Protecting Flange Faces Limits Rework

Would you like to know of an easy way to limit rework and keep your piping projects on schedule?

This pressure vessel nozzle flange was damaged due to careless handling.

PROTECT YOUR FLANGE FACES.

What may seem like insignificant damage to your flange can have enormous implications for your project. A small scratch on the face can render your flange out of compliance, leaving you scrambling for a solution. 

On a recent project, a pressure vessel nozzle facing was damaged during the installation of the connected piping spool. Both the pressure vessel nozzle facing and piping spool flange facing were flawed due to careless handling.

The pressure vessel nozzle face required a weld build-up and in-situ machining, so an R stamp holder and field machining crew had to be brought in to this remote site. 

The flange damaged on the piping spool was a custom-made reducing flange with a long lead time. It also required weld build-up and field machining. And let me tell you, it was not cheap!

Flange faces should never be placed directly on the ground.

NEVER PLACE A FLANGE FACE DIRECTLY ON THE GROUND!

Weld spatter had to be removed from this flange face.

Do you use slip-on flanges that are welded on both the inside and outside of the flange? Protect your flange facing from weld spatter when making the inside weld. Use welding tape to cover the sealing surface. I was at a pressure vessel shop where they did not perform this step, and as a result, they damaged the flange facing. Ultimately, they had to cut off the nozzle and weld a new flange onto it. 

Flange facings must be protected at all times, from receipt to fabrication and installation, and ensure that your personnel are aware of the consequences of not doing so.

Self-adhering flange covers can be purchased, or they can be made from plywood. The best protection is offered by a steel blind flange for long-term use. Utilize an inspector at the source and in the field to ensure these critical sealing surfaces do not get damaged, and to protect your project from unnecessary risk.