Bonnet Gaskets on Valves that use Spiral Wounds that are Designed with Male/Female Flanges

Problem

Valve bonnet designs that utilize male/female flanges with a spiral wound Style R gasket are at risk for gasket failure, especially on higher pressure systems. The lack of containment on the inner diameter of the gasket has resulted in inward buckling of the spiral wound gasket.

Solution

A common solution is to upgrade from a Style R spiral wound gasket to a Style RIR gasket with an inner guide ring on applications where the gasket is only contained on the O.D. on male to female flanges.