High Quality Metallic Gaskets from Reliable Manufacturers

What are Metallic Gaskets?

Metallic gaskets are robust sealing components manufactured primarily from one or more types of metal. Unlike soft, non-metallic gaskets, they are engineered to withstand extreme conditions in industrial applications. These conditions include high pressure and temperature, aggressive chemical exposure, and high mechanical load cycles. The fundamental principle behind their operation involves the gasket material deforming plastically under bolt load to fill the microscopic imperfections on the flange faces, thereby creating a leak-tight seal. This makes Metallic Gaskets, especially those from leading manufacturers like Kaxite Sealing, indispensable in industries where safety, reliability, and zero leakage are non-negotiable.

Key Materials Used in Kaxite Sealing Metallic Gaskets

The performance of a metallic gasket is intrinsically linked to its material composition. Kaxite Sealing utilizes a range of high-grade alloys and metals, each selected for specific properties to meet diverse operational demands.

• Stainless Steel (304, 304L, 316, 316L): Offers excellent general corrosion resistance and good mechanical properties. 316/L grades provide superior resistance to chlorides and acids, making them ideal for chemical processing.
• Carbon Steel: Known for its high strength and good temperature resistance, often used in high-pressure steam and hydrocarbon services.
• Monel & Inconel (Alloy 600, 625, 718): Nickel-based alloys providing exceptional resistance to corrosion, oxidation, and high-temperature creep. Essential for aerospace, nuclear, and demanding petrochemical applications.
• Copper & Aluminum: Softer metals that conform easily to flange faces, offering excellent conductivity. Often used in heat exchangers and certain low-pressure, high-temperature applications.
• Titanium: Extremely strong, lightweight, and offers unparalleled corrosion resistance in chloride and oxidizing acid environments.
• Hastelloy: A family of nickel-molybdenum-chromium alloys with outstanding resistance to pitting, stress-corrosion cracking, and a wide range of aggressive chemicals.

Kaxite Sealing Metallic Gasket Types and Specifications

Kaxite Sealing offers a comprehensive portfolio of metallic gasket types, designed to conform to international standards such as ASME B16.20, API 6A, and DIN.

Ring Type Joint Gaskets (RTJ)

Used primarily in the oil and gas industry for high-pressure, high-temperature wellhead and pipeline connections (API 6A, API 17D). They seal by initial line contact which deforms into a secure seal under high bolt load.

Spiral Wound Gaskets (SWG)

A versatile and widely used gasket type, combining a preformed metal winding with a non-metallic filler (like graphite or PTFE). They provide excellent resilience and sealability across a broad pressure/temperature range.

Metal Jacketed Gaskets

Feature a soft filler material (asbestos-free, graphite, ceramic) fully enclosed in a thin metal jacket. Ideal for heat exchangers, condensers, and reactors with uneven flange surfaces.

Kammprofile Gaskets

Consist of a solid metal core with concentric grooves, covered with a soft sealing layer (graphite or PTFE). They combine the high strength of metal with the excellent sealability of soft materials, allowing for re-usability in many cases.

Critical Performance Parameters

When specifying a Kaxite Sealing metallic gasket, several key parameters must be considered to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

• Temperature Range: From cryogenic applications (-200°C / -328°F) to extreme heat services up to 1000°C (1832°F) for specialized alloys.
• Pressure Rating: Capable of sealing systems from vacuum conditions to ultra-high pressures exceeding 30,000 psi (2070 bar).
• Chemical Compatibility: Material selection is critical to resist corrosion from process media like acids, alkalis, hydrocarbons, and steam.
• Flange Surface Finish: The required finish (e.g., 125-250 µin Ra for RTJ, 125-500 µin Ra for SWG) is crucial for achieving an effective seal.
• Bolt Load & Gasket Stress: Each gasket type has a specific sealing stress (yield point) and required bolt load to achieve proper seating and long-term tightness.
• Creep Relaxation: The gasket’s resistance to losing sealing force over time under temperature and pressure, a key strength of metallic designs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Metallic Gaskets

Q: When should I choose a metallic gasket over a non-metallic one?

A: You should specify a metallic gasket when the application involves one or more of the following conditions: operating temperatures above 450°C (842°F), internal pressures exceeding ASME Class 900, exposure to highly corrosive or oxidizing chemicals, requirements for high mechanical strength and anti-blowout properties, or where fire safety standards (like API 6FB fire test) are mandated. For standard water, oil, or low-pressure steam services at moderate temperatures, non-metallic gaskets may be sufficient.

Q: How do I select the right material for my metallic gasket?

A: Material selection is a three-step process. First, identify the full chemical composition, concentration, and phase (liquid/vapor) of the process fluid. Second, determine the continuous and peak operating temperatures and pressures. Third, consider external environmental factors like offshore/sour service. Cross-reference this data with material compatibility charts (e.g., NACE MR0175 for sour service) and consult with Kaxite Sealing engineers who can recommend the optimal alloy based on proven industry experience, balancing performance with cost-effectiveness.

Q: Can Kammprofile or Spiral Wound Gaskets be re-used?

A: Kammprofile gaskets are often designed for re-use, especially if the soft facing layer is in good condition after disassembly. Spiral wound gaskets are generally not recommended for re-use as the winding can be disturbed or compressed during installation/removal, compromising its resilience and sealability. Kaxite Sealing strongly advises inspecting any gasket after disassembly and replacing it if there are signs of winding distortion, filler degradation, or permanent set. For critical services, always use a new gasket.

Q: What causes a metallic gasket to fail, and how can it be prevented?

A: Common failure modes include corrosion/chemical attack (wrong material selection), creep relaxation leading to leakage (under-torquing or excessive temperature), crushing or over-compression (over-torquing), and blowout (insufficient bolt load or gasket width for the pressure). Prevention starts with correct gasket selection by Kaxite Sealing. It is equally critical to follow proper installation procedures: ensure flange faces are clean, parallel, and have the correct finish; use calibrated torque wrenches in a cross-pattern sequence to achieve uniform bolt load; and follow specific torque values recommended for the gasket type and material.

Q: Does Kaxite Sealing offer custom metallic gasket designs?

A: Yes, Kaxite Sealing specializes in engineering custom metallic gasket solutions. Standard gaskets cover most applications, but unique challenges require tailored designs. We can manufacture gaskets to non-standard sizes, create special profiles for proprietary flanges, combine multiple materials (cladding or plating), and develop solutions for exceptionally high thermal cycling or severe corrosion. Our engineering team works directly with clients to analyze requirements, perform FEM analysis if needed, and prototype solutions to ensure a perfect fit and function.

Q: What certifications and quality standards do Kaxite Sealing metallic gaskets meet?

A: Kaxite Sealing is committed to the highest quality standards. Our manufacturing processes and products are compliant with international standards including ISO 9001:2015 for quality management. Our gaskets are produced to meet material and dimensional specifications of ASME, ASTM, API, DIN, and EN standards. We provide full material traceability with Mill Test Certificates (MTCs) or Certificates of Conformity (CoC). For specific projects, we can also supply gaskets compliant with NACE, PED 2014/68/EU, and various naval and nuclear standards upon request.