A helical spring energizer is a continuous coil spring that provides preload force in spring-energized seals. It is typically selected for static, high-pressure, or cryogenic applications where sealing force must be maintained under demanding conditions. Unlike cantilever or canted coil designs, the helical geometry delivers higher contact load across the seal jacket.
Installed inside PTFE, PEEK, and other polymer sealing jackets, the spring applies radial or axial loading to the sealing lips. This compensates for lip wear, thermal expansion, dimensional variation, and pressure cycling over the service life.
Compared with cantilever and canted coil spring designs, helical spring energizers deliver higher spring loads and stronger sealing forces. Common applications include LNG equipment, cryogenic valves, oil and gas systems, and high-pressure process equipment.
Higher preload force for high-pressure static sealing applications where maximum contact pressure is required.
Operates reliably from cryogenic to high-heat environments, suitable for LNG and aerospace systems.
Excellent resistance to stress relaxation, maintaining sealing force over extended service life.
Spring geometry can be adjusted to meet specific seal groove dimensions and pressure requirements.
Unlike spring designs that attempt to minimize friction, helical spring energizers are intended to generate relatively high contact loads. The continuous coil structure produces substantial restoring force, allowing the sealing lips to maintain stable contact even under severe pressure fluctuations.
This behavior offers:
The higher spring force makes helical spring energizers particularly suitable for static sealing, valve sealing, LNG systems, cryogenic applications, and high-pressure equipment.
Helical springs provide increasing force with compression, making them ideal for high-pressure static sealing. Canted coil springs offer near-constant force for dynamic applications.
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.
| Comparison Item | Helical | Canted Coil | Cantilever V | Cantilever U | Full Contact | Detached Leg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Structure | Helical coil | Slanted coil | V-shaped cantilever | U-shaped cantilever | Continuous contact | Detached legs |
| Load Level | High | Medium | Low-Medium | Low-Medium | Medium-High | Very Low |
| Friction | Moderate | Low | Low | Low | Moderate | Very Low |
| Dynamic Performance | Moderate | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Moderate | Excellent |
| Compensation Ability | Moderate | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
| Breakaway Force | High | Low | Low | Low | Medium | Very Low |
| Vacuum Capability | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
| Cryogenic Service | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Good | Excellent | Moderate |
| High Pressure | Excellent | Good | Moderate | Moderate | Excellent | Limited |
| Motion Systems | Moderate | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Moderate | Excellent |
| Seal Stability | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Good | Excellent | Good |
| Typical Applications | High-pressure static sealing | Dynamic and low-friction sealing | Reciprocating dynamic sealing | General-purpose sealing | Vacuum and cryogenic sealing | Precision motion and vacuum systems |
For high-pressure and static sealing environments, helical spring energizers generally offer the highest preload capability and sealing stability.
Not sure which spring type fits your application? Contact our engineering team for selection support →
The helical spring continuously pushes the sealing jacket against the hardware surfaces. The spring compensates for:
As system pressure increases, the media pressure assists the sealing action, producing a pressure-assisted sealing effect. This combination of mechanical spring preload and pressure energization ensures reliable sealing even under challenging operating conditions.
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″ |
| Contact us for complete specification sheet and custom dimensions → | |||
Materials
Material selection directly influences corrosion resistance, spring recovery, fatigue life, and sealing reliability.
Excellent corrosion resistance and fatigue performance for long-cycle dynamic and static sealing applications.
Nickel alloy suitable for elevated temperature and high-pressure spring-energized sealing applications up to 650°C.
Outstanding corrosion resistance in highly aggressive chemical and process environments.
Precipitation-hardening stainless steel balancing strength, elasticity, and manufacturability.
Material selection depends on operating temperature, corrosion resistance requirements, media compatibility, and expected service life. High-performance alloys are frequently selected for cryogenic, chemical processing, and aerospace sealing applications.
Helical spring energizers are primarily selected for sealing applications requiring high preload force, excellent sealing stability, and reliable operation under demanding pressure conditions. Actual performance depends on seal jacket design, operating media, and material selection.
Handa Spring provides custom helical spring energizers for various sealing applications. No additional tooling charges are required for special diameters or alternate material slit widths.
Pre-Cut and Welded: Provide the desired center-line diameter, and we will coil, cut, and weld the helical spring(s) you need using our state-of-the-art Laser Weld Technology.
Applications
Oil & Gas 
LNG 
Industrial Valves 
Aerospace 
Semiconductor 
Chemical Processing 
Energy Equipment 
Cryogenic EngineeringWhy Choose Us
Handa Spring manufactures custom helical spring energizers based on seal groove dimensions,
pressure ratings, and operating temperatures. We work with seal manufacturers and OEMs to match spring geometry and material to specific application requirements.
1. What is a helical spring energizer?
2. When should I use a helical spring instead of a canted coil spring?
3. What is the maximum pressure rating for helical spring seals?
4. What materials are available for helical spring energizers?
5. Are helical springs suitable for cryogenic applications?
6. Can you provide custom diameters and lengths?
6. Can you provide custom diameters and lengths?
Yes. Handa Spring manufactures custom helical spring energizers in virtually any size. Custom wire diameters, coil diameters, widths, thicknesses, and ring diameters are available with no additional tooling charges for special sizes.
7. Do you offer pre-cut and welded helical springs?
Yes. We provide laser-welded helical spring rings using state-of-the-art laser weld technology. Just provide the desired center-line diameter, and we will coil, cut, and weld the spring to your specified dimensions.
8. What industries commonly use helical spring seals?
Helical spring seals are widely used in oil and gas, LNG, aerospace, semiconductor, chemical processing, cryogenic engineering, industrial valves, and energy equipment applications where high-pressure static sealing is required.
9. What information do you need for a custom quote?
To provide an accurate quote, please provide your seal cross-section or drawing, groove dimensions, operating temperature, pressure conditions, media type, motion type (static or dynamic), and material preference .
10. What is the typical lead time for a custom helical spring?
11. Can helical spring energizers be used in dynamic applications?
They may be used in slow-speed or limited-motion applications. For high-speed dynamic sealing systems, canted coil or cantilever spring energizers are often preferred.
12. What seal materials work with helical springs?
Helical spring energizers are commonly combined with PTFE, filled PTFE, PEEK, UHMWPE, and other engineering polymers depending on operating temperature and media compatibility.
13. Can spring loads be customized?
Yes. Spring force can be adjusted through wire diameter, coil geometry, spring height, and material selection to meet specific sealing requirements.
Contact Handa
Our engineering team can recommend the optimal helical spring energizer based on your seal design, operating pressure, temperature, and media conditions.
English 
中文 (中国)