The History of flangeDOTS®: Engineering Better Flange Face Protection
Protecting raised face (RF) flange surfaces during fabrication is more than just a maintenance step it is a critical requirement for project profitability. Unprotected flanges lead to costly damage during sandblasting, painting, and storage, resulting in project delays, excessive labor costs, and compromised integrity.
At Precision Piping Products (P3), we built our reputation by identifying these overlooked inefficiencies in piping fabrication. Here is the story of how the flangeDOTS® was invented to solve these challenges.
The Problem: Inefficient Masking
In 2013, we were approached by a customer struggling with the labor-intensive process of masking flange faces. At the time, the industry standard relied on manual, multi-layer applications of masking tape to shield RF flange faces during sandblasting and coating.
This process was not only inefficient but also unreliable. The tape often failed under pressure, leaving surfaces exposed to blast media or causing paint to bleed through. Our customer needed a dedicated solution that could withstand the rigors of an industrial blast and paint shop while providing a clean, professional edge.
The Solution: A Dedicated Preservation Tool
We engineered the original flangeDOTS to do exactly what standard tape couldn't:
- Withstand Industrial Processes: Designed to resist aggressive media blast and industrial coating applications.
- Precision Masking: Created a perfect paint edge, eliminating the need for re-taping after the blasting process.
- Clean Removal: Developed an adhesive that leaves no residue and is embedded with a VCI additive ensuring the flange face is pristine for final assembly.
Evolution: From Blast Protection to Asset Preservation
As we monitored how fabricators were using our product, we realized the value extended beyond the blast booth. We noticed customers leaving flangeDOTS on pipe spools during outdoor storage.
We refined our engineering in early 2015, upgrading the material to include a Mylar backer. This change significantly improved performance in humid and high-moisture climates, ensuring the flange face was sealed against corrosion and preventing debris from entering pipe interiors, vessels, and valves.
The Innovation of Accountability: flangeDOTS® + Tag
In mid-2017, a client noted that flangeDOTS were so effective at sealing that they were sometimes inadvertently left on the flange during final bolting, causing flow restrictions in the piping system. To solve this, we invented the flangeDOTS® + Tag. This simple but effective visual indicator allows field crews to verify if a protector is in place before final assembly. This innovation established our current recommended procedure for total flange integrity:
- Blast & Paint: Install a standard flangeDOTS prior to coating.
- Inspection: Remove the protector after coating; perform a quality inspection of the RF flange face.
- Preservation: If the flange passes apply a flangeDOT + Tag, a flangeBUMPER®, and multiNUTS™ for long-term storage or transport.
Why Fabricators Choose P3
At Precision Piping Products, we provide engineered preservation solutions that help oil and gas related companies protect assets while increasing throughput. We don’t just supply products; we help you streamline your preservation process so you can build more in less time.
