Metal Spiral Wound Gaskets: The Backbone of High-Pressure Sealing Systems

In high-temperature, high-pressure piping systems, conventional gaskets often fail catastrophically. Metal spiral wound gaskets, with their composite structure of elastic metal and flexible filler, create a unique "rigid-yet-flexible" sealing solution. This article reveals why they are the ultimate choice for extreme conditions in petrochemical and nuclear industries.

​I. Structural Anatomy: Precision Layered Engineering​

​EN 1092-1 Standard Construction:

|-----------------------------------------------|  
| Metal Ribbon (CS/SS/Ti) → Pressure Resistance |  
| Filler Layer (Graphite/PTFE/Mica) → Micro-Sealing |  
| V-Shaped Corrugated Windings (25-45 layers) → Elastic Reservoir |  
| Inner/Outer Rings (304SS/316L) → Blowout Protection |  
|-----------------------------------------------|  

​Sealing Principle: Pressure increase → Radial contraction of V-rings → Filler expansion seals micro-gaps

​II. Performance Dominance (vs. Flat Gaskets)​​

​Critical Applications:

• Thermal expansion compensation (ΔL=12mm/m @550°C steam lines)
• Cryogenic shock resistance (-196°C→25°C)
• Hydrogen permeation barrier (<0.001ppm @15MPa hydrogen reactors)

​III. Industry Problem-Solving Cases​

​**▶ Cracker Quench System Failure**​

• ​Problem: Graphite gasket fracture under 950°C quench oil
• ​Solution: Inconel 625 + flexible graphite winding
• ​Result: Maintenance interval ↑ from 3 months → 2 years (saves $12M/year)

​**▶ LNG BOG Compressor Leakage**​

• ​Problem: Seal failure at -162°C
• ​Solution: Titanium winding + modified PTFE filler
• ​Result: Methane emissions ↓ from 2,300m³/h to 5m³/h

​IV. Selection Matrix​

​Golden Rules:

1. T>540°C → Avoid PTFE fillers
2. Pressure pulsation>10Hz → Must have inner/outer rings
3. Solid particles in media → Filler hardness>90 Shore A

​V. Installation Revolution​

​Flawed Traditional Method:

Hammer tightening → Uneven stress → 37% localized crushing  

​Laser-Guided Assembly (Patented)​:

1. 3D scan flange flatness (±3μm)
2. Optimize bolt sequence (FEA simulation)
3. Hydraulic tensioning (<5% deviation)
   → Achieves >94% uniform sealing stress

[DLSEALS kindly Reminder] Sealing issues? Turn to DLSEALS! As a sealing component manufacturer, we specialize in customizing sealing components, providing a full range of services from design, research and development, production, testing, and more. If you have more information you'd like to know, feel free to contact us directly. DLSEALS's product experts are dedicated to serving you!