Is it reasonable to wrap a sealing tape around a metal wound gasket?
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Is it reasonable to wrap a sealing tape around a metal wound gasket? Won’t the graphite on the metal wound gasket lose its effectiveness?
This approach will make it more useful, as the gaskets can be reused.
The original poster asked a question that confuses me as well. The gasketing we have here also has PTFE tape wrapped around it on the outside. Is it to enhance the sealing effect? The sealing effect of the gasket should already meet the sealing requirements.
Sometimes there are small defects on the flange surface (such as small pits), and when the pipeline pressure is not high, we wrap PTFE tape around the gasket.
Through work experience, the individual has concluded that using sealing tape in addition to wrapping tape doesn’t provide much benefit.
It doesn’t have much practical significance; this method is generally used when reuse is desired or when the medium is corrosive. Many people use this method, but the results are not satisfactory; it is recommended not to use it.
In my opinion, for some low-pressure applications, it can be effective if there is some damage to the flange surface; however, for high-pressure applications, the flange surface needs to be reprocessed；
It’s not very effective; for low pressure, other gaskets can be used
It is best to remove the metal retaining ring of the spiral gasket before wrapping the tape; its use under high temperature and pressure is not recommended.
It is mainly used for troubleshooting; it should not be used when the gasket is intact and the pressure is high.
It is normal to use sealing tape around metal wound gaskets; it’s not that the gaskets do not provide adequate sealing, but rather because there is some damage on the flange or the flange surfaces are not level during welding. On the other hand, metal wound gaskets may break inward or outward due to compression after long-term use. Using sealing tape can effectively prevent these problems.