Wound gaskets are one of the most common industrial parts and a have a wide range of application. It is a mechanical seal that is used to avoid leakages by filling space between two or more mating surfaces. There is a variety of gaskets available in the market today. Out of these types, spiral wound gaskets are considered suitable for diverse applications. They are supposed to be most reliable and allow lower clamping forces compared to another kind of gaskets.
What are Spiral Wound Gaskets?
These gaskets have a mix of metallic and filler material in alternating layers. The layer of metal provides structural support while filler material acts as a sealing element. The gasket consists of stainless steel or carbon-rich metal that is wound outwards in a circular spiral. The wounding of filler material is done in the same way but from opposite side. The spiral winding is done to a V-shaped metal strip. The outer metal layer holds the gasket centrally while controlling compression. The inner filler layer increases the resilience and axial rigidity of the gasket.
Properties of Special Wound Gasket
Special wound gaskets have applications across different industries like shipbuilding, pharmaceutical, nuclear stations, food processing, petrochemical and more. Here are few must know properties of special wound gaskets –
- They provide sealing under very heavy operating commercial and industrial conditions.
- Their construction works very well as a sealant. They restrict the flow of water, gas or air.
- These gaskets enhance the efficiency of normal operations and safety.
- They can be used with acids, gases, alkaline, steam, liquids, oil and other organic solvents and mediums.
- The materials used for the construction of these baskets are chosen on their ability to compress and recover under load.
- They can be used with acids, gases, alkaline, steam, liquids, oil and other organic solvents and mediums.
- Their exclusive properties make them ideal for use in high pressure, high-temperature applications.
- They can also be used for low-temperature applications in chemical plants, storage solutions, cryogenic facilities and more.
- These gaskets can be used for sealing flanges, pressure vessels, heat vessels, boilers, valves and compressors, tube covers, handheld covers and more.
- They offer strong stress compensation and reliable and stable sealing performance even under conditions that cause pressure fluctuations.
- These offer sealability even when the surfaces are bent or corroded slightly.
- They offer optimum performance in fluctuating/ low bolt loads.
- These gaskets offer improved pressure rating, long-lasting performance and elastic recovery.
- These are precision engineered solutions that provide resistance to any toxic or corrosive element.
- These gaskets are produced in a different combination of materials and styles to suit various industrial and commercial applications.
Most commonly used special wound gaskets are made from steel with a filling material of Asbestos and Graphite. You can easily find an application of spiral wound gasket around different industries and processes. There is a spiral wound gasket available for each kind of application. So, research about basic wound gaskets to figure out the right one for your industrial and commercial requirement.
Read the next article: Kinds of Spiral Wound Gaskets
