A helical spring energizer is a continuous coil spring installed inside a spring-energized seal. It applies preload to the polymer sealing jacket, helping maintain contact with the mating surface when system pressure is low or operating conditions vary.
Helical designs are often selected when a relatively high spring load is needed, particularly in static sealing and selected high-pressure, gas, or cryogenic applications. The actual sealing performance depends on the complete assembly, including the seal jacket, spring geometry, gland design, pressure, temperature, and media.
Spring geometry should be selected around the required load, installed deflection, and available space in the seal gland.
Dimension Reference: S = Outside Diameter | H = Width | C = Material Thickness
Custom dimensions available. Contact us for full specifications or specialized OD, strip thickness/width solutions.
Custom dimensions available. Table shows a portion of our standard range.
| SERIES | S – Outside diameter | H – Width | C – Material thickness |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDY-SHE-122005080 | 1.22mm | .048″ | 0.80mm | .031″ | 0.05mm | .0019″ |
| HDY-SHE-152038010 | 1.52mm | .059″ | 0.38mm | .015″ | 0.10mm | .0039″ |
| HDY-SHE-200150010 | 2.00mm | .079″ | 1.50mm | .059″ | 0.10mm | .0039″ |
| HDY-SHE-229051013 | 2.29mm | .090″ | 0.51mm | .02″ | 0.13mm | .005″ |
| HDY-SHE-250150010 | 2.50mm | .098″ | 1.50mm | .059″ | 0.10mm | .0039″ |
| HDY-SHE-300150010 | 3.00mm | .118″ | 1.50mm | .059″ | 0.10mm | .0039″ |
| HDY-SHE-318064020 | 3.18mm | .125″ | 0.64mm | .025″ | 0.20mm | .0079″ |
| HDY-SHE-318150015 | 3.18mm | .125″ | 1.50mm | .059″ | 0.15mm | .0059″ |
| HDY-SHE-350150015 | 3.50mm | .138″ | 1.50mm | .059″ | 0.15mm | .0059″ |
| HDY-SHE-400150015 | 4.00mm | .157″ | 1.50mm | .059″ | 0.15mm | .0059″ |
| HDY-SHE-450150015 | 4.50mm | .177″ | 1.50mm | .059″ | 0.15mm | .0059″ |
| HDY-SHE-500200015 | 5.00mm | .197″ | 2.00mm | .079″ | 0.15mm | .0059″ |
| HDY-SHE-600200015 | 6.00mm | .236″ | 2.00mm | .079″ | 0.15mm | .0059″ |
| HDY-SHE-700200020 | 7.00mm | .276″ | 2.00mm | .079″ | 0.20mm | .0079″ |
| HDY-SHE-800200020 | 8.00mm | .315″ | 2.00mm | .079″ | 0.20mm | .0079″ |
| Request the full specification sheet or discuss custom dimensions → | |||
Helical spring energizers are designed for applications that call for relatively high spring loading. Their load changes with compression, so spring geometry and installed deflection need to be considered together when selecting a design.
The required load is not determined by pressure alone. Seal jacket material, lip geometry, gland dimensions, surface finish, motion, temperature, and media all affect the final sealing system.
Selection factors:
The higher spring force makes helical spring energizers particularly suitable for static sealing, valve sealing, LNG systems, cryogenic applications, and high-pressure equipment.
Illustrative comparison only. Actual load-deflection behavior depends on spring geometry, material, and working deflection.
The following comparison helps engineers determine when a helical spring energizer provides advantages over other spring designs. Helical springs are typically selected when high preload force, static sealing stability, and pressure capability are the primary requirements.
| Selection factor | Helical | Canted Coil | Cantilever V |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical load profile | Relatively high load; load changes with compression | Near-constant force over a working deflection range | Flexible cantilever loading; depends on profile and deflection |
| Common selection focus | Higher preload and static sealing | Low-friction and dynamic sealing requirements | Dynamic sealing where a cantilever profile is suitable |
| Dynamic service | Evaluate carefully against speed, stroke, and friction requirements | Often considered for dynamic service | Often considered for dynamic service |
| Final suitability | Depends on the complete seal design and operating conditions | Depends on the complete seal design and operating conditions | Depends on the complete seal design and operating conditions |
This is a general selection guide, not a guaranteed performance ranking. Contact Handa Spring if you need help matching a spring profile to your requirements.
Not sure which spring type fits your application? Contact our engineering team for selection support →
Materials
Materia Material selection depends on temperature, media compatibility, corrosion resistance, required spring properties, and service life.
A cobalt-based alloy option for applications requiring corrosion resistance and spring performance.
A nickel-chromium alloy considered for elevated-temperature spring applications.
A nickel-based alloy option for selected chemically aggressive environments.
A precipitation-hardening stainless steel option where strength and spring properties are important.
Other available options include Inconel 718 and selected stainless steels. Final material suitability should be confirmed against the operating environment and spring design.
Applications
Helical spring energizers may be considered where the seal design requires higher spring preload. Suitability depends on the complete sealing system and service conditions.
For a new application, provide the operating pressure, temperature, media, motion, gland dimensions, and required spring load so the design can be assessed.
Handa Spring manufactures helical spring energizers to customer drawings, dimensions, and load requirements. Custom designs can be evaluated around the required spring geometry, material, and installation space.
For a custom quote: send your drawing or sample details, target dimensions, material preference, required quantity, and application conditions. If you do not have a finished design, share the gland dimensions and operating requirements for an initial engineering discussion.
1. What is a helical spring energizer?
2. When should I choose a helical spring energizer?
3. What materials are available?
4. Can helical spring energizers be used in cryogenic applications?
5. Can you manufacture custom dimensions or welded rings?
6. What information is needed for a quotation?
Contact Handa Spring
Send your drawing, dimensions, or application details. Our team can review your requirements and discuss a suitable helical spring configuration.
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