AX Ring Joint Gasket

At Kriloha Ltd., we understand that in the drilling industry, the “Pressure Control” system is the only thing standing between a productive well and a catastrophic event. In the heart of the BOP stack, where pressures are extreme and vibration is constant, the Kriloha AX Ring Joint Gasket is the industry’s trusted guardian. As a premier global supplier of heavy-duty industrial seals, Kriloha Gaskets manufactures the AX series to the uncompromising standards of API 16A, ensuring every ring can withstand the violent forces of a kick or a pressure surge.

The AX gasket is a specialized evolution of the ring joint family. Unlike the standard R or BX series used in production piping, the AX is designed for the rigors of “Drill-Through” service. It features a pressure-energized profile that sits in a precision-machined groove. As internal pressure from the wellbore enters the joint, it acts against the internal walls of the AX ring, forcing the sealing lips outward into the flange. This “Active Response” means the gasket actually works harder as the pressure increases, providing an exponential safety factor compared to static seals.

Manufacturing a Kriloha AX ring requires a level of metallurgical discipline that few can match. Because the BOP stack is subject to immense mechanical stress, the AX gasket must be tough enough to resist extrusion but ductile enough to flow into the flange imperfections. At Kriloha, we utilize Vacuum-Annealed Forgings to ensure a uniform grain structure. We also offer specialized coatings, such as Silver or Xylan (PTFE), which reduce friction during high-torque assembly and prevent galling of the expensive BOP grooves.

By choosing Kriloha Ltd., you are investing in a product that prioritizes the “Zero-Failure” mandate of modern drilling. Our AX gaskets are available in a full range of sizes and materials, including NACE-compliant alloys for sour gas (H2S) environments. Every AX ring is precision-etched with a heat number for 100% traceability, giving drilling engineers the confidence that their pressure-containing joints are secured by the highest-spec metallurgy available in the market today.

Primary Use Cases

Blowout Preventers (BOPs): The primary seal for connecting RAM-type or Annular BOPs in a drilling stack.
Wellhead Connectors: Providing a fail-safe metal seal for high-pressure hydraulic connectors.
Drilling Risers: Ensuring leak-proof joints in the vertical piping that connects the wellhead to the drilling rig.
Subsea Manifolds: Used in deepwater environments where external hydrostatic pressure and internal process pressure must both be managed.
High-Pressure Test Stumps: Providing a reliable, repeatable seal for testing oilfield pressure-containing equipment.

FAQs

Is an AX gasket interchangeable with a BX gasket?

No. AX gaskets are specifically designed for API 16A drilling equipment grooves. While they may look similar to BX gaskets, the dimensions and sealing angles are different and are not compatible.

Why are AX gaskets used in BOP stacks specifically?

The AX design allows for a very low profile and small standoff between equipment, which is critical for minimizing the weight and height of a massive subsea or surface drilling stack.

What does “Pressure-Energized” mean for an AX ring?

It means the shape of the gasket allows internal well pressure to push the sealing lips more firmly against the flange. This ensures the seal remains tight even if the bolts experience slight elongation under extreme load.

Can I reuse a Kriloha AX gasket?

No. Like all metal-to-metal interference seals, the AX ring undergoes plastic deformation during its first installation. Reusing a used ring can lead to “leak paths” and potentially damage the expensive grooves on your BOP.

Does Kriloha provide AX gaskets for sour service?

Absolutely. For H2S environments, we manufacture AX gaskets from materials like Inconel 625 or 316L Stainless Steel that meet NACE MR0175 standards, with hardness levels strictly controlled to prevent sulfide stress cracking.