Gaskets come in a range of types and sizes, all of which suit various applications across industry sectors.
Providing a sealing element that helps to prevent leaks, gaskets are placed between two mating surfaces and compressed to stop liquids and gases from escaping.
One of the metal gaskets we will explore in more detail in this post is eyeleted gaskets, what they are, and some of their benefits.
In addition, one of our most popular gasket types at SSP is a spiral wound gasket, which you can find more information about on our spiral wound gasket page.
Spiral Wound Gaskets
We use gaskets between two surfaces where there are irregularities between the surfaces or where there is a slight gap that requires filling when compressed.
Helping to prevent leaks, with the right gasket, you can achieve an effective and reliable seal. However, gaskets can be manufactured in various materials and filler substances, and it’s important to choose the right material for the application for which the gasket is intended.
For example, do you require high-temperature resistance? Resistance to pressure or a certain level of chemical resistance?
Working with a professional supplier who has experience across the sector will help, as they can answer your questions and offer the right sealing solution.
Metal Eyelet Flat Gaskets
- An eyelet gasket is shaped as flat and includes a steel reinforcement creating an eyelet (hence its unique name). It is this robust eyelet reinforcement that, in case of a blowout, protects the gasket.
- The reason why many opt for this type of gasket over a standard spiral wound gasket is that it can increase overall strength and improve the erosion/chemical resistance of the gasket.
- This type of gasket is widely used in the petrochemical industry for these reasons.
- Some of the main advantages of eyelet gaskets include:
- An improved sealing due to higher stress at the eyelet location
- Prevents blowouts
- Improves strength
- Resistant to pressure and pressure surges
- If you’re facing a strong flowing media that could tear the particles of the core material, we would always advise an eyelet gasket
- Suitable for rapidly swirling media
- Offers an efficient and all round effective seal
- Helps to meet safety regulations and industry standards
- Reinforces the gasket surface
- Reduces the danger of over-compression
- The gasket is easier to handle
- It has a high-temperature resistance
- It offers a high level of cleanliness due to the materials it is constructed from
- It has a longer lifespan than a standard gasket
- They can protect against temperature, chemicals, and pressure, making them an excellent sealing option for critical and dangerous media.
Alternatives to a gasket with eyelets include:
Flange gaskets – sitting between piping sections to create a seal that prevents leaks throughout the connection, flange gaskets are flared (unlike eyelets, which are flat) and can fill the spaces and irregularities between the pipe connections. At SSP, we offer a range of flanges in various plating finishes, materials, and sizes. From slip-on, raised face, weld neck, blank, and more, we offer it all – make sure to check out our product pages online for further details.
Spiral wound gaskets – a mechanical seal that includes thin strips of metal winding and soft filler material. Spiral wound gaskets offer high resistance to heat, pressure, and chemicals as they combine a solid outer ring with an inner core made from graphite, which is wound and sealed together to create a spring-like tension that is perfect for a compression seal. Spiral wound gaskets are also one of the most popular types of gaskets in the industry.
Spiral Wound Gasket Manufacturing Process
Gaskets are typically constructed with an outer and inner ring, winding, and filler material, constructed using flexible graphite materials.
For metal eyelet flat gaskets, the inner material thickness will depend on the application in which it is housed. However typically, the density of this inner ring will be 0.15mm, but this can increase to 0.4mm depending on requirements.
The eyelet should be compressed on the same level as the core material to achieve the best possible seal.
Specialist Sealing Products
No matter the type, style, or size, Gaskets perform an essential function across the oil and gas industry, chemical and petrochemical sector, pharmaceutical, piping, and more.
This is why we only supply high-quality, cost-competitive, and fast delivery times on all seals and gaskets.
We understand the extreme importance and requirement to create the perfect seal, and we know how vital this can be to avoid contamination, leaks, and dangerous chemicals from escaping/mixing.
That’s why we stock standard grade forms as well as custom-made gaskets to meet specific requirements; at SSP, our team can help you find the perfect gasket to provide the most suitable sealing solution.
Contact us at 01535 274 776 or email your requirements to sales@specialistsealingproducts.co.uk to see how we can help you.
