Previously, we discussed how to identify the gasket seat of different flange types. In this article, we're discussing some of the causes of mechanical piping damage.
Preserving flange faces, mechanical piping and equipment is a vital but challenging task you face in today’s oil and gas industry. To ensure your preserving your project assets contact us today for more information and pricing.
Types of Mechanical Damage
Let's walkthrough types and causes of mechanical damage that can ruin your flange faces. Scratches, dents, and dings to the machined surfaces of your flanges can happen in a multitude of different environments.
The process of receiving, offloading, stacking, and storing a shipment of flanges from the manufacturer is prime time for mechanical damage if proper procedures and protocols are not in place. Relocation and retrieval of flanges needed for fabrication from storage is also a time where flanges can get damaged especially large flanges that require the use of a forklift. During the fabrication process, slag or buckshot from welders and grinders can stick to the surface of the flange face causing pits. If you accidentally sandblast the machined surface of a flange, it changes the profiles and could cause the need for resurfacing. Getting paint on the flange face itself does not cause mechanical damage, however many times the process of removing the paint does.
Flange Transportation and Assembly
Once completed, it is time to ship the product or assemble it. Many flange protectors blow off during shipping on open trucks, which leaves the flange faces exposed to the elements. And can also cause possible damage as piping components are unloaded at their destination. When these products or modules arrive at the construction sites, often they are stored in Lay Down Yards for months or even years. If not properly protected, flanges can be damaged as items are moved, rearranged, and retrieved for final construction. During the assembly phase of the process plant piping systems, flange faces can bump together, again causing damage, especially on large bore heavy piping components using cranes.
The comforting thing is that damage in all these situations can be avoided with proper procedures and protective products. We will cover these in future videos. Make sure to join us next week when we look at types of flange face corrosion that can kill your production or project schedule and cost you a ton of money.
