Spiral wound gaskets

Semi-metallic gaskets combine the strength of metal with the sealing capability of soft materials. This makes them a reliable solution for applications where standard soft gaskets reach their limits in terms of pressure, temperature, or mechanical load.

Due to their balanced combination of structural stability, flexibility, and resilient recovery, semi-metallic gaskets are particularly suitable for critical flange connections in process plants.

At KLINGER, we develop and produce semi-metallic gaskets for applications where leak-tightness, safety, and long-term reliability are essential.

Semi-metallic gaskets

Spades

Longitudinal baffle seal

Why choose semi-metallic gaskets?

In demanding process conditions, where gaskets are exposed to fluctuating pressures, thermal cycles, bolt relaxation, creep, and flange rotation, a reliable seal is essential.

Semi-metallic gaskets are designed to absorb these loads without losing their sealing capability.

Key advantages:

high pressure and temperature resistance
excellent mechanical strength and dimensional stability
high recovery capacity, even under varying process conditions
suitable for applications with low emission requirements (TA-Luft)
compensates for bolt relaxation, creep, and flange rotation
optimal balance between flexibility and structural stability
high blow-out resistance
available in various material combinations for chemical compatibility
suitable for critical applications with increased safety and reliability requirements

Types of semi-metallic gaskets

Depending on the application and process conditions, various designs are available. Each type combines metal reinforcement with a soft sealing material, but with specific properties per application.

1. Spiral wound gaskets

Spiral wound gaskets consist of a preformed metal strip with a co-wound soft, compressible filler material such as graphite, PTFE, or mica. During compression, the soft filler material conforms to the flange surface, while the metal strip provides structural strength, elasticity, and resilience.

This construction ensures resilient recovery, making the gasket resistant to fluctuations in pressure and temperature, flange rotation, and bolt relaxation. They offer a reliable seal in high pressure and temperature applications and are suitable for diverse material combinations depending on the medium and process conditions.

Depending on the application, various designs are possible, with an inner ring, outer ring, or both, each tailored to the load, medium, and flange design.

Typical applications:

petrochemicals
steam installations
chemical processes
heat exchangers
utilities and power plants

2. Kammprofile gaskets

Kammprofile gaskets consist of a metal core with a concentrically profiled sealing surface, provided with a soft top layer of graphite, PTFE, or mica. This ensures a balanced combination of mechanical strength and sealing capability.

The profile structure creates high local surface pressures, allowing the soft top layer to efficiently seat into microscopic irregularities of the flange surface. This results in exceptionally high leak-tightness at relatively limited bolt loads.

They are often used in critical connections and heat exchangers, and are suitable for various flange types such as raised face, flat flanges, and tongue-and-groove connections. Various designs are possible, depending on the load and application.

3. Corrugated gaskets

Corrugated gaskets consist of a metal core with a corrugated profile, often combined with a soft layer such as graphite, PTFE, or mica. The corrugated structure provides elasticity and mechanical support, while the soft top layers ensure an excellent seal, even on less ideal or irregular flange surfaces.

They are suitable for applications with steam, oil, hydrocarbons, and various chemicals, and often form a cost-efficient alternative to spiral wound or kammprofile gaskets or large graphite gaskets. Additionally, they meet strict emission requirements such as TA-Luft and Fire Safe.

Advantages:

suitable for vacuum applications
good sealing on less flat flanges
available in almost any geometry
available in large diameters
Fire Safe and TA-Luft versions available

Metal jacketed gaskets

Metal jacketed gaskets consist of a soft core, fully or partially enclosed by a metal jacket. This construction combines the conformability of a soft material with the protection and structural strength of a metal casing. This makes them suitable for applications where high temperature, mechanical load, or aggressive media play a role.

Metal jacketed gaskets are often used in heat exchangers, ovens, reactors, and special equipment where complex geometries or increased mechanical protection are required.

Engineered multilayer solutions

For specific applications, KLINGER also offers multilayer sealing concepts in which multiple material properties are combined within a single construction.

Through smart combinations of metal, graphite, and PTFE, properties such as chemical resistance, low seating stress, high leak-tightness, and mechanical strength can be purposefully combined for very specific process requirements.

Suitable for critical industrial applications

Semi-metallic gaskets are used in sectors where high pressure, temperature, and process safety are central. Thanks to their combination of mechanical strength and sealing capability, they are suitable for applications with heavy loads and strict requirements regarding leak-tightness and emission control.

Petrochemicals and refineries: for installations with high thermal and mechanical loads, where reliability under extreme process conditions is essential.
Chemicals: for applications with aggressive media and strict emission standards, where material choice and sealing certainty are crucial.
Oil & gas: for critical installations under high pressure and temperature, where safety and operational reliability play a central role.
Energy: for steam and heat installations with strong temperature fluctuations and continuous load.

Meeting the strictest industrial standards

Our semi-metallic gaskets are available with certifications and performance tailored to the strictest industrial requirements.

TA-Luft: guarantees low emission values according to German air quality standards and is essential for applications where leak-tightness and environmental protection are central.
Fire Safe: confirms that the gasket maintains its sealing function when exposed to an external fire, which is crucial in installations with increased safety risks.
EN 13555: Availability of gasket parameters for substantiated calculations according to current engineering standards

These certifications make semi-metallic gaskets suitable for applications in sectors where strict standards and compliance requirements are decisive.

Frequently asked questions about semi-metallic gaskets

1. When do you choose a semi-metallic gasket?

Semi-metallic gaskets are used when soft gaskets underperform, for example at higher pressure, temperature, or mechanical load. They offer a reliable solution in critical applications where both flexibility and strength are required.

2. What is the difference between semi-metallic and metallic gaskets?

Semi-metallic gaskets combine metal with a soft sealing material, allowing them to better adapt to flange irregularities. Full metal gaskets are used at extreme pressure and temperature, where maximum mechanical strength is required.

3. Are semi-metallic gaskets suitable for high temperatures?

Yes, semi-metallic gaskets are designed for applications with high temperatures and thermal loads. The exact temperature resistance depends on the chosen material combination, such as graphite, PTFE, or mica.

Can KLINGER produce custom semi-metallic gaskets?

Yes. In addition to standard dimensions, we also produce special geometries, large diameters, and customer-specific designs.

Need advice on semi-metallic gaskets?

The right choice depends on your process conditions and the requirements of your installation. Our specialists help you select the right design and material combination.