What Are the Components of Spiral Wound Gaskets?

The components of spiral wound gaskets are:

1. Inner Ring

The inner ring is a crucial component that serves to prevent the windings from breaking under compression. It provides structural support to the gasket, ensuring its integrity during installation and operation.

2. Outer Ring

The outer ring plays a pivotal role in centering the gasket when inserted into the application. This ensures proper alignment and distribution of sealing pressure, enhancing the gasket’s effectiveness in preventing leaks.

3. Sealing Element

The spiral wound gasket’s sealing portion, which forms the real seal that stops leaks, is its central component. It is made up of spiral-shaped layers of non-metallic and metallic materials that alternate. These components function together with the filler material to give the gasket flexibility, resilience, and sealing power, which makes it appropriate for a range of industrial uses.

What Does a Spiral Wound Gasket Look Like?

A spiral wound gasket typically appears as a circular ring with alternating layers of metallic and non-metallic materials wound together in a spiral configuration. Figure 1 below shows some spiral wound gaskets:

spiral wound gasket

Spiral wound gasket. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Piqture Kreatif