128

MANHOLE GASKETS
Manhole and handhole gaskets for boilers, tanks and pressure vessels
Specma offers a complete range of different
materials for everything from pressure
testing with cold water to demanding
applications with high pressures and
temperatures.
All gasket qualities come in a range of
standard dimensions (see dimension table)
for fast delivery. Non-standard dimensions
can be supplied with a short delivery time.
A conventional cover consists of two
sections. A frame (welding ring) and a
domed, pressed cover for installation from
the pressure side. The domed cover has an
external sealing flange to which the seal is
applied.
To keep the cover in place prior to
commissioning, the cover is normally
pretensioned with one or two clamps.
When the internal pressure rises, the
seating stress at the seal increases and
maximum sealing function is achieved
(see below).
When selecting manhole gaskets, the
following parameters must be taken into
account:
Pressure (see specification for relevant product).
Temperature (see specification for relevant product).
Media (see relevant product).
Condition and surface finish of sealing surfaces.
130
SPECMA SEALS HANDBOOK
MANHOLE GASKETS
Specmaflex
manhole gaskets
type FSP 1
Material description:
Specmaflex spiral wound gaskets type
FSP 1 are made of stainless, profiled steel
strips AISI 316L, which are spirally wound
together with strips of expanded graphite
and spot welded inside and out (see figure).
Properties:
Specmaflex type FSP 1 gaskets are
designed especially in order to achieve an
effective seal under the most demanding
operating conditions. The good recovery
of these gaskets provides clear benefits
compared with conventional gasket
materials, e.g. in covers subject to vibration
or where stresses occur due to major
temperature fluctuations.
Grafex EX
manhole
gaskets
Material description:
Grafex EX manhole gaskets are made of
precompressed 100% expanded natural
graphite with no added binders or fillers,
reinforced with austenitic stainless acidproof
expanded metal. The sealing surfaces are
provided with a soft surface facing of Grafex
foil. Total seal thickness: 6 mm.
The stated limit values apply under favourable conditions.
Do not utilise more than one maximum value at a time.
If in doubt please contact us, we will be happy to offer advice.
Spiral wound gaskets are very appropriate
for use in manholes at high pressures and
temperatures where ordinary seals tend to
be forced out. At very high pressures, it is
recommended that the gasket should be
provided with a mechanical compression
stop such as an internal support ring so as to
eliminate the risk of overcompression of the
gasket.
Properties:
Grafex EX manhole gaskets have the
following unique properties:
very good ability to adapt to uneven areas
on flange surfaces (e.g. in areas where
there is corrosion damage) thanks to their
soft surface facing.
do not age, but last as long as the covers.
very good resistance to blow-outs with
uneven seating stresses, thermal stresses
and thermal dynamic loads.
Applications:
Specmaflex is suitable for manhole and
handhole covers in vessels handling
practically all forms of media up to +650C.
Recommended flange surface finish:
3.2-6.4 m Ra.
Dimensions:
See separate table. Specmaflex
spiral wound gaskets type FSP 1 are
manufactured as standard to a nominal 4.5
mm thickness and can also be supplied in
thicknesses: 2.5 3.2 6.4 and 7.2 mm.
Technical data:
Temperature range: -200C to +650C
Max. internal pressure: 320 bar
pH range: 0-14
Approvals:
Specmaflex is available with BAM approval
for oxygen applications.
Specmaflex is a registered trademark of
Specma Seals AB.
Applications:
Grafex EX manhole gaskets can be
used for virtually all media such as steam,
water, petroleum products, solvents, acids,
caustics, gases etc., with the exception of
strongly oxidising acids at high temperatures.
Grafex EX can, in favourable conditions,
replace spiral wound gaskets.
Technical data:
Temperature range: -200C to +550C
in oxidising atmosphere
+650C in steam
Max. internal pressure: 50 bar
pH range: 0-14
Approvals:
Approved by BAM for oxygen applications.
Grafex EX is also approved by DVGW for
gas applications and KTW for drinking water
and food.
Dimensions:
See separate table.
Grafex is a registered trademark of
Specma Seals AB.

Specma
manhole
gaskets
type 2
Material description:
Specma manhole gaskets type 2 is made
of fabric consisting of aramid fibre and pre-
oxidised carbon fibre, which is coated on
both sides with a special natural rubber in a
multi-stage process. The gaskets are also
reinforced with chrome steel wire in order to
withstand high temperatures in combination
with high pressures, and graphited externally
to reduce the risk of thermal bonding.
Specma manhole gaskets type 2 are supplied
individually packed for maximum seal
protection, and also labelled with dimensions.
FlnsMan
manhole
gaskets
Material description:
FlnsMan is made of pure expanded
graphite which is braided in tubular form and
calendered into rectangular cross sections.
FlnsMan can be adapted to suit all
dimensions and shapes, and can easily be
shaped into an endless seal, making it easy
to apply. FlnsMan has excellent thermal
conductivity and permanent recovery.
FlnsMan can also be supplied as
complete endless manhole gaskets, see the
table on the next page.
Applications:
High and low pressure steam, superheated
and hot water, e.g. for lids and covers in
steam chambers, heat exchangers, drying
cylinder end caps etc.
Technical data:
Temperature range: -30C to +250C
Max. internal pressure: 40 bar
pH range: 3-13
Applications:
FlnsMan is a static gasket tape for
metallic and non-metallic flanges, lids,
manhole covers, autoclaves etc. The gasket
can withstand very high temperatures in
combination with the majority of media such
as steam, fuels, gases, oils, condensate,
although not strongly oxidising agents such
as concentrated sulphuric acid, nitric acid
etc. Particularly suited for use as a boiler lid
gasket in the paper and pulp industry and
as a universal gasket for entire plants due to
its excellent resistance to temperatures and
media.
131
SPECMA SEALS HANDBOOK
MANHOLE GASKETS
Dimensions:
See separate table.
Storage instructions:
The gaskets must be stored in dark, cool,
dry conditions and on level ground. The
storage time is limited as the gaskets
contain natural rubber. The gaskets should
be fitted before the time stated inside the
gasket package (calendar week and year).
Retightening:
Besides the general installation instructions
specified previously, it is also necessary to
check the tightening torque up to 3-4 days
after commissioning. Retighten if necessary.
Note: "Old manholes covers" may be of
the pressed type with seal surfaces in poor
condition, not machine processed, heavily
corroded or warped. For all types of covers,
extreme values for pressure and temperature
should not be used at the same time.
For further information and installation
instructions of FlnsMan please see page
54.
FlnsMan is a registered trademark of
Specma Seals AB.
Technical data:
Temperature range: -200C to +550C in
oxidising atmosphere
+650C in steam
approx. max. +900C in
non-oxidising
atmosphere
Max. internal pressure: 50 bar under ideal
conditions
Recommended min. 15 N/mm, max.
seating stress: 165 N/mm
132
SPECMA SEALS HANDBOOK
MANHOLE GASKETS

Dimension table: Other manhole gaskets:

Material quality Specma 2027
Dimension Specmaflex Grafex Manhole Vulco- Flns- braided packing made of graphited
mm type FSP 1 EX gasket type 2 pack Man glass fibre
Specma 2027 is primarily a static packing
80 x 120 x 15 x 6 - 274908 265008 352008 32980120156
for mounting in grooves. Suitable for flue
100 x 150 x 15 x 6 - 274910 265010 352010 329100150156 gases, warm and hot air in covers, doors
and flanges.
115 x 165 x 15 x 6 - x 265012 x x
For technical data, see page 31.
150 x 200 x 15 x 6 - 274915 265015 352015 x
150 x 200 x 20 x 6 - x - x 329150200206
220 x 320 x 25 x 6 - 274920 265020 352020 329220320256
220 x 320 x 25 x 10 - - 265022 - -
280 x 380 x 25 x 6 - x x x x
290 x 390 x 32 x 6 - x 265026 x -
295 x 395 x 30 x 6 - x - x 329295395306 Vulcopack
specially vulcanised EPDM rubber
300 x 400 x 25 x 4.5 340950 - - - - Vulcopack manhole gaskets are
300 x 400 x 25 x 6 - 274930 265030 352030 329300400256 produced for water and superheated water
applications. Also suitable for low pressure
300 x 400 x 25 x 6.4 340955 - - - - steam, acids and alkalis, and also as a
pressure testing gasket in cold water.
300 x 400 x 25 x 10 - - 265032 - -
This material has very good resistance to
300 x 400 x 29 x 6 - 274934 265034 x -
heat, hydrolysis, weather and ozone, high
300 x 400 x 30 x 6 - x - x 329300400306 wear resistance and low water swelling.
Note: Not oil resistant. Vulcopack is also
300 x 400 x 32 x 6 - x 265036 x - recommended for low-pressure moist
320 x 420 x 25 x 4.5 340960 - - - - chlorine by the Chlorine Institute.
For technical data, see page 86.
320 x 420 x 25 x 6 - 274940 265040 352040 329320420256
Vulcopack is a registered trademark of
320 x 420 x 25 x 10 - - 265042 - - Specma Seals AB.
350 x 450 x 25 x 4.5 340970 - - - -
350 x 450 x 25 x 6 - 274950 265050 352050 329350450256
350 x 450 x 25 x 10 - - 265052 - -

Oval manhole gaskets are dimensioned: inner short axis x inner long axis x flange width x
thickness.
Dimensions marked with part numbers are normally stocked,
while dimensions marked with crosses are available to order.
Dimensions marked - are not available.

The stated limit values apply under favourable conditions.

Do not utilise more than one maximum value at a time.
If in doubt please contact us, we will be happy to offer advice.
 133
SPECMA SEALS HANDBOOK
MANHOLE GASKETS

GENERAL INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Before installation, check:

Sealing surface:
that rust, dirt, remains of the old gasket
etc. are removed.
clean in the circumferential direction to
avoid transverse scratches. Wrong
Right
ensure that the sealing surface is
degreased and dry.
Flatness:
permitted distortion between cover and
frame must not exceed 1 mm.
Gasket:
that the right gasket has been selected in
Right Wrong
respect of dimensions and material.
Installation:
always use a new gasket and fit it
dry without pastes, release agents or
sealants. During operation:
make sure that the gasket is centred When the pressure increases, at startup When normal operating pressure and
accurately on the sealing surface of (both hot and cold state), the nuts must be operating temperature have been
the domed lid and that the lid in turn is retightened regularly in order to maintain reached, the nuts must be checked again
centred against the frame (see figure). the requisite seating stress at the gasket. and tightened if necessary.
clamps and nuts are then fitted. On start-up and/or during test
lubricate the threads with e.g. Grafex pressurisation with cold water, a small drip
GTL graphite paste and then tighten to a may occur. This normally disappears when
tightening torque recommended by the the pressure and temperature increase.
manufacturer.

Diagram for pressure and temperature limits with various material choices

Temperature

650C
Specmaflex

550C Superheated water vapour

FlnsMan, Grafex EX

250C Saturated water vapour

Manhole gaskets type 2
Moist water vapour

130C Water
Vulcopack

Pressure (bar)
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 320