flangeDOT vs. Plastic Flange Protectors: Which Is Right for Your Application?
Both flangeDOTs and plastic flange protectors are designed to protect flanges, but they serve different purposes. Choosing the right solution depends on the type of protection your project requires. Understanding their differences can help you select the best protection for your application.
What Is a flangeDOT?
A flangeDOT is a self-adhesive flange face protector that applies directly to the raised face of the flange. It creates a protective barrier that helps prevent dirt, moisture, paint overspray, blasting media, and other contaminants from reaching the sealing surface.
The adhesive contains a Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) additive that helps protect the metal flange face from corrosion while the flange remains covered. Because flangeDOTs require no bolts or fasteners, they install in seconds and can be removed quickly without leaving adhesive residue behind.
Benefits
- Self-adhesive install in seconds
- VCI additive prevents corrosion
- Holdings up during sandblasting and painting
- Custom sizes and printing available
- Provides light impact protection
- Keeps containmation out of the component
- All flangeDOTS 36" and below are not pressure class specific
What Is a Standard Plastic Flange Protector?
Plastic flange protectors are typically designed to protect the outside of the flange from impacts, scratches, and other mechanical damage during fabrication, transportation, and storage. Depending on the design, they may attach using bolts, clips, push-fit connections, or zip ties and are often reusable.
While many plastic protectors provide excellent impact resistance, they may not completely seal the flange face from contaminants such as moisture, blasting media, or paint overspray. They are an affordable option but tend to not stay on the asset for long periods of time.
Benefits
- Cost effective
- Fast to install
- Provides medium impact protection
- Keeps containmation out of the component
