Sizing for Sealing a Flange with Flangeseal

 How do I Know What Size to Order: FS-Flangeseal and AQW-FPK (Flange Protection Kit)

An installed Covalence FS (Flangeseal)

     Coating a flange can be tricky.  You've typically got a significant size difference between the outside diameter of the flange - and the diameter of the pipeline.  You've also got a number of bolts that could have sharp edges.  You've got a gasket of some kind that you'd likely don't want to covered in anything permanently (that would prevent you from re-entering that flange if it was necessary.  You've also likely got some amount of uncoated pipe where the flange is welded in.  There are a lot of important data points there.  Let's try and break it down so it is a bit simpler.

     Typical flangeseal nomenclature will be something like this (I'll give a few examples):  

FS 24000-24 -- this is for a flange with an ACTUAL OD of 24.0".  This FS is supplied 24" wide (we'll get more into that below).

FS 36000-36 -- an FS for a 36" OD Flange that is supplied at 36" wide.  

FS 12750-24 -- an FS for a 12.75" OD Flange that is supplied at 24" wide.

     So, the first number is VERY important!  That tells us how to make the Flangeseal so that is long enough to wrap all the way around the flange and meet back up with itself.  An FS 12750 would never work on a 24" OD flange --- it would be like someone with a 36" waist trying to button up jeans that are made for a 22" waist.  

     The second number is the width of the flange as supplied.  That is slightly trickier to figure out.  Let's say you are working with a 24" OD Flange and a 12.75" OD Pipe.  In addition, let's say that flange is 4 inches wide itself and there are 4 inches of uncoated pipe where the pipe and flange connect.

     First thing I look at:  24" OD flange down to a 12.75" OD pipe.  Picture the sleeve installed.  The sleeve is going to 'step down' from the peak of the flange down to the pipe surface and nearly 6" of the sleeve "width" is going to be lost on that vertical of the sleeve shrinking.  Does that make sense?  Simplify it by picturing yourself cutting a strip of duct tape that spans from your kitchen island down to the floor and across to the wall.  You would have to measure - the number of inches you want it to be attached to your kitchen island -- and the distance from island to floor -- and the distance across floor to wall.  In this paragraph - the step down from outermost flange to pipe is like the distance from the kitchen island to the floor.  

     So right there - with this 24" to 12.75" dimension we know we are going to lose 6" of our sleeve width TWO TIMES (have to figure this step down will happen on both sides of the flange.  So that is 12" of our width "used" already.  In addition - the flange is 4" across (which includes where the bolts are, etc).  We've now used 16" of our sleeve width (12+4).

     Now let's add in that there are 3" of bare steel adjacent to the flange on both sides.  That is 6" of bare steel (total - we have to add them together) AND we still need to overlap onto good pipe coating by at least 3" per side (another 6").

     That leaves us (in terms of sleeve width) with:

• 12" of width used to bridge the gap between flange and pipe
• 4" of width used to cover the flange itself
• 6" of width used to cover bare steel
• 6" of width used to overlap onto good coating

12 + 4 + 6 + 6 = 28"

     The minimum FS width that could work on this configuration is 28".  Our standards are 24" and 35.5" --- so the only option here is to use a 36" wide Flangeseal (24" would not properly seal).  

The Best and Simplest Way to Seal a Buried Flange

 How to Prevent Corrosion on a Buried Flange

An installed Covalence Flangeseal

     So, you need to protect your flange (that is going to be buried eventually) from corrosion.  The Covalence (formerly Raychem) FlangeSeal is an excellent option for you.

    Flange Seal offers a high expansion, fiber reinforced backing and an extremely aggressive mastic sealant.  Shipped out with a strip of cardboard - which is wrapped around the Flange first - means that Flange doesn't get too messy and can be re-enterable one day if you need it.  Installed using a propane torch, it just doesn't get any easier than an FS Flangeseal installation.

     But there are three very important bits of information that you need before you can quote or order a Flangeseal.  

FIRST:  You must know the actual outside diameter of the flange you'll be installing on.  There are a number of flange manufacturers out there and many different types of flanges.  Simply knowing "300# 12 inch" just isn't enough to avoid a possible problem.  The Flangeseal must be large enough to wrap around that flange -- so prepare yourself -- you will be asked:  "What is the outside diameter of the FLANGE?".

SECOND:   You need to know the OD of the pipeline!  We need to be certain that the Raychem Flangeseal is able to shrink enough to properly wrap around the flange -- and shrink all the way down and seal to the pipeline.  

THIRD:  We will need to know if your specific parameters can be met with a 24" wide Flangeseal (FS) or if you need to look at using a 36" FS?  

     With those three bits  of information:

1. Actual Outside Diameter of the Flange
2. Outside diameter of the pipe
3. Width of the FS required

You'll have that Flange protected in no time!

Have questions?  Reach out:  Steve@jsicoatings.com  or   936/321-3333

 Flangeseal: An Excellent Option for Protecting Flanges from Corrosion

Flanges play a crucial role in connecting pipes and ensuring the integrity of industrial systems. However, these vital components are susceptible to corrosion, which can compromise their performance and lead to costly repairs. To prevent this issue, a reliable solution is needed, and Flangeseal emerges as an excellent option for protecting flanges from corrosion while offering easy installation.

One of the key advantages of Flangeseal is its backing with integrated fiberglass reinforcement. This feature gives the product toughness and long-lasting durability, allowing it to withstand harsh environments and demanding conditions. Additionally, the high recovery capacity of Flangeseal, combined with its impressive 65% shrinkage ratio, enables it to conform to high transitions smoothly. This versatility reduces inventory and logistics costs, making it a cost-effective choice for protecting flanges.

The mechanical resistance backing of Flangeseal is another noteworthy feature. It is designed to resist abrasion, impact, and penetration, providing reliable protection for flanges against various forms of damage. Moreover, the sealant used in Flangeseal is specially formulated to ensure a strong bond and a tight seal to virtually any substrate. This ensures that the seal remains intact, even when exposed to a wide range of temperatures, maintaining its elasticity and sealing characteristics over time.

One of the standout features of Flangeseal is its self-healing effect. The sealing adhesive has the ability to automatically flow and repair minor mechanical damages. This capability not only enhances the longevity of the product but also saves money by reducing the need for frequent maintenance or replacement. Additionally, Flangeseal does not require a primer, eliminating the need for drying time and making the application process quick and easy.

Installation of Flangeseal is made even more convenient by its zipper closure system. This system simplifies and accelerates the installation process, ensuring a secure fit around the flanges. Moreover, Flangeseal does not require any special equipment for installation, making it accessible to a wide range of users. This not only saves time but also keeps installation costs low.

The excellent performance of Flangeseal is further supported by its impressive properties. The bursting strength of the backing, tested according to DIN 30672, is measured at 3500 N, demonstrating its ability to withstand significant pressure. The adhesive's softening point, tested per ASTM E-28, is 92°C (198°F), indicating its high-temperature resistance. Additionally, the shear strength and peel strength of the adhesive, tested according to EN12068, are 8 N/cm² and 9 N/cm, respectively, confirming its strong bonding capabilities.

Flangeseal is a heat shrinkable corrosion protection sleeve specifically developed for installation on flanges or mechanical couplings that are already in place. It consists of two layers: a visco-elastic sealant and a fiberglass-reinforced, radiation cross-linked, polyethylene backing. The product comes in pre-cut sleeves with a zipper closure system, allowing for fast and simple installation. Additionally, each kit includes a corrugated cardboard sheet to keep the flange nuts and bolts clean, facilitating easy re-entry and disassembly when necessary.

The installation process of Flangeseal is straightforward. After cleaning and preparing the pipe surface and flange, the corrugated cardboard sheet is wrapped around the flange to be sealed. The heat-shrinkable sleeve is then positioned centrally over the flange and closed using the zipper closure. As the sleeve is heated above 125°C (257°F), it shrinks tightly around the substrate. During the recovery process, the adhesive softens and flows, forming a tight bond. The bond strength further develops during cool down and remains fully intact upon completion of the installation process.

How To Seal a Flange

How Do I Seal A Flange?

An Installed FlangeSeal

     Raychem / Covalence's (same company) is designed to prevent corrosion of flanges and mechanical couplers.  The Flange Seal system consists of a precoated, heat shrinkable fiberglass reinforced wraparound sleeve that provides a smooth transition from flange to pipe surface.
     Flangeseal products are available in a variety of sizes that accomodate 4" to 62" (or larger) flanges and a wide range of pipe diameters.  After wrapping the sleeve around the pipe and flange, it is easily closed with the preattached zipper and then the sleeve is torch shrunk in place.  The Flangeseal system provides a moisture seal that resists heat, cold, vibration, impact, abrasion and corrosive gases and fluids.
     It is important when calling for pricing that you know both the actual OD of the Flange and the actual OD of the pipe.  With those two bits of information we can have price and delivery information for you in seconds.
   

The products features and benefits of Flangeseal (sometimes images don't show up well on phones):

• Heat shrink backing with integrated fiberglass reinforcement that is tough and long lasting.  FS backing provides a high recovery capacity.
• 65% shrink ratio conforms to high transitions; reduces inventory and logistics costs and ultimately saves money.
• High mechanical resistance backing resists abrasion, impact and penetration.
• No primer is required.  There is also no cure time. 
• Specially formulated sealant ensures a strong bond and a tight seal to virtually any substrate.  Flange seal maintains its elasticity and sealing characteristics over a wide temperature range.
• Sealing adhesive automatically flows and repairs minor mechanical damage if there is any.  Flangeseal is self healing which saves money on repairs and CP systems.
• Low preheat sensitivity and proven functionality leads to faster application, saving labor costs and time.
• Zipper closure system if simple and fast.
• No special equipment is needed.

Examples of a few of the sizing options.

     With its 65% shrink ratio, Flangeseal is able to cover nearly any Flange OD / Pipe OD transition.  Please have Flange OD and Pipe OD handy before contacting us for a quote at 936/321-3333.