As we wrap up discussing the pros and cons of industry-acceptable products and practices, we'll take a look at flange face coatings and challenge whether they are the best option.
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Typically flange face coatings can fall into two categories, those that have rust inhibitors in them and those that do not.
Coatings that have rust inhibitors in them are more widely used due to their added benefit. For example, paint-like coatings on the market are applied with a brush and once cured can be easily peeled off the flange face.
Coatings without inhibitors in them such as grease, create a barrier that keeps moisture away from the flange face.
Pros of Flange Face Coatings
Let's look at the pros of using flange face coatings. The biggest pro is that these coatings are very easy to apply. They can be painted on with a brush or sprayed directly on the flange face, making the application time fast. Another pro is that the coatings with rust inhibitors in them do an incredible job at preventing corrosion, and most are compatible with all types of metals. These products also tend to dry pretty quickly, so you do not have to wait around for them to dry. Also, coatings are offered in a wide variety of places, so they are readily available and easy to purchase.
Cons Flange Face Coatings
Now let's cover the cons. None of these flange face coatings keep debris out of the piping components because the bore of the pipe is left open. They also do not provide any impact protection, making it easy for mechanical damage to occur because they can be scraped off easily. Another major con is that coatings are not a good option for long-term storage. Many have to be reapplied monthly, weekly, or even daily. If the coating is not correctly applied part of the flange face may be exposed to the elements causing rust. The applicator also needs to be careful about putting too much product on the face because it will not allow the coat to cure properly.
Here is a quick wrap-up of the Pros & Cons of utilizing coatings as flange protection. Keep in mind that selecting the proper product for your specific application is key, and that will determine the success of each product and your flange protection.
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