Spiral Wound Gaskets UK : Complete Guide to Industrial Flange Sealing, Standards & Applications
When you are defining or procuring spiral wound gaskets UK industrial plant relies on stakes are high. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Energy Institute have provided guidance that leakage through flange joints is still one of the main causes of hydrocarbon release incidents at UK industrial sites. The wrong gasket, or the improper installation of a gasket, can lead to a less safe process, unplanned shutdowns, and severe regulatory liability. This guide provides you with all the information you need to understand about spiral wound gaskets, what materials you need to consider using, UK and international standards for spiral wound gaskets and choosing the correct gasket for your application.
What Is a Spiral Wound Gasket?
Spiral wound gasket is a semi-metallic gasket made by spiral an alternating series of metal and soft filler material into a spiral shape. The outcome is a robust and effective gasket that can successfully resist harsh process media, temperature and pressure in extreme conditions in demanding industrial applications.
There are usually three parts to the manufacture of a spiral wound gasket:
Metal winding strip: the most popular are stainless steel 316 or other corrosion-resistant metals, which are used to provide structure and resilience.
Filler material: usually flexible graphite or PTFE which fills surface irregularities on the face of the flange to form the main seal.
Inner and outer rings: solid metal rings to regulate compression, prevent gasket blow out and protect winding during installation.
Spiral wound gaskets are a popular gasket choice in the UK for process industries because they offer a balance between metal strength and soft filler flexibility. To get an overview of gasket types and sealing technologies,
check out our Gaskets & Seals — Complete Industry Guide.
How Does a Spiral Wound Gasket Work?
Spiral wound gasket metal windings compress when a bolted flange joint is assembled and tightened. As the layers are wound, they will return slightly, providing a resilient seal with stress and soft filler material will be pressed into the small irregularities present in the face of the flange, creating a tight seal between the flange faces and the process fluid.
The outer guide ring aligns the gasket to put it into place exactly against the flange face and avoids over compression of the winding. The inner ring offers extra blow-out protection and aids the winding on the bore side, especially during high pressure/high temperature usage.
This type of resilience makes spiral wound gaskets capable of handling any amount of displacement of flanges, thermal cycling and pressure changes, which can cause other types of gaskets to leak or fail prematurely.
Spiral Wound Gasket Materials: Winding & Filler Options
One of the most important choices to make in the specification of a spiral wound gasket is which materials to use. The metal winding should also be compatible with the process temperature, pressure and the chemical characteristics of the process medium, as well as the characteristics of the filler material.
Winding Strip Materials
316 Stainless Steel: most widely used; can be used under a variety of process conditions.
The 304 Stainless Steel is used in general industrial applications in non-corrosive settings.
Inconel 625: High temperature, corrosion resistant applications.
MONEL 400: very good for service in seawater and hydrofluoric acid.
Hastelloy C-276: in highly corrosive chemical and acid environments.
Chemically-resistant: acid and alkaline service.
Filler Materials
Filler Material | Key Properties | Typical Applications |
Flexible Graphite | Excellent heat & chemical resistance | Steam, oil & gas, hydrocarbons |
PTFE | Outstanding chemical inertness | Aggressive chemicals, acids, solvents |
Ceramic / Mica | Very high temperature resistance | Extreme heat applications |
Non-Asbestos Fiber | General sealing performance | Low-to-medium pressure service |
For guidance on selecting the right flange specification to pair with your gasket choice, see our Industrial Flange Types, Standards & Specifications.
Spiral Wound Gasket vs Ring Type Joint Gasket
One of the often asked questions by procurement and engineering staff is: What is the difference between a spiral wound gasket and a ring type joint (RTJ) gasket? They are used in difficult industrial use, but each has different requirements.
Feature | Spiral Wound Gasket | Ring Type Joint (RTJ) |
Construction | Metal + soft filler (semi-metallic) | Solid metal ring |
Sealing Mechanism | Resilient compression sealing | Metal-to-metal contact |
Pressure Range | Medium to very high | Very high / extreme |
Temperature Range | Up to 500°C+ | Extreme temperatures |
Flange Type | Raised face, tongue & groove | Ring groove flanges only |
Reusability | Single use recommended | Single use |
Cost | Moderate | Higher |
Typical Use | Refineries, power, process plant | Wellheads, subsea, HPHT |
Spiral wound gaskets offer the best sealing performance, flexibility of use, and price for most industrial flange sealing solutions UK process plants need, such as refineries, power stations and chemical plants. RTJ gaskets are used only for the most severe pressure and temperature applications, such as wellhead and subsea connections.
Standards Governing Spiral Wound Gaskets in the UK
Any process facilities in the UK must meet recognized standards, which is vital for both regulatory requirements and for safe and reliable operation, for all spiral wound gaskets.
ASME B16.20
ASME B16.20 is the main international standard for metallic gaskets for pipe flanges, which includes spiral wound gaskets. It establishes dimensional requirements, materials and marking requirements, and testing requirements for spiral wound gaskets for ASME B16.5 flanges. Most of the oil and gas, petrochemical and refinery projects in the UK all use the ASME B16.20 spiral wound gasket for metallic flange sealing.
BS EN 1514
The British Standards Institution (BSI) published BS EN 1514, which provides dimensions and tolerances for gaskets in use with European standard flanges (EN 1092). BS EN 1514 offers the dimension and material specifications for spiral wound gasket specification for UK applications based on European flange specification.
Pressure Equipment Directive (PED)
The EU Pressure Equipment Directive has been transposed into national regulations in the UK called the Pressure Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016, which sets requirements for the design, manufacture and conformity assessment of pressure equipment, including bolted flange joints. PED conformity for applicable pressure classes needs to be taken into account when selecting the gasket.
HSE and Energy Institute Guidance
Guidance for flange integrity management exists and is published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Energy Institute and it informs gasket specification and installation practice at UK industrial facilities. Adherence to this guidance can be regarded as good practice to minimize the risk of leakage and fugitive emissions from flange joints.
Where Are Spiral Wound Gaskets Used? UK Industry Applications
Spiral wound gaskets are one of the most common gasket types used throughout the process industries in the UK. See our Oil & Gas Sealing & Fastening Solutions page for detailed information on supply into the oil and gas market.
Oil and Gas
Across North Sea offshore platforms, onshore processing terminals, and pipeline systems, spiral wound gaskets for oil and gas UK facilities provide reliable hydrocarbon containment under demanding pressure and temperature conditions. Aberdeen serves as a major operational hub for North Sea supply chain activity, with significant demand for certified gasket products meeting ASME B16.20 and project-specific requirements.
Petrochemical and Refinery
Spiral wound gaskets are used on reactor systems, heat exchangers, distillation columns and process pipework throughout refinery process units, such as Grangemouth, Scotland and petrochemical facilities on Teesside. Most hydrocarbon service applications are fitted with graphite filled spiral wound gaskets.
Power Generation
Spiral wound gaskets are commonly used for steam applications in power stations, including conventional and renewable energy stations, in the UK. High-temperature steam systems demand gaskets that can withstand high temperatures and pressures and maintain bolt load during repeated thermal cycles, and are filled with graphite.
Chemical Processing
Chemical processing UK facilities that are dependent on the Spiral wound gasket are frequently required to be filled with PTFE, when aggressive acids, solvents and corrosive media are the main requirement. Some of the facilities are in Hull and throughout Northern England.
Water Treatment and Utilities
Spiral wound gaskets and other pipe work sealing solutions for industrial use are used by water treatment plants, utility pipework and industrial services throughout England and Scotland in pipe work systems that are used at moderate pressures and temperatures where long term sealing is required.
Marine and Offshore
In service with seawater and marine grade materials, corrosion resistant spiral wound gaskets are specified for marine vessels, offshore platforms and LNG terminals, usually duplex stainless steel or Monel materials in engine room pipework and other process equipment.
What Causes Spiral Wound Gasket Failure?
It is critical to gaining knowledge of common failure modes to ensure greater reliability of flange sealing and to minimize unplanned maintenance expenses. The most common problems associated with spiral wound gasket failure are:
Improper Installation
One of the main reasons for spiral wound gasket leakage is that the bolt is tightened in the wrong sequence, there is not enough lubrication, or the joint is not assembled using recommended joint assembly procedures, including those recommended by the ECITB and Energy Institute. Even with the gasket specified properly, it will leak if the installation is not done properly.
Incorrect Torque Application
Under-torquing and over-torquing are both damaging the spiral wound gasket. If there is a lack of load on the bolts, the gasket will be under compression and if there is too much load on the bolts, the windings will be crushed and the gasket will lose its ability to be resilient and to seal.
Flange Misalignment
Mating flanges that are parallel or angular cause uneven gasket loading, stress on one side of the gasket face and potential for leakage early in the life of the gasket. Good flange alignment prior to bolt-up is essential to any flange integrity management program.
Thermal Cycling
Bolt relaxation and loss of gasket stress over time can occur in steam or high-temperature applications and is caused by repeated heating and cooling. For long-term performance, it is important to use the correct high temperature spiral wound gasket UK grade, using a material that is wound with the appropriate filler for the service temperature.
Material Incompatibility
The most basic specification error is to use a gasket material that is incompatible with the process fluid or temperature. PTFE is recommended for use in aggressive chemical service, while graphite fillers are recommended for steam and hydrocarbon service and should be avoided in strongly oxidizing service.
Reuse of Gaskets
Spiral wound gaskets are not recyclable. Recommendations from suppliers such as Flexitallic, KLINGER and James Walker, are to change spiral wound gasket every time a bolted joint is opened, even if they appear to be in good condition. Best practice — and recommended by suppliers like Flexitallic, KLINGER and James Walker — is to change spiral wound gasket when every bolted joint is opened, even if they look good.
How to Select the Right Spiral Wound Gasket: A Practical Framework
There are a number of interrelated parameters that must be considered in order to select a correct gasket. This is the best practice approach to industrial flange sealing solutions UK projects:
1. Define the Pressure-Temperature Envelope
Set up design pressure (bar or psi), maximum operating temperature and cyclic load or thermal cycling requirements. Double check with the ASME B16.20 pressure-temperature tables and gasket manufacturer technical data for suitability.
2. Identify the Process Medium
Verify the chemical composition of the fluid (hydrocarbon, steam, acid, solvent, or water) and choose winding and filler materials that are compatible. Refer to the spiral wound gasket pressure rating guide and the compatibility of materials with your supplier.
3. Confirm the Flange Standard and Rating
Define the flange standard (ASME B16.5, EN 1092, etc.) and pressure class/ PN. Spiral wound gaskets are required to have the correct dimensions for each standard and bore size flange.
4. Select the Construction Type
Select the ring configuration (inner ring only, outer ring only, or inner and outer rings) for the application. For steam and high-temperature service, the inner rings are recommended to prevent filler blow-out and the outer rings must be used to properly position the gasket on raised face flanges.
5. Verify Standards Compliance
Validated gasket conforms to ASME B16.20 or BS EN 1514 – whichever relevant – and the supplier is able to give it back material traceability and dimensional conformance documentation. When using PED for applications relevant to PED, ensure they are in compliance with conformity assessment requirements of the project team.
6. Consider Lifecycle Cost
Although the initial price of a metallic gasket from a trusted manufacturer is more expensive per gasket than a basic gasket, it offers whole-life value benefits, such as reliability, compliance, leak protection and the assurance of a shutdown.
Leading Spiral Wound Gasket Suppliers in the UK
There are a number of globally recognized manufacturers in the UK market that offer well-known brands, distribution and technical support networks in the UK. The most popular brands are Flexitallic (including CGI series), KLINGER (Maxiflex range), James Walker (Metaflex series), Garlock, Lamons, Teadit, Spetech, Phoenix Sealing, DONIT TESNIT and others.
When selecting a supplier in the UK market, key considerations include:
Full dimensional conformance to ASME B16.20 or BS EN 1514 as specified Traceability and batch certification of materials.
Often, there is a need for technical support in selecting materials and for pressure-temperature ratings.
Gain experience in providing services to the UK oil and gas, refinery and power generation sectors.
Stock availability of standard and non-standard sizes, urgent shutdown requirements Compliance with the necessary PED and UK regulatory requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a spiral wound gasket?
Spiral wound gasket is a semi-metallic gasket; it is formed by spirally wounding alternate strips of metal and soft material. Structural strength and resilience is provided by the metal winding, and the filler material, usually graphite or PTFE, forms a tight and flexible face seal.
Are spiral wound gaskets reusable?
In the UK, oil and gas, refinery and power generation industries best practice is to change spiral wound gaskets every time a bolted flange is opened. Whether this gasket looks undamaged or not, reusing it could lead to a loss in sealing capability as well as potential leakage.
What is the best gasket for high-temperature steam applications?
Steam service applications in the UK employ a wide variety of gaskets, the most popular of which are graphite filled spiral wound gaskets wound in stainless steel. Flexible graphite is suitable for use with steam in pressures and temperatures typical of UK power and process plant systems, and seals over a wide temperature range.
Which spiral wound gasket is best for oil and gas applications?
The basic specification for most spiral wound gasket oil and gas UK applications is 316 stainless steel winding and flexible graphite filler, as per ASME B16.20. Flange connections for offshore or seawater applications are often called for duplex stainless steel winding. Talk to your spiral wound gasket supplier UK for project recommendations.
What temperature can spiral wound gaskets withstand?
The temperature range of spiral wound gaskets will vary according to the type of winding material and the filler material used, but typically can reach temperatures greater than 500C for graphite-filled designs. In special applications where very low or very high temperatures are involved, special windings and special filler may be necessary; check with windings supplier using pressure-temperature tables.
What standards apply to spiral wound gaskets in the UK?
The most common are ASME B16.20 (metallic gaskets for pipe flanges), ASME B16.5 (pipe flanges and flanged fittings) and BS EN 1514 (gaskets for EN flanges) from the British Standards Institution (BSI). In the UK, the requirement for compliance is also applied to pressure containing equipment.
Conclusion
choosing the right spiral wound gasket for industrial and Offshore platforms in the UK is critical as it has a direct impact on process safety, regulatory compliance and plant life. Spiral wrap gaskets are manufactured to ASME B1620 and BS EN 1514 pressure-temperature standards and optimally matched to the Medium and pressure-temperature conditions at the Grangemouth Refinery, or UK power plants.
When engineers and purchasing teams understand the design, materials, applicable standards and typical seal failure patterns, and work with established UK suppliers who provide certified products and comprehensive technical Support, Minimize leakage risks, reduce maintenance costs and increase system reliability.
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