Robco Expert

  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 ). • B uckling flanges: Excessive bending movements on flange s can loosen the bolting or distort the flanges and lead to leaks. This situation can also be produced by thermal s hock where the rapid temperature fluctuations can cause flanges to deform temporarily. • Non-parallel flanges: Improper flange face parallelism, causes uneven gasket compression, local ga...