Skip to main content

What can cause flange failure?

 

Is it possible I have leakage because of a damaged flange?



Flange failure:

In a piping system, flanges are an essential element for ideal containment. The structural integrity of the junction should never be affected, however flange failure is a fairly uncommon problem but can be catastrophic. Flange failures are primarily due to:

• Damaged flange surfaces or Improper Flange Facing, because the deeper serrations than specified will prevent the seating especially in metallic and semi metallic gaskets like spiral wound gaskets (please refer to previous blog entry entitled: Flange Surface Finish vs Gasket type).

• Buckling flanges: Excessive bending movements on flanges can loosen the bolting or distort the flanges and lead to leaks. This situation can also be produced by thermal shock where the rapid temperature fluctuations can cause flanges to deform temporarily.

• Non-parallel flanges: Improper flange face parallelism, causes uneven gasket compression, local gasket crushing, and can cause subsequent leak path. Improper gasket centering can also be observed: It demonstrates the importance of using spiral wound gasket with outer rings.

• Dirty flanges during assembly: Dirt, scale, scratches, weld spatter on gasket seating surfaces can cause uneven gasket compression that can result in flange leakage.

• Flange corrosion problems: In this section we will discuss more the problem related to the corrosion of the flanges. There are 3 main types of flange corrosion:

  1. generalized corrosion

  2. galvanic corrosion

  3. crevice corrosion

Crevice corrosion, it mainly occurs when flanges are used in extremely corrosive environments, where a concentration of corrosive substances is present in a localized area. Typically, corrosion begins on the inside diameter of a flange and can extend to the full gasket area.

Effective inspection methods


  1. Visual inspection of the sealing faces during a system shutdown

  2. Before the installation of the gaskets. This has the role of eliminating contaminants such as loose rust, oil, grease, dirt, salts, chemicals, dust, etc..

  3. A preventive solution, it is to use an anti-corrosion coating protection against external corrosion of flanges and fixings (an anti-corrosion coating such as epoxy composite for example). At this point, care must be taken with surface preparation as no anti-corrosion coating or coating system will give optimum performance on an improperly prepared surface.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

6 Reasons Why Removable Insulation Covers Are Essential in Hospitals

    Why Removable Insulation Covers Are a Smart Investment for Hospitals In the complex environment of a hospital, efficiency, safety, and cost management are crucial. Every decision made must prioritize patient care, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency. While often overlooked, insulation in hospitals plays a critical role in maintaining a safe and comfortable environment. One of the most effective and versatile solutions is the use of removable insulation covers, also known as removable insulation jackets. These covers are a smart investment for any healthcare facility, offering a range of benefits that directly impact the hospital’s bottom line and overall performance. 1. Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings Hospitals operate 24/7, making energy consumption a significant cost factor. Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, along with various mechanical equipment, consume vast amounts of energy. Uninsulated or poorly insulated equipment can lead...
Post a Comment
Read more

6 raisons pour lesquelles vous avez besoin de couvertures chauffantes sur vos conteneurs de liquides industriels pendant l'hiver

    Les avantages des couvertures chauffantes pour les liquides industriels pendant les hivers rigoureux du Canada Lorsqu'il s'agit de gérer des liquides industriels pendant les rudes hivers canadiens, maintenir la bonne température est essentiel pour garantir l'efficacité et la sécurité. Que vous stockiez ou transportiez des produits chimiques, des huiles, des adhésifs ou d'autres matériaux sensibles dans des fûts, seaux ou cuves, les conditions de gel peuvent gravement affecter leur viscosité, leur utilisabilité et même causer des dommages irréversibles. Une solution pratique à ce problème est l'utilisation de couvertures chauffantes. Voici pourquoi elles sont indispensables pour les applications industrielles. 1. Prévention du gel et maintien du flux Les hivers canadiens apportent souvent des températures sous zéro, ce qui peut entraîner le gel des liquides industriels ou les rendre trop visqueux pour être efficacement utilisés. Les couvertures chauffantes ...
Post a Comment
Read more

6 Raisons Pouquoi les Couvertures Isolantes Amovibles Sont Indispensables dans les Hôpitaux

  Pourquoi les Couvertures Isolantes Amovibles Sont un Investissement Judicieux pour les Hôpitaux Dans l'environnement complexe d'un hôpital, l'efficacité, la sécurité et la gestion des coûts sont primordiales. Chaque décision prise doit prioriser les soins aux patients, la conformité réglementaire et l'efficacité opérationnelle. Souvent négligée, l'isolation dans les hôpitaux joue un rôle essentiel pour maintenir un environnement sûr et confortable. L'une des solutions les plus efficaces et polyvalentes est l'utilisation de couvertures isolantes amovibles, également appelées jaquettes isolantes amovibles. Ces couvertures isolantes représentent un investissement judicieux pour tout établissement de santé, offrant une gamme d'avantages qui impactent directement les performances globales de l'hôpital et son bilan financier. 1. Efficacité Énergétique et Économies de Coûts Les hôpitaux fonctionnent 24 heures sur 24, ce qui rend la consommation d'éner...
Post a Comment
Read more