Flange spreading tools also known as flange separators/flange splitters are an excellent addition to the arsenal of maintaining flange tools for on-site engineers. These particular industrial tools are found in several ranges of configurations. Flange spreaders are used to separate pipe flange joints.
Few ideal projects include commissioning, pipeline construction, routine maintenance, or usually when pumps or valves need a replacement.
There are usually 3 types of flange spreaders.
- Wedge type
- Expanding collet type
- Mini gap type
In this guide, we will talk about how to use all three flange spreaders.
Wedge type:
Before you affix the flange spreader, make sure at least 2 flange bolts stay in their place with loosened nuts. This is to enable sufficient and easy flange work. When you leave these in their place, it will assist you to diminish the abnormal lateral flange movement while flange spreading. Furthermore, it even prevents the current gaskets from dropping down.
How to use it?
- Regulate the most perfect positioning of the tools. Make sure you always use at least 2 flange spreaders. These prevent dropping with the help of lanyards present in it.
- To know which flange spreader you need, measure the gap of flange access.
- Set the spreader tool in the access gap with the entire width of the selected gap pressed up to the heel.
- Lay out the flanges aside by actuating the tool
- Once the joint open to the level of preferred distance, you can put safety blogs into the flange joint.
- Make sure the whole width of the picked safety block step is entirely pushed into it before you retract the tool unless the flange load has been allotted to them.
Expanding collet type of flange:
In cases where the flags joint has zero access gap in between the flanges, or in case you are worried about destroying or harming the flange faces, then you can use a flange spreading tool with the help of a collet. This sort of tool makes use of 2 flange bolt holes to secure and affix the spreader.
How to use it?
- For determining the size of the collet, you can measure the bolt holes. However, keep in mind that selecting the appropriate size of the collet is essential. With the help of an undersized collet, you risk the collet holder that pulls through the hole. In case you use an oversize collet, it chances to get jammed. Hence, choose the size correctly.
- Press the proper collet into the tools. It is worth mentioning that collects are classified as consumables, and thus require replacement at regular intervals.
- When it comes to the Wedge category of the spreader, you should use the tools in pairs and fix 2 bolts loosely in their place.
- Next, insert two halves of the tool into the holes of the bolt. Make sure you take care of this particular process. Ensure that the collets are linked with one single flange. When you engage them correctly, you can tighten the volleys.
- Later, the actuator and the cantilever need to get swinged and secured into their position.
- You can tension the actuator with the help of a torque wrench. Consequently, when you are done separating the flanges, you can insert the safety blocks.
Mini gap flange spreader:
The equalizer product is accessed on low, and small pressure flange joints having the least access gap of around 2.0mm.
How to use it?
- Select the appropriate configuration with regards to the size and class of the flange joint that you want to split.
- Considering the various other models, it is highly recommended to use at least 2 tools on the flange joint that are positioned at 180 degrees aside and apart from each other.
- Generally, the spreading bars are ideally designed to not just secure and fit in the appropriate flange specification but to serve various purposes. However, make sure you don’t fit 2 spreading bars at the same stud hole.
- Now, put the tool on the top of the flange joint and align it with the desired stud hole.
- Connect the spreading bar via tool led and flange stud hole.
- Make sure to check if the spreading bar is fitted appropriately through the second leg of the tool. Keep a check on the positioning of the wedge if it is secured properly in the gap between the flange faces.
- Spin each opposite tool a half-turn simultaneously until you achieve the desired gap. However, you must take care to make sure that the force is applied properly.
