Spiral Wound Gaskets: The Reliable Choice for Boiler Repairs

When it comes to sealing high-pressure and high-temperature applications, spiral wound gaskets are the gold standard. These gaskets have been used in boilers, pipelines, and industrial systems for over a century, ensuring tight, long-lasting seals under extreme conditions. If you’re maintaining or repairing a boiler system, understanding spiral wound gasket technology—and choosing the right brand, specification, size, ring, and type—can make a big difference in performance and cost.

What Are Spiral Wound Gaskets?

Spiral wound gaskets are precision-engineered sealing solutions designed for heavy-duty applications. They are made by winding a thin, flat metal strip (usually stainless steel) around a mandrel, alternating with a filler material like graphite. The result is a highly flexible, resilient gasket that can withstand extreme pressure and temperature fluctuations.

The key advantage of spiral wound gaskets is their ability to fill irregularities in flange surfaces, ensuring a leak-proof seal. Graphite, a common filler material, works well under pressure, seeping into microscopic gaps like a liquid bandage, making spiral wound gaskets ideal for boilers, steam systems, and industrial piping.

Understanding Gasket Markings and Specifications

Spiral wound gaskets are more than just a sealing product—they’re engineered to precise standards. As shown in the image above, each gasket includes detailed identification stamped directly onto the rings:

• Manufacturer Stamp: Typically found on the outer (centering) ring for traceability.

• Inner and Outer Ring Materials: Materials are marked if they differ from standard carbon steel.

• Winding Material & Filler (e.g., 316L/PTFE or 316L/Graphite): This combination determines temperature and chemical compatibility.

• ASME B16.20: Indicates the gasket meets industry manufacturing standards.

• Nominal Pipe Size and Pressure Class (e.g., 2″-600): Critical for proper gasket selection and fit.

Understanding these markings ensures the correct gasket is selected, especially in environments with varying pressure and temperature demands. Additionally, torque specs must be followed precisely during installation. Spiral wound gasket torque depends on factors like flange surface finish, bolt condition, and gasket size, and using a calibrated torque wrench helps prevent leaks and prolong gasket life.

Why Are They the Industry Standard?

Spiral wound gaskets are used in critical applications due to their durability and reliability. They are a top choice in:

• Power Plants & Boilers – These gaskets handle high-pressure steam with ease, preventing leaks that could lead to costly shutdowns.

• Pipelines & Refineries – They maintain a secure seal in fluctuating temperatures and corrosive environments.

• Paper Mills & Manufacturing Facilities – Their resilience under heavy loads ensures consistent operation.

Not All Brands Are the Same: Why Choose Spiral Max?

Many people refer to spiral wound gaskets as Flexitallic, similar to how one may say “Kleenex” for tissue.  Spiral Max offers the same high-quality performance at a better price than others on the market.

Why Switch to Spiral Max?

• Cost Efficiency – Equivalent performance to Flexitallic at a more competitive price.

• Readily Available – Oswald Supply stocks Spiral Max gaskets, ensuring immediate shipping and reducing downtime.

• Trusted Performance – Designed for industrial-grade sealing, meeting API standards, and recommended for heavy-duty use.

The Challenge of Finding Hard-to-Get Boiler Parts

Finding replacement parts can be a hassle when working with older boiler systems. Many suppliers struggle with availability, long lead times, or inflated costs. Oswald Supply specializes in hard-to-find and discontinued boiler parts, making repairs more straightforward and faster. With an in-stock Spiral Max spiral wound gaskets inventory, we help contractors keep systems running with minimal disruption.

Why Buy from Oswald Supply?

Oswald Supply isn’t just another supplier; we are an industry expert with a century-long reputation. Customers trust us because:

• We have what others don’t – Hard-to-find parts are our specialty.

• Fast shipping – Avoid project delays with our in-stock inventory.

• Expert support – Direct access to knowledgeable staff for quick and reliable recommendations.

Shop Spiral Max Today

For those needing reliable, cost-effective spiral wound gaskets, Spiral Max is the go-to choice. Whether repairing a commercial boiler, replacing old gaskets, or working on industrial piping, Spiral Max delivers the needed performance—at the price you want.

Check out our full selection of Spiral Max spiral wound gaskets to get the best in-stock, high-performance sealing solutions shipped fast, or contact Oswald Supply today to learn more!