Elastomer Seals vs Metal Seals Differences: A Selection Guide
Elastomer Seals vs Metal Seals Differences: A Selection Guide In fluid handling, the seal is the smallest component with the biggest responsibility. A single failure can shut down a refinery or compromise a vacuum chamber. Engineers eventually face a critical choice: should you use a flexible polymer O-ring or a rigid metallic seal? Understanding the Elastomer Seals vs Metal Seals Differences is about matching material physics to your environment. At ADYAA, we know that choosing the wrong one is a recipe for leakage. What Are Elastomer Seals Used For? Elastomer seals (O-rings, rubber gaskets) are the industry standard for general sealing. Made from polymers like NBR, Viton, or EPDM, they work via “elastic recovery”—pushing back against the flange surfaces to create a seal. Advantages of Elastomer Seals Cost-Effective: Inexpensive to manufacture and replace. Forgiving: Seals well even on slightly rough or imperfect surfaces. Reusable: Can often be reused after disassembly in non-critical systems. Easy Install: Requires low bolt torque to seat effectively. Limitations Temperature: Most fail above 250°C (melt) or below -40°C (brittle). Permeation: Gases can slowly diffuse through the rubber over time. When Should You Use Metal Seals? Metal seals are the “heavy-duty” option for extreme environments like nuclear reactors, jet engines, and ultra-high vacuum systems. They work by crushing into the flange face (plastic deformation) to block leakage paths. Advantages of Metal Seals Extreme Temperatures: Functional from absolute zero (-273°C) to over 1000°C. High Pressure: Handles pressures exceeding 20,000 PSI (1300 bar). Zero Permeation: Solid metal prevents gas diffusion completely. Chemical Immunity: Compatible alloys (Inconel, Silver) resist aggressive corrosion. Limitations High Cost: More expensive materials and machining. Surface Finish: Requires highly polished flanges to seal. Single Use: Deforms permanently and cannot be reused. Key Differences Between Metal and Elastomer Seals To select the right component, compare these three critical engineering factors. 1. Temperature Capability This is the main differentiator. Elastomers have a “thermal cliff”—they fail immediately once their temperature rating is exceeded. Metal seals are unaffected by thermal aging, making them the only choice for steam turbines or cryogenics. 2. Required Flange Load Elastomers are soft and easy to tighten. Metal seals require high bolt loads to “crush” the seal into the flange. This demands stronger bolts and heavier flanges to prevent warping. 3. Leakage Rates For a hydraulic pump, a drop of oil is acceptable—elastomers work here. For toxic gas or semiconductors, even a single molecule escaping is a failure. Metal seals offer superior “helium leak rate” tightness. Quick Comparison: Rubber vs Metal Seals Feature Elastomer Seals Metal Seals Material Polymer (Rubber, Viton) Alloy (Inconel, Silver) Max Temp ~300°C >1000°C Flexibility High (Elastic) Low (Rigid) Reusability Often Reusable Single Use Cost Low High Which Seal Should You Choose? Before you order, use this quick checklist to confirm your decision. Select Elastomer Seals If: Budget is tight: You need a cost-effective solution for mass production. Temperatures are moderate: Your process stays between -40°C to 250°C. Surfaces are rough: Your flange finish is standard (32-63 Ra) or slightly pitted. Reusability is key: You need to open and close the joint frequently for maintenance. Low Torque: Your equipment cannot handle high bolt loads. Select Metal Seals If: Extreme Heat or Cold: You are operating in cryogenics or near furnaces (>300°C). Ultra-High Pressure: System pressure exceeds 10,000 PSI (690 bar). Zero Leakage is Critical: You are handling toxic gas, radioactive fluid, or high vacuum. Chemical Attack: The fluid is too aggressive for any polymer to survive. Long-Term Reliability: You need a “fit and forget” solution that won’t degrade over decades. Frequently Asked Questions Can I replace an O-ring with a metal seal? Usually, no. Metal seals require a shallower, wider groove and a much smoother surface finish than a standard O-ring gland. Why use silver or gold plating on metal seals? Soft platings act as a micro-sealant. They flow into microscopic scratches on the hard flange face to ensure a gas-tight seal. Which seal is best for Hydrogen service? Metal seals are superior. Hydrogen molecules are tiny and can pass through the molecular structure of rubber (permeation), whereas metal blocks them completely. The Bottom Line There is no “better” seal, only the correct one for the application. If you are sealing water at room temperature, metal is overkill. If you are sealing superheated steam, rubber is a safety hazard. Analysing the Elastomer Seals vs Metal Seals Differences ensures safety and budget optimisation. Need help specifying your seals? At ADYAA, we supply high-performance sealing solutions for every pressure class. Contact ADYAA Sealing Experts Get advice on material compatibility today. Rupture Discs vs Relief Valves Explained: Making the Right Choice Rupture Discs vs Relief Valves Explained: Making the Right Choice When designing a pressure vessel, you have a critical obligation… Read More → Pipeline Sealing Solutions to Reduce Product Loss: A Prevention Guide Pipeline Sealing Solutions to Reduce Product Loss: A Prevention Guide A pipeline network is only as strong as its weakest… Read More → Vacuum Sealing Systems for High-Tech Applications: Achieving True Void Vacuum Sealing Systems for High-Tech Applications: Achieving True Void In high-tech manufacturing, “nothing” is a valuable commodity. Whether you are… Read More →
Pipeline Sealing Solutions to Reduce Product Loss: A Prevention Guide
Pipeline Sealing Solutions to Reduce Product Loss: A Prevention Guide A pipeline network is only as strong as its weakest joint. While miles of steel pipe can last for decades, the thousands of connection points—flanges, valves, and fittings—are constant sources of vulnerability. A dripping flange might seem like a minor nuisance, but in the oil and gas or chemical industries, it represents a massive financial drain. Beyond the direct cost of the lost fluid, there are environmental fines, safety hazards, and expensive cleanup operations. Implementing effective Pipeline Sealing Solutions is not just about tightening bolts; it is about engineering a leak-free system that withstands vibration, thermal expansion, and aggressive chemicals. The True Cost of Leaking Pipes Why should operators invest in premium sealing technology? The impact of a leak goes far beyond the puddle on the floor. Direct Product Loss: A single leak at 1 drop per second loses over 1,500 litres of product per year. Fugitive Emissions: Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) escaping from flanges contribute to air pollution and attract heavy regulatory penalties. Asset Damage: Corrosive fluids leaking onto external bolts and nuts can rust the flange faces, requiring expensive machining or replacement. Critical Pipeline Sealing Solutions To stop leaks before they start, you need to match the seal technology to the specific failure mode of the joint. Here are the three primary categories of protection. 1. High-Performance Flange Gaskets The gasket is the primary barrier. If you are still using basic compressed fiber sheets for critical lines, you are inviting failure. Spiral Wound Gaskets (SWG): The industry standard for high-pressure lines. The metal winding provides structural strength, while the graphite filler seals the imperfections. Kammprofile Gaskets: Ideal for older assets. The serrated metal core concentrates sealing stress, allowing tight seals even on pitted or damaged flange faces. 2. Flange Isolation Kits (FIK) Sometimes the pipeline destroys itself through electrolysis. If two dissimilar metals are connected (e.g., stainless steel valve to carbon steel pipe), galvanic corrosion eats away the metal. The Solution: Isolation kits use high-strength dielectric sleeves and washers to electrically separate the flanges. This stops the corrosion current, preserving both the pipe integrity and the seal. 3. Emergency Leak Repair Clamps Even with the best preventative maintenance, accidents happen. Having a contingency plan is part of a complete sealing strategy. Split Sleeves: These can be bolted over a live leak to contain pressure without shutting down the line. They are essential “insurance policies” to keep on the shelf for critical trunk lines. How to Select the Right Seal Choosing the correct Pipeline Sealing Solutions requires evaluating three operational factors. Temperature Cycling Pipelines often expand and contract as day turns to night or process fluids heat up. The Risk: This movement causes flanges to loosen (bolt relaxation). The Fix: Use gaskets with high “recovery” properties (like Spiral Wound) that spring back to maintain contact when the flange face pulls away. Chemical Compatibility A rubber seal that works perfectly for water will dissolve instantly in contact with toluene or acid. The Risk: Chemical attack causes elastomers to swell, blister, or harden. The Fix: Always consult a chemical resistance chart. For aggressive chemicals, upgrade to PTFE (Teflon) or flexible graphite fillers. System Pressure Standard rubber gaskets blow out easily under high pressure. The Risk: Internal pressure pushes the soft gasket out of the flange gap. The Fix: For Class 300 flanges and above, metallic gaskets are mandatory to resist blowout forces. Frequently Asked Questions Can I retighten a leaking gasket? Generally, no. Once a gasket has been compressed and failed, “hot bolting” (tightening while live) is dangerous and rarely fixes the seal permanently. It is safer to replace it. What is the biggest cause of flange leaks? Improper installation. Uneven bolt torque, failure to use a torque wrench, or dirty flange faces cause more leaks than defective gaskets. How do isolation kits help sealing? They prevent the metal flange face from corroding. A smooth, rust-free surface is much easier to seal than a pitted, corroded one. Bottom Line Product loss is not an inevitable part of pipeline operations; it is a symptom of a poor sealing strategy. By upgrading to engineered Pipeline Sealing Solutions—such as Kammprofile gaskets or isolation kits—you stop the “profit bleed” at the source. It is an investment in safety, compliance, and operational efficiency. Are your pipelines losing money? Stop the leaks today. Let our engineering team audit your flange management strategy. Contact ADYAA Sealing Team Get a quote for gaskets and isolation kits. Why Pressure Sensor Calibration Is Critical for Plant Safety? – Copy – Copy – Copy – Copy How Industrial Automation Sensors Improve Automation & Efficiency in Manufacturing Imagine driving your car on the highway. You look down… Read More → Sealing Solutions for Cryogenic Processing Systems: Surviving the Deep Freeze Sealing Solutions for Cryogenic Processing Systems: Surviving the Deep Freeze Handling fluids at -196°C (Liquid Nitrogen) or -253°C (Liquid Hydrogen)… Read More → Best Gasket Types for Oil & Gas Industries: A Selection Guide Best Gasket Types for Oil & Gas Industries: A Selection Guide In the energy sector, a seal failure is never… Read More →
Vacuum Sealing Systems for High-Tech Applications: Achieving True Void
Vacuum Sealing Systems for High-Tech Applications: Achieving True Void In high-tech manufacturing, “nothing” is a valuable commodity. Whether you are simulating deep space or manufacturing semiconductors, a single leak can ruin a million-dollar production run. Creating a vacuum is hard; keeping it is harder. To maintain an Ultra-High Vacuum (UHV), you must move beyond simple gaskets and implement specialized Vacuum Sealing Systems that fight permeation and outgassing. Why Vacuums are Hard to Seal Vacuum sealing is different from pressure sealing. You aren’t just holding air out; you are fighting invisible physics. Permeation: Tiny molecules (like helium) can migrate through solid rubber seals over time. Outgassing: Materials release trapped gas under vacuum. Standard rubber acts like a sponge, releasing water vapor that ruins vacuum levels. Virtual Leaks: Gas trapped in dead spaces (like bolt holes) slowly leaks into the chamber, mimicking a real leak. Types of Vacuum Sealing Systems Elastomer Systems (Rough to High Vacuum) For pressures down to 1 × 10⁻⁸ Torr, specialized polymers are standard. Viton (FKM): The industry workhorse with low permeation. KF / ISO Flanges: Quick-clamp systems using a centering ring. Perfect for roughing lines and frequent access. Metal Systems (Ultra-High Vacuum) For UHV (1 ×10⁻⁹ Torr and below), rubber is not an option. You need metal-to-metal seals. ConFlat (CF) Flanges: Stainless steel knife-edges cut into a copper gasket, creating a permanent, cold-welded barrier. Wire Seals: Used for massive non-circular openings, crushing a soft metal wire to form the seal. Selection Checklist: Choosing Your Tech Select Elastomer (KF/ISO) Systems If: Moderate Vacuum: You only need 1 × 10⁻⁷ Torr range. Frequent Access: You open the chamber daily. Low Cost: You need reusable seals and cheaper hardware. Select Metal (CF/Wire) Systems If: UHV Required: You are working deeper than 1 ×10⁻⁹ Torr Zero Permeation: You cannot tolerate any atmospheric gas entry. High Temperature Bake-out: You heat the chamber (>150°C) to remove contaminants. Frequently Asked Questions What causes most vacuum seal failures? Contamination. A hair, scratch, or fingerprint on the seal prevents a vacuum-tight closure. Do I need vacuum grease? Use sparingly. A shiny film helps the O-ring seat, but globs of grease trap air and cause outgassing. Can I reuse a copper gasket? Never. The knife-edge cuts the copper permanently. Once unbolted, it cannot reseal. The Bottom Line A pump creates the vacuum, but the seal protects it. If you are struggling to reach base pressure, the wrong seal is likely the culprit. Understanding Vacuum Sealing Systems—specifically the choice between elastomer convenience and metal permanence—is critical for high-tech success. Struggling to hit your target pressure? Let our experts review your flange configuration.s Contact ADYAA Vacuum Team Get advice on UHV components today. Pipeline Sealing Solutions to Reduce Product Loss: A Prevention Guide Pipeline Sealing Solutions to Reduce Product Loss: A Prevention Guide A pipeline network is only as strong as its weakest… Read More → Why Pressure Sensor Calibration Is Critical for Plant Safety? – Copy – Copy – Copy How Industrial Automation Sensors Improve Automation & Efficiency in Manufacturing Imagine driving your car on the highway. You look down… Read More → Sealing Solutions for Cryogenic Processing Systems: Surviving the Deep Freeze Sealing Solutions for Cryogenic Processing Systems: Surviving the Deep Freeze Handling fluids at -196°C (Liquid Nitrogen) or -253°C (Liquid Hydrogen)… Read More →
Sealing Solutions for Cryogenic Processing Systems: Surviving the Deep Freeze
Sealing Solutions for Cryogenic Processing Systems: Surviving the Deep Freeze Handling fluids at -196°C (Liquid Nitrogen) or -253°C (Liquid Hydrogen) changes the rules of engineering. In these environments, standard materials shatter like glass. A leak in a cryogenic line is an immediate safety hazard. Escaping fluid expands rapidly (700x for nitrogen), freezing nearby structures until they crack. Implementing effective Sealing Solutions for Cryogenic Processing Systems means using seals that stay flexible when everything else freezes solid. Why Standard Seals Fail in the Cold Standard seals fail due to two main physical barriers: Glass Transition : Standard polymers turn brittle and glass-like around -20°C. Any movement causes them to snap. Thermal Contraction: Metal flanges shrink as they cool. If the bolts shrink less than the flange, clamping force vanishes, opening a leak path. Top Sealing Solutions for Cryogenic Processing Systems To maintain a seal at absolute zero, you generally rely on active compensation. 1. Spring-Energised PTFE Seals Teflon (PTFE) stays flexible to -200°C but suffers from “cold flow” (creep). The Solution: A metal spring inside a U-shaped PTFE jacket. How it Works: As the material shrinks, the spring pushes outwards, maintaining contact with the sealing face. 2. Metal C-Rings and O-Rings For extreme cold (Liquid Hydrogen/Helium), polymers are too hard. The Solution: Hollow metal rings (Inconel/Stainless) plated with soft Silver or Indium. How it Works: The seal acts like a spring, while the soft plating flows into flange imperfections to create a gas-tight barrier. 3. Cryogenic Gaskets (Sheet) For pipe flanges, standard gaskets are unsafe. The Solution: Flexible Graphite laminates or high-grade PTFE sheets. Critical Factor: Must use “Live Loading” (Belleville washers) to compensate for gasket shrinkage. Selection Checklist: Designing for the Cold Select Spring-Energized PTFE If: Temp: Down to -196°C (LN2/LNG). Dynamic: The system has moving parts (valves). Friction: You need low friction for control stems. Select Metal Seals If: Temp: Below -200°C (Hydrogen/Helium). Radiation: Radioactive environment (PTFE degrades). Zero Leakage: Hazardous gas containment. Select Flexible Graphite If: Fire Safety: Must be API 607 Fire Safe. Cycling: Frequent hot-to-cold thermal cycles. Frequently Asked Questions Can I use standard bolts? No. Carbon steel becomes brittle and snaps. Use Austenitic Stainless Steel (B8/B8M) for impact strength. What causes most leaks? “Cold Flow.” PTFE seals relax over time. Spring-energised designs prevent this by actively pushing back. Do I need to re-torque? Yes. “Cold Bolting” is often required after the first thermal cycle as materials shrink and settle. The Bottom Line A seal that works at room temperature is meaningless if it fails during cool-down. Successful Sealing Solutions for Cryogenic Processing Systems rely on “live” seals that actively compensate for shrinking hardware. Handling LNG or Hydrogen? Ensure your gaskets can handle the thermal shock. Contact ADYAA Cryogenic Team Get advice on spring-energised seals today. Why Pressure Sensor Calibration Is Critical for Plant Safety? – Copy – Copy – Copy How Industrial Automation Sensors Improve Automation & Efficiency in Manufacturing Imagine driving your car on the highway. You look down… Read More → Best Gasket Types for Oil & Gas Industries: A Selection Guide Best Gasket Types for Oil & Gas Industries: A Selection Guide In the energy sector, a seal failure is never… Read More → Why Pressure Sensor Calibration Is Critical for Plant Safety? Why Pressure Sensor Calibration Is Critical for Plant Safety? Imagine driving your car on the highway. You look down at… Read More →
Tank Venting Systems for Hazardous Materials: Safety in Storage
Tank Venting Systems for Hazardous Materials: Safety in Storage Storing water is simple. Storing volatile, flammable, or toxic chemicals is a completely different engineering challenge. When you are housing thousands of liters of benzene, methanol, or crude oil, the storage tank becomes a dynamic pressure vessel that reacts to every change in the environment. If a tank cannot “breathe” safely, it becomes a ticking time bomb. A blocked vent can cause a catastrophic rupture during filling or a structural implosion during emptying. When dealing with dangerous chemicals, standard venting isn’t enough; you need specialised Tank Venting Systems for Hazardous Materials designed to contain vapors, prevent explosions, and protect structural integrity. Why Do Storage Tanks Need to Breathe? A storage tank is never static. It is constantly inhaling and exhaling due to two primary factors: Thermal Breathing: As the sun heats the tank during the day, vapors expand and pressure rises (Out-breathing). At night, the tank cools, vapors contract, and a vacuum forms (In-breathing). Liquid Movement: Filling the tank displaces vapors (pushing them out), while pumping liquid out creates a void that must be filled with air or gas (pulling them in). For hazardous substances, allowing these vapors to escape freely into the atmosphere is often illegal due to environmental regulations and unsafe due to flammability risks. This is where Storage Tank Protection devices come into play. The First Line of Defense: Pressure Vacuum Relief Valves (PVRV) The workhorse of any tank farm is the Pressure Vacuum Relief Valve (PVRV), often called a breather valve. Unlike a standard open pipe, a PVRV remains sealed until the tank reaches a specific set pressure or vacuum. Pressure Relief: When pressure builds, the valve lifts to release just enough vapor to prevent the tank from bulging, then reseats to minimize Fugitive Emissions. Vacuum Relief: When the tank cools or drains, the valve opens to let air (or inert gas) in, preventing the tank from crumpling like a crushed soda can. For hazardous liquids, these valves are critical for minimizing product loss and reducing the “cloud” of flammable gas around the tank vent. Preventing External Ignition with Flame Arrestors If a tank is venting flammable vapors (like gasoline or acetone), there is a risk that an external spark—from lightning, static electricity, or nearby maintenance work—could ignite the plume. Without protection, the flame can travel back down the pipe and into the tank, causing an explosion. A Flame Arrestor is a passive safety device consisting of a wound metal ribbon (element) with tiny gaps. It allows gas to flow through but absorbs the heat of a flame front, extinguishing it before it can pass into the vapor space. Integrating Flame Arrestors into your Tank Venting Systems for Hazardous Materials is a non-negotiable safety requirement for low-flashpoint liquids. Nitrogen Blanketing for Toxic and Sensitive Media For highly volatile or oxygen-sensitive chemicals, letting air into the tank is dangerous. Oxygen can degrade the product or create a flammable mixture inside the headspace. The solution is Nitrogen Blanketing (or Tank Padding). Instead of breathing in air, the tank is supplied with inert nitrogen gas. A specialized regulator system maintains a constant “blanket” of pressure on top of the liquid. Safety: It eliminates oxygen, making combustion inside the tank impossible. Quality: It prevents moisture and contaminants from touching the chemical. The Role of Emergency Relief Vents Standard breather valves handle normal daily operations. But what happens if a fire surrounds the tank? The liquid inside boils rapidly, generating massive amounts of vapor that a small PVRV cannot handle. Emergency Relief Vents are large, weighted covers that pop open only when pressure rises to a critical level (typically just below the tank’s failure point). They provide a massive opening to dump pressure instantly, preventing the tank from rupturing during a fire event. Compliance Standards: API 2000 and ISO 28300 Designing these systems is not a guessing game. Engineers must follow strict standards like API 2000, which dictates the calculation methods for venting requirements. You must account for the pumping rate, the surface area of the tank, the liquid’s volatility, and the latitude (solar heat gain) of your facility. Under sizing a vent by even a few inches can lead to catastrophic structural failure. The Bottom Line A storage tank is only as safe as its venting strategy. Whether you are managing aggressive acids or explosive fuels, the hardware on top of the tank—the PVRVs, Flame Arrestors, and Emergency Relief Vents—protects the people on the ground. Tank Venting Systems for Hazardous Materials must be precisely sized, chemically compatible, and regularly maintained to ensure they function when it matters most. Are your tanks compliant with the latest venting standards? Don’t risk structural failure or environmental fines. Let our team assess your storage facility needs. Contact ADYAA Engineering Consult with our experts on API 2000 venting calculations. Pipeline Sealing Solutions to Reduce Product Loss: A Prevention Guide Pipeline Sealing Solutions to Reduce Product Loss: A Prevention Guide A pipeline network is only as strong as its weakest… Read More → Vacuum Sealing Systems for High-Tech Applications: Achieving True Void Vacuum Sealing Systems for High-Tech Applications: Achieving True Void In high-tech manufacturing, “nothing” is a valuable commodity. Whether you are… Read More → Sealing Solutions for Cryogenic Processing Systems: Surviving the Deep Freeze Sealing Solutions for Cryogenic Processing Systems: Surviving the Deep Freeze Handling fluids at -196°C (Liquid Nitrogen) or -253°C (Liquid Hydrogen)… Read More →
Best Gasket Types for Oil & Gas Industries: A Selection Guide
Best Gasket Types for Oil & Gas Industries: A Selection Guide In the energy sector, a seal failure is never just a maintenance issue—it is a safety-critical event. Whether managing upstream wellheads or downstream refining, piping networks face extreme pressure, lethal chemicals (H2S), and rapid thermal cycling. Selecting the right seal is the first line of defence against loss of containment. With hundreds of materials available, narrowing down the Gasket Types for Oil & Gas Industries requires matching the technology to the specific process zone. What is a Gasket? A gasket is a deformable material clamped between two stationary surfaces (flanges) to create a static seal. Its primary job is to fill the microscopic imperfections and scratches on the metal faces, preventing fluid or gas from escaping. In the Oil & Gas industry, a gasket must do more than just plug a hole; it must maintain that seal while withstanding massive internal pressure, extreme heat, and aggressive chemical attack. 1. Non-Metallic Gaskets (The Utility Players) These are “soft” gaskets cut from sheet material. In Oil & Gas, they are rarely used for hydrocarbons but are essential for utility lines. CNAF (Compressed Non-Asbestos Fibre): Good for general oil and water service at low pressures (Class 150). PTFE (Teflon): Excellent chemical resistance for acid lines or injection skids. Tip: Use Modified PTFE to prevent “cold flow” leaks. Best For: Utility lines (water/air) and low-pressure offsites. 2. Semi-Metallic Gaskets (The Industry Workhorses) For ASME Class 300 and above, soft gaskets blow out. You need the strength of metal combined with the sealability of a soft filler. These are the most common Gasket Types for Oil & Gas Industries. Spiral Wound Gaskets (SWG) The refinery standard. It consists of a V-shaped metal strip wound with a soft filler like Graphite or PTFE. Inner Ring: Crucial for O&G applications. It protects the sealing element from turbulent flow and prevents the gasket from buckling inwards. Outer Ring: Centres the gasket on the bolts for easy installation. Kammprofile Gaskets A problem solver featuring a solid metal core with serrated grooves covered in a soft sealing layer. Why use it? It offers better sealing performance than an SWG on pitted, scratched, or older flange faces. Best For: Main process piping, steam lines, and heat exchangers. 3. Metallic Gaskets (The High-Pressure Specialists) For the most extreme environments—like wellheads and subsea lines—only solid metal will survive. Ring Type Joints (RTJ) These are heavy metal rings (Oval or Octagonal) that sit inside a machined groove on the flange. Mechanism: The seal is formed by “wedging” the ring into the groove. As internal pressure rises, the seal actually becomes tighter. The Golden Rule: The gasket metal must always be softer than the flange metal to prevent ruining the expensive flange groove. Best For: Upstream drilling, API 6A Wellheads, and pressures exceeding 2,000 psi. Selection Checklist: Matching the Gasket to the Hazard Select Spiral Wound (SWG) If: You need a reliable standard for Class 150 to 2500 flanges. Temperature fluctuates significantly (the “spring” effect of the windings handles thermal cycling). Select Kammprofile If: You are sealing a large-diameter Heat Exchanger. The flange faces are old, pitted, or damaged. Minimising fugitive emissions is a priority. Select Ring Type Joint (RTJ) If: You are working on API 6A equipment (Drilling/Production). System pressures exceed 5,000 psi. Frequently Asked Questions What is the best filler material for O&G? Flexible Graphite. It is fire-safe and handles high heat exceptionally well. While PTFE is great for chemicals, it will fail in a fire event. Can I reuse a Spiral Wound Gasket? Never. The metal windings are crushed during installation to form the seal. Once loosened, they lose their resilience and will not seal effectively again. What is NACE compliance? For “Sour Service” (where H2S is present), metal gaskets must be NACE MR0175 compliant. This ensures the metal is treated to prevent Sulphide Stress Cracking, avoiding sudden catastrophic failure. The Bottom Line A leak in a water line is an inconvenience; a leak in a hydrocarbon line is a disaster. Choosing between the various Gasket Types for Oil & Gas Industries is not about cost—it is about consequence. Whether you need an RTJ for a wellhead or a Kammprofile for a reactor, the seal must be engineered for the specific risks of that tag number. Reviewing your piping specs? Ensure your gaskets meet the latest API and ASME standards. Contact ADYAA Sealing Team Why Dew Point Sensors Are Critical in Industrial Air and Gas Systems Why Dew Point Sensors Are Critical in Industrial Air and Gas Systems In the world of industrial automation and pneumatic… Read More → Understanding Thermowells and Their Role in Process Instrumentation Understanding Thermowells and Their Role in Process Instrumentation In the vast ecosystem of process control, temperature is often the most… Read More → 5 Signs Your Equipment Needs Calibration Now 5 Signs Your Equipment Needs Calibration Now In a perfect world, you would calibrate your instruments exactly according to the… Read More →