Ever tried using a flat rubber gasket in a high-pressure flange joint?
It won’t end well—and it won’t last long either.
When temperatures climb, pressures rise and equipment tolerance tightens, only one gasket type reliably holds the line: the spiral-wound gasket.
At Steamline Engineering, we supply premium-quality spiral-wound gaskets to industrial sites across Geelong and the greater Barwon region. You might be running pumps in North Shore, refineries in Corio or boilers near Breakwater, but you’ll find our gaskets are built to seal under serious stress.
What is a spiral-wound gasket?
A spiral-wound gasket is a semi-metallic sealing component designed to handle high-pressure and high-temperature environments. It’s made of three key parts:
- Sealing element: A spiral of alternating metal windings (usually stainless steel) and a filler material like graphite or PTFE that forms the core sealing section.
- Inner ring: Reinforces the gasket structure and protects the filler from media exposure.
- Outer centering ring: Helps position the gasket correctly and limits compression during installation.
The unique spiral geometry means the gasket can flex under load, maintaining a seal even as temperature and pressure fluctuate. That makes them ideal for applications where thermal cycling or vibration is common.
Materials and types
The performance of a spiral-wound gasket depends on its material makeup. Common winding materials include:
- Stainless steel (316L/304): General chemical and heat resistance
- Monel: Excellent for seawater and acids
Filler materials include:
| Filler Material | Temp Range (°C) | Typical Use Case |
| Graphite | -200 to 550 | Steam, hydrocarbons, high heat |
| PTFE | -200 to 260 | Corrosive chemicals, low temps |
| Mica | Up to 1000 | Fire-safe applications |
| Ceramic | Up to 1000 | Extreme heat, oxidising atmospheres |
We stock all common styles and can customise materials to suit aggressive media or extreme process conditions.
Advantages of spiral-wound gaskets
Spiral-wound gaskets are engineered for resilience and versatility.
High performance
Maintains seal under high temperature and pressure
Chemical resistance
Suitable for aggressive fluids and gases
Durability
Withstands thermal cycling and mechanical vibration
Versatility
Available in a range of sizes, thicknesses and materials
They’re a go-to for any application where standard gaskets fall short.
Applications across industries
You’ll find spiral-wound gaskets hard at work in:
- Oil & gas processing – e.g., refinery systems in Corio
- Power generation – including turbines and steam lines near Lara
- Chemical plants – handling acids and solvents
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing – cleanroom pipework and reactors
- Water treatment facilities – across Greater Geelong and Bellarine
If your process involves heat, pressure or corrosion, this gasket belongs in your toolkit.
Choosing the right spiral-wound gasket
Not all gaskets are created equal—and choosing the wrong one can lead to early failure. Factors to consider:
- Temperature and pressure ratings: Match the process conditions
- Media compatibility: Ensure filler and winding suit the fluid or gas
- Flange surface: Check if the finish meets ASME standards
- Flange load: The torque applied will affect gasket compression
Give us a call and we’ll help you get it right first time.
Installation and safety
Proper installation is key to gasket longevity and system integrity. Here’s a quick guide:
- Inspect flanges – surfaces must be clean and undamaged
- Place the gasket – centre it carefully between flanges
- Torque bolts gradually – follow a star pattern in stages
Always follow proper installation guidelines and consider using qualified fitters. Safety comes first, especially when working under pressure.
Local availability & services in Geelong
Steamline Engineering offers fast delivery to local industrial hubs including Norlane, North Shore, Moolap and South Geelong. Common gasket sizes are always in stock, with same-day dispatch for urgent jobs.
Need something custom? Speak to our team about a tailored solution for your system.
Phone: (0)3 9729 1129
Email: info@steamline.com.au
Service areas: Geelong, Victoria and Australia-wide
Request a quote now
FAQs about spiral-wound gaskets
What temperature can spiral-wound gaskets handle?
Depending on filler, they can handle up to 1000°C (with mica or ceramic).
Can spiral-wound gaskets be reused?
No. Spiral-wound gaskets are designed for single-use only to ensure sealing integrity.
Are they compatible with all flanges?
They suit most raised face and flat face flanges. Check the size and pressure class before installation.
Do I need an inner ring?
For high-pressure or vacuum systems, an inner ring is strongly recommended to prevent inward buckling.
Get spiral-wound gaskets delivered to Geelong
Spiral-wound gaskets offer superior performance where it matters most. Steamline Engineering delivers high-quality sealing products to Geelong businesses backed by expert support and fast turnaround.
Need help selecting the right gasket? Talk to our team today or get a fast quote online.