38R333 Flexitallic Spiral Wound Gasket Buyer's Guide: Styles, Sizing and Selection for Global Plants

The 38R333 Flexitallic spiral wound gasket is a semi-metallic, buckle-resistant sealing element used to seal flanged pipe joints in steam, oil, gas and chemical service. It combines a graphite filler with 316L stainless steel windings, and is selected by flange size, pressure class and operating temperature rather than by part number alone.

What is a 38R333 Flexitallic spiral wound gasket?

A 38R333 Flexitallic spiral wound gasket is a spiral wound style CGI gasket: a semi-metallic seal formed from alternating layers of metallic winding strip and non-metallic filler, compressed between flange faces to create a controlled, resilient seal.

FLEXITALLIC builds these gaskets in many material combinations, so the same style family covers a wide range of duties. The 38R333 designation sits inside that family, and the practical question for buyers is which winding, filler and dimensions the application actually needs.

According to the FLEXITALLIC SWG Style CGI product datasheet: "The spiral wound style CGI gasket is a versatile semi-metallic gasket capable of sealing across a wide range of applications."

How does a spiral wound gasket work?

The winding strip and filler are wound in alternating spirals, creating a spring-like structure that compresses under bolt load and recovers as the joint moves. That resilience is what lets a spiral wound gasket hold a seal through thermal cycling and pressure fluctuation.

Buckle-resistant construction matters here. Under high compression or repeated thermal cycling, a conventional winding can buckle outward and lose sealing stress; a buckle-resistant design resists that deformation and keeps the seal intact.

What does the FLEXITALLIC CGI datasheet specify?

The datasheet describes the CGI style as suitable for flat and raised faced diameter flanges up to and inclusive of Class 2500. That single line defines the practical envelope: this is a high-pressure-capable gasket family, not a light-duty sheet gasket.

Which sizes and variants are available?

Spiral wound gaskets are sized to the pipe flange, not to a nominal "one size" figure. In the 3G Electric range you will find FLEXITALLIC graphite-filled, 316L-wound gaskets for 1 1/4 in and 3 in pipe flanges, all with buckle-resistant construction.

Because the 38R333 sits within the same CGI family, the selection logic is identical: confirm the flange size, the pressure class and the media, then match the winding and filler to the duty.

Where are spiral wound gaskets used?

These gaskets appear wherever flanged joints must hold under heat and pressure: steam distribution, oil and gas piping, chemical processing, refining, power generation and general industrial plant piping.

For Worldwide buyers, the same gasket family is used across 50 Hz and 60 Hz plant designs — the gasket itself is frequency-independent, but the pump, burner and control equipment around it is not, so specify the full joint, not just the seal.

How do you select the right gasket?

1. Confirm the flange size. Match the gasket to the actual pipe flange diameter, for example 1 1/4 in or 3 in, not to an approximate pipe size.
2. Check the pressure class. The CGI style covers flat and raised faced flanges up to and inclusive of Class 2500; confirm your class falls inside that envelope.
3. Match filler to temperature. Graphite filler suits high-temperature service such as steam and hot oil; confirm the media is compatible with graphite.
4. Match winding to corrosion duty. 316L stainless steel windings suit the corrosive and high-temperature environments typical of chemical and process piping.
5. Verify the joint, not just the gasket. Bolt load, flange face condition and thermal cycling all affect seal life — a buckle-resistant gasket helps, but it cannot compensate for a damaged flange face.
6. Confirm availability and documentation. For export orders, confirm the part, quantity and any inspection or documentation requirements before the order is placed.

Product comparison: FLEXITALLIC spiral wound gaskets in stock

Step up the ladder when the duty gets harder. For small-bore lines with steady conditions, the 1 1/4 in gasket is the practical starting point. Move to a 3 in gasket when the line size increases, and choose the thermal-cycling-rated 3 in option where the joint sees repeated heating and cooling, since that is where buckle resistance earns its keep.

Why source spiral wound gaskets from 3G Electric?

3G Electric supplies industrial equipment, parts and consumables across 14 industrial departments — machining, electrical, power transmission, material handling, plumbing, HVAC and refrigeration, pneumatics, hydraulics, pumps, instrumentation, test and measurement, welding, lighting, and combustion and burner systems — and we supply far more than is listed online.

With 35+ years of experience and deep specialist depth in combustion, pumps and controls, we interpret what the application actually needs and source the right part, rather than pushing whatever is closest to hand. We are a distributor and supplier, not an authorised dealer for every brand we carry, and we are accountable for getting the answer right.

For Worldwide customers we support export documentation, incoterms-neutral supply arrangements and cross-market specification checks, so a gasket ordered for a plant in one region arrives fit for the flange it will seal in another.

Key takeaways

• The 38R333 Flexitallic spiral wound gasket is a CGI-style semi-metallic gasket with graphite filler and 316L stainless steel windings.
• FLEXITALLIC CGI gaskets suit flat and raised faced flanges up to and inclusive of Class 2500.
• Buckle-resistant construction protects seal integrity under high compression and thermal cycling.
• Select by flange size, pressure class, media and temperature — not by part number alone.
• 3G Electric stocks FLEXITALLIC spiral wound gaskets and supports Worldwide export orders.

Frequently asked questions

What is a 38R333 Flexitallic spiral wound gasket used for?
It is used to seal flanged pipe joints in high-temperature, high-pressure service such as steam, oil, gas and chemical processing. The graphite filler handles heat while the 316L stainless steel winding resists corrosion, and the buckle-resistant construction maintains the seal through thermal cycling.

How do I choose between a 1 1/4 in and a 3 in spiral wound gasket?
Choose by the actual flange size on the line, not by pipe nominal bore assumptions. A 1 1/4 in gasket suits small-bore flanges, while a 3 in gasket suits larger lines; both are available with graphite filler and 316L windings in the 3G Electric range.

Can I order FLEXITALLIC gaskets for delivery in Worldwide?
Yes. 3G Electric supplies Worldwide and supports export documentation and incoterms-neutral arrangements. Lead time depends on the specific size and quantity, so confirm the part and required date with our team before placing the order.

Does a spiral wound gasket work with both flat and raised face flanges?
Yes. The FLEXITALLIC CGI style is specified for flat and raised faced diameter flanges up to and inclusive of Class 2500, so it covers both face types within that pressure envelope.

What is the difference between graphite filler and other filler materials?
Graphite filler is chosen for high-temperature service, which is why it appears in steam, oil and chemical applications. Other fillers suit different temperature and chemical duties, so confirm the media compatibility before specifying.

Where can I buy a 38R333 Flexitallic spiral wound gasket?
Contact 3G Electric for a quote. We stock FLEXITALLIC spiral wound gaskets and can confirm the correct size, filler and winding for your flange, along with availability and Worldwide delivery options.

Get a quote for your spiral wound gasket

Send 3G Electric your flange size, pressure class, media and temperature, and we will confirm the right FLEXITALLIC spiral wound gasket, availability and delivery. Our technical team supports sizing, material selection and export documentation for customers Worldwide.