a spiral wound gasket?
Answer: It combines a metal winding with a soft filler to create a seal that tolerates high temperature and pressure on flanged joints. - Which gasket is best for high-pressure connections?
Answer: Gaskets rated at 600# class or higher are typically better for high-pressure lines, such as the 1/2″ 600# example. - Do these gaskets work with both flat face and raised face flanges?
Answer: Yes, several options are designed for both flange types, improving versatility in system designs. - What should I consider regarding filler material?
Answer: Graphite fillers offer good temperature resistance and chemical compatibility for many processes, but check media compatibility for corrosive substances. - How important is the inner ring?
Answer: An inner ring stabilizes seating, especially on smaller pipe sizes, reducing extrusion risk and improving sealing reliability. - Are these gaskets compliant with industry standards?
Answer: They are typically manufactured to ASME-style configurations and markings; verify documentation for your project requirements.