Why use spiral wound gaskets?

Lotfi Grine, Eng. – Product Specialist at Robco

Many types of industrial gaskets can be found in the field. Yet, the 2 most popular types of gaskets found are Spiral Wound Gaskets (SWG) and gaskets cut from calendered sheets.

SWG are manufactured by spirally winding together a ‘V’ shaped metallic strip and a soft filler, generally graphite.

Calendered Sheet Gaskets are cut from sheets, which are manufactured by mixing, pressing and curing a composite of high temperature and chemically-resistant fibers, fillers and elastomers. Although in some cases, both type of gaskets can be used interchangeably, it’s essential to choose the right gasket according to the application details. Why would you choose spiral wound gaskets?

Benefits of Spiral Wound Gaskets

SWG are capable of handling a significant part of the oil and gas industry applications. Below, we list some of advantages of spiral wound gaskets, so you can make a more informed decision and a proper selection according to the application details:

Used widely in industrial plants, so easily available on the market
Reliable
Not affected by vibration
Very sturdy for field usage, when manufactured with inner and outer metal rings
Durable
High level of process parameters: temperature, pressure and media
Withstands fluctuations (pressure and temperature)

When exposed to thermal expansion, gaskets with good compressibility and recovery are required. These properties make spiral wound gaskets a good choice on many flanges assembly, including heat exchangers.

It’s important to note that the gaskets play only one part in the sealability of a joint assembly: bolts, studs, nuts, washers and flanges are also essential. Preventing leaks and maintaining an effective seal require that all these parts work together, notwithstanding operator’s installation and maintenance.

The Robco team has a long expertise in sealability. We are always ready to provide information and technical support.

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