In industries, there are many operations and processes that are performed using very highly sophisticated and accurate tools and equipments. The major operations that are performed on daily basis in industries are welding, bolting, grinding, nut splitting and many others. There are many tools that are used for these operations such as grinders, wrenches, welding torches, nut splitters, etc for high accuracy and to save time and efforts.
One of the major operations that are carried out in many industrial plants is lifting and spreading of pipe flanges. A pipe flange is, basically, a coupling that is meant for fastening of two ends of pipes to create an efficient joint. There are many different designs of pipe flanges available in market such as overall flanges, neck flanges, plate welded flanges, thread flanges, etc. The purpose of pipe flange and the working condition in which the flange will be placed are main two factors that affect the selection of the type of the flange used. The main purpose of a flange is to prevent any leakage of fluid flowing through the pipeline as any leakage of fluids can lead to fatal accidents. Additionally, it causes economic loss.
When flanges are fastened to pipes, it is done so tightly so that there no chances of any type of leakage. Due to such high forces applied during fastening of flanges, when the flanges are needed to be separated or disengaged, it becomes very difficult to do so without causing any damage to the assembly or the flange. Using improper means to disengage the flange such as mechanical impacts can burst the pipeline, as well.
In order to do this operation, the most common and most efficient tool is hydraulic flange spreaders. Flange spreaders are very sophisticated equipments that are meant for spreading or removing flanges for pipe ends. These tools are available in variable capacities from 5 tonnes to 10 tonnes. Due to this, it becomes very easy for operators to open flanges of larger diameter. There are hydraulic hand pumps and connecting hoses. The hydraulic pump creates pressure that is transferred via hydraulic hoses to the flange so that it could be easily opened. Sometimes, it is not possible to open a larger flange with a single flange spreader. In that case, two or more flange spreaders are connected in series, and then, the flange is opened easily.
Another benefit of using flange spreader is that unlike hammering or mechanical impact, flange spreaders do not produce any spark, which is very good for places where inflammable substances are involved such as oil and gas pipeline. Additionally, hammering takes a very long time to remove a single flange, but with a hydraulic flange spreader, you can remove a flange within minutes.
In conclusion, flange spreaders are a good way to remove pipe flanges in minimum time possible and without causing any damage to the flange, pipeline or assembly.
Author’s Bio: The author is a professional writer and specialises in technical issues. He works for Powermaster.in and writes about various products, tools and equipments that make industrial processes efficient and easier.