Double spiral-wound gasket assembly with leak detection

U.S. Patent Number: 5348310

Abstract: A gasket assembly with double spiral-wound gaskets and a middle draw-off port for leak detection in service with a process fluid featuring 1) an inner primary seal spiral-wound gasket with a high spring rate to hold the process fluid and pressure, 2) an outer secondary seal spiral-wound gasket with a lower spring rate to hold the process fluid temporarily while a new gasket is being installed, 3) inner and outer compression/gauge rings that allow compression of the spiral-wound gaskets to the proper thickness, and 4) a middle compression ring between the two spiral-wound gaskets that also provides a groove on each side in communication with a draw-off port for monitoring leakage from the inner gasket.

Inventors: Browning; Calvin J. (Baton Rouge, LA), Mercer; Carl D. (Baton Rouge, LA), Milligan; William S. (Baton Rouge, LA)

Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company (Midland, MI)

Application Number: 07/997,437

Issued: 1994-09-20

Expired: 2006-09-20

Classes: 277/314 ; 277/320; 277/610; 285/93

Field of search: 277/1,2,180,203,204,15,16,17 285/93

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