In demanding industrial sealing applications, particularly those involving high temperatures and pressures, standard gaskets often fall short. A Double Jacket Gasket is a high-performance sealing solution engineered to handle these extreme service conditions. It consists of a soft, compressible filler material—typically graphite, PTFE, or ceramic fiber—encased within a double layer of metallic jacket, usually made from stainless steel (304, 316), carbon steel, or exotic alloys like Inconel or Monel. This dual-layer metal jacket provides exceptional strength, blow-out resistance, and dimensional stability, while the filler compensates for flange irregularities and ensures a tight, leak-free seal. At Kaxite, we design our double jacket gaskets to deliver unmatched reliability in the most challenging environments, from oil refineries and chemical processing plants to power generation facilities.
Choosing the right sealing component is critical for safety, efficiency, and operational continuity. Here’s why our gaskets are the preferred choice for engineers and maintenance professionals:
Kaxite double jacket gaskets are manufactured to exacting standards. Below are our standard specifications and available customization options.
| Metal Jacket Material | Common Filler Material | Max Temperature (°C/°F) | Primary Application Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel 304/304L | Flexible Graphite | 550°C / 1022°F (in air) | General high-temp services, steam, mild chemicals |
| Stainless Steel 316/316L | PTFE (Teflon) | 260°C / 500°F | Highly corrosive chemical services, food & pharmaceutical |
| Carbon Steel | Ceramic Fiber | 1100°C / 2012°F | Extreme high-temperature applications, furnace doors |
| Monel 400 | Flexible Graphite | 550°C / 1022°F | Hydrofluoric acid, caustic solutions, seawater |
| Inconel 600 | Flexible Graphite or Mica | 1150°C / 2102°F | High-temperature oxidizing atmospheres, nuclear |
| Nominal Pipe Size (NPS) Range | Available Pressure Class (ASME B16.5) | Standard Thickness | Inner/Outer Ring Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2" to 24" | Class 150, 300, 600, 900, 1500, 2500 | 1.5 mm, 3.0 mm (Custom thickness available) | Standard (Self-Centering), With Inner Ring, With Outer Ring, With Both |
Q: When should I choose a double jacket gasket over a spiral wound gasket?
A: The choice often depends on the specific service conditions. Double jacket gaskets are generally superior in applications with very high temperatures and thermal cycling, as they have less potential for relaxation. They also provide a more solid bearing surface and can be easier to handle and install in large diameters. Spiral wound gaskets excel in high-pressure applications and offer more flexibility in compensating for flange misalignment. For extreme heat and consistent, high bolt load applications, the double jacket design from Kaxite is often the recommended solution.
Q: Can Kaxite double jacket gaskets be used in full vacuum service?
A: Yes, but they typically require an additional inner ring (also known as an "inner guard ring"). This ring prevents the soft filler material from being sucked inward into the pipeline under vacuum conditions, which could compromise the seal. It is essential to specify the need for vacuum service when ordering so Kaxite can supply the gasket with the appropriate inner ring design.
Q: How do I determine the correct material combination for my application?
A: Material selection is based on three primary factors: temperature, pressure, and media (the fluid or gas being sealed). You must check the chemical compatibility of both the metal jacket and the filler with your process media. Temperature limits the filler choice (e.g., PTFE cannot be used above 260°C). Pressure determines the required thickness and need for an inner/outer ring. Kaxite's technical team can assist you with this selection based on your complete service data.
Q: What is the proper installation torque for a double jacket gasket?
A: There is no single universal torque value. The correct bolt torque is calculated based on the gasket's dimensions, material, the flange pressure class, and the bolt material/size. It is crucial to follow a recognized torque procedure such as ASME PCC-1 "Guidelines for Pressure Boundary Bolted Flange Joint Assembly." Under-torquing can lead to leaks, while over-torquing can crush the filler or damage the flange. Kaxite provides recommended seating stress values with our products to guide proper installation.
Q: Are these gaskets reusable?
A: Kaxite double jacket gaskets are designed for robustness and can often be re-used if they are carefully removed without damage, the sealing surfaces are in perfect condition, and the gasket has not experienced excessive creep or compression set. However, as a best practice for critical services, it is always recommended to install a new gasket during any planned shutdown to ensure maximum reliability and safety.
Q: Does Kaxite offer custom sizes and non-standard shapes?
A: Absolutely. While we stock a wide range of standard ASME B16.20 sizes, a significant portion of our business is manufacturing custom gaskets for unique applications. This includes oval, square, rectangular, and other irregular shapes for heat exchangers, pumps, and proprietary equipment. We can work from your drawings or sample to produce a gasket that meets your exact specifications.
