The bridge-man gasket is a pressure activated gasket for use on pressure vessel heads and valve bonnets for pressures of 1500 PSI and above. The cross section of the gasket is such that internal pressure acting against the ring forces it against the containing surface making a self-energized seal. Bridge-man gaskets are frequently silver plated or lead plated to provide a softer surface and minimize the force required to flow the gasket metal into the flange surface.