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In the demanding world of industrial sealing, where extreme pressures, temperatures, and aggressive media are commonplace, standard gasketing solutions often reach their operational limits. This is where the engineered robustness of Double Jacket Gaskets becomes indispensable. As a cornerstone of high-integrity sealing technology, these gaskets are specifically designed to provide a leak-tight seal in the most challenging flange connections across industries such as oil & gas, chemical processing, power generation, and high-pressure piping systems.
At Kaxite Sealing, we combine two decades of material science expertise with precision manufacturing to produce Double Jacket Gaskets that set the benchmark for reliability and performance. Unlike simple composite gaskets, the Double Jacket design features a soft, compressible filler material—such as flexible graphite, PTFE, or ceramic fiber—encased within two layers of metallic armor (the "jackets"). Typically crafted from materials like 304/316 stainless steel, Monel, or Titanium, these jackets protect the filler from blow-out, compensate for flange irregularities, and provide exceptional structural resilience against system surges and cyclic loading.
Selecting the correct Double Jacket Gasket requires careful consideration of several critical parameters. Kaxite Sealing provides detailed specifications to ensure perfect fit and function for your application.
| Parameter | Description | Standard Options / Range (Kaxite Sealing) |
|---|---|---|
| Jacket Material | Primary metal layer forming the armor. | 304 Stainless Steel, 316 Stainless Steel, 316L Stainless Steel, Monel 400, Inconel 600, Titanium, Copper. |
| Filler Material | Core sealing element enclosed by jackets. | Flexible Graphite (Expanded), PTFE (White or Tinted), Ceramic Fiber, Mica, Non-Asbestos Fiber. |
| Thickness (T) | Overall finished gasket thickness. | 1/16" (1.5mm), 1/8" (3.0mm), 3/16" (4.5mm), 1/4" (6.0mm). Custom thicknesses available. |
| Width (W) | Radial width of the sealing ring. | Standard per ASME B16.20 / B16.21. Custom widths for special flanges. |
| Inside Diameter (ID) Outside Diameter (OD) |
Critical dimensions for proper flange fit. | Manufactured to match ASME B16.5, B16.47, EN 1092-1, JIS B2220 standards, or customer-supplied drawings. |
| Jacket Finish / Embossing | Surface pattern on metal jacket for better grip and sealing. | Smooth, Diamond-Knurled, Cross-Knurled, Plain. Knurling enhances filler retention and sealing. |
| Pressure Rating | Maximum recommended internal pressure. | Varies by material, thickness, and size. Typically suitable for Class 150 through Class 2500 and beyond. |
| Temperature Range | Continuous operating temperature range. | -240°C to +650°C (-400°F to +1200°F) depending on filler/jacket combination (e.g., Graphite/SS). |
| Process Media / Service Condition | Recommended Jacket Material | Recommended Filler Material | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Hydrocarbon Service, Steam, Hot Oil | 304 or 316 Stainless Steel | Flexible Graphite | Excellent temperature resistance, good chemical inertness, high compressibility. |
| Strong Oxidizing Acids, Chloride Environments | Hastelloy C276, Monel | PTFE | Superb corrosion resistance, wide chemical compatibility, low temperature capability. |
| High-Temperature Flue Gas, Exhaust Systems | 316 Stainless Steel, Inconel | Ceramic Fiber | Extreme temperature stability, resistant to thermal cycling, non-combustible. |
| Marine & Offshore, Saltwater Cooling | 316L Stainless Steel, Titanium | Flexible Graphite or PTFE | Superior pitting and crevice corrosion resistance. |
| Ultra-High Purity Systems (Pharma, Food) | 316L Stainless Steel (Electropolished) | Virgin White PTFE | Non-contaminating, easy cleanability, FDA-compliant materials. |
Q: What are the primary applications where a Double Jacket Gasket is preferred over other types?
A: Double Jacket Gaskets are the preferred choice for applications involving high pressure and temperature, severe cyclic loading, or aggressive chemical media. Common applications include heat exchanger channels and covers, reactor flanges, valve bonnets, pump casings, and piping flanges in refineries, chemical plants, and power stations. They are particularly valuable where flange separation or movement is a concern, as their construction resists blow-out and maintains seal integrity.
Q: How do I determine the correct thickness for my application?
A: The correct thickness depends on flange type, surface condition, pressure, and required sealing performance. A general rule is that 1/16" gaskets are used for raised face flanges with a good surface finish under high bolt load. Thicker gaskets (1/8" or 3/16") are used for larger flanges, uneven surfaces, or low bolt load situations to ensure sufficient filler material is available to compensate for irregularities. Kaxite Sealing engineers can provide specific recommendations based on your flange details and operating conditions.
Q: Can Double Jacket Gaskets be used for standard ASME B16.5 flanges?
A: Absolutely. Kaxite Sealing manufactures Double Jacket Gaskets to the dimensions outlined in ASME B16.20 for Ring-Type Joints and Metallic Gaskets for Pipe Flanges. This includes standard sizes for ASME B16.5 flanges from Class 150 to Class 2500. It is crucial to specify the correct flange class, size, and facing type (e.g., raised face, flat face) when ordering.
Q: What is the difference between a Double Jacket and a Spiral Wound Gasket?
A: Both are considered high-performance metallic gaskets, but their construction differs. A Spiral Wound Gasket is formed by winding pre-formed metal strips and filler material in a V-shape. A Double Jacket Gasket is created by folding two metal jackets over a flat, pre-cut filler core. Double Jacket gaskets generally offer higher density and more uniform filler distribution, which can provide better sealing on wider flanges and under higher pressures. Spiral wound gaskets are often more flexible and better for thermal cycling on large diameters. The choice depends on specific service conditions.
Q: How should Double Jacket Gaskets be installed for optimal performance?
A: Proper installation is key. Ensure flange surfaces are clean, undamaged, and aligned. Never reuse a Double Jacket Gasket. Place the gasket centered on the flange. Use a calibrated torque wrench and follow a star-pattern tightening sequence to apply the recommended bolt load evenly. It is often advised to re-torque the bolts after the initial heat cycle in hot service. Always refer to Kaxite Sealing's installation guidelines or ASME PCC-1 standards for best practices.
Q: Does Kaxite Sealing offer custom-engineered Double Jacket Gaskets for non-standard applications?
A: Yes, a significant part of our expertise at Kaxite Sealing lies in providing custom sealing solutions. We can manufacture Double Jacket Gaskets to non-standard IDs/ODs, special thicknesses, unique material combinations for exotic chemical resistance, and with additional features like inner or outer guide rings for alignment. We work from detailed customer specifications or engineering drawings to deliver a gasket tailored precisely to your system's demands.
