What Is a Kammprofile Gasket?
A Kammprofile gasket (also spelled “camprofile”) is a semi-metallic gasket consisting of a solid metal core with concentric serrations machined on both faces, covered by a thin layer of soft sealing material. The serrated core provides structural rigidity and blowout resistance, while the soft facing (typically flexible graphite or PTFE) fills micro-irregularities on the flange face to create a tight seal.
When to Use Kammprofile Gaskets
Kammprofile gaskets are specified where standard spiral wound gaskets lack the reliability needed for critical or high-temperature service:
- Heat exchangers: shell-and-tube flanges with large diameters and irregular bolt loading
- High-temperature steam service above 450 degC (842 degF)
- Thermal cycling applications where gasket recovery after load changes is required
- Pressure classes 150 through 2500 on raised face (RF) flanges
- Refinery and petrochemical critical joints where leak-free performance is mandatory
The serrated metal core acts as a built-in compression limiter, preventing over-compression that can damage soft gaskets. This makes Kammprofile gaskets more forgiving of uneven bolt loads than other semi-metallic types.
Construction Details
| Component | Material Options | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Metal core | SS 304, 316, 321, Monel 400, Inconel 625, Hastelloy C-276 | Provides structural strength and serrated sealing profile |
| Soft facing | Flexible graphite, PTFE, mica | Fills flange surface imperfections; creates primary seal |
| Facing thickness | 0.5-1.0 mm per side | Sufficient to seal standard RF finishes (125-250 AARH) |
| Core thickness | 2.5-4.5 mm (varies by size) | Determines rigidity and compression stop |
| Outer guide ring | Carbon steel (optional) | Centers gasket on flange; provides integral compression stop |
| Standard | EN 12560, DIN 2697, or manufacturer proprietary | Dimensions and tolerances |
The concentric serrations (typically 0.5-1.0 mm deep) are machined on a lathe. Each serration peak bites into the soft facing under bolt load, creating multiple concentric seal lines. This multi-ring sealing mechanism gives the Kammprofile gasket excellent resistance to pressure-induced blowout.
Material Compatibility
| Service Fluid | Core Material | Facing Material | Max Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hydrocarbons, steam | SS 316/316L | Flexible graphite | 550 degC (1,022 degF) |
| High-temp steam | SS 321 | Flexible graphite | 550 degC (1,022 degF) |
| Oxidizing acids | Monel 400 | PTFE | 260 degC (500 degF) |
| Sour gas (H2S) | Incoloy 825 | Flexible graphite | 450 degC (842 degF) |
| Aggressive chemicals | Hastelloy C-276 | PTFE or graphite | 450 degC (842 degF) |
The metal core must be compatible with the process fluid. The soft facing is the primary sealing element and should be selected based on temperature and chemical compatibility, similar to filler selection for spiral wound gaskets.
Kammprofile vs Spiral Wound Gasket
| Feature | Kammprofile | Spiral Wound |
|---|---|---|
| Sealing mechanism | Serrated metal core + soft facing | Metal/filler windings |
| Blowout resistance | Excellent (solid core) | Good (with inner ring) |
| Thermal cycling | Excellent recovery | Good |
| Reusability | Core reusable (replace facing) | Not reusable |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Availability | Specialty order | Stock item |
Kammprofile gaskets require controlled bolt torque applied with A193 B7 stud bolts and A194 2H nuts per the ASME bolt chart.
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