Metal-jacketed gaskets

A metal-jacketed gasket — also known as a metal jacketed gasket — consists of a filler material partially or fully enclosed in a metal jacket.

The filler provides compressibility and sealing performance, while the metal jacket:

• protects the core;
• improves handling strength;
• provides greater resistance to certain pressure, temperature or corrosion conditions, depending on the selected grade.

This technology is traditionally used on heat exchangers, pumps, valves and equipment with special shapes or pass-partition bars.

Metal-jacketed gaskets generally require sufficiently smooth, flat flange surfaces and suitable gasket seating stress.

They are generally less tolerant of seating-surface imperfections than corrugated or Kammprofile constructions, so selection must account for flange condition and available gasket seating stress.

Available constructions and materials include:

• single jacketed;
• double jacketed;
• single jacketed overlap;
• double jacketed corrugated;
• double shell;
• two piece / French type;
• solid metal;
• solid metal with graphite facing.

For multipass heat exchangers and equipment, pass-partition bars can be incorporated in accordance with the gasket drawing. Depending on the geometry and manufacturing method, they may be welded or integral to the construction.

The range includes:

• aluminium;
• copper;
• soft iron;
• stainless steel;
• nickel alloys;
• titanium.

Selection depends in particular on temperature and the required corrosion resistance.

The core can be made from:

• graphite;
• PTFE;
• technical or aramid fibres, depending on the construction.

Selection depends on the required compressibility, resilience and chemical environment.

This family is particularly suitable for the specific geometries of heat exchangers and industrial equipment. A drawing or accurate dimensional survey must always be provided for constructions with pass-partition bars.