Flexitallic to the rescue with FRG

Citation

(2010), "Flexitallic to the rescue with FRG", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 57 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/acmm.2010.12857bad.001

Flexitallic to the rescue with FRG

Article Type: New materials and equipment From: Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Volume 57, Issue 2

Set to revolutionise offshore asset maintenance, Flexitallic has launched the first-ever solution to sealing damaged flanges without the need for replacement or machining – the Flange Rescue Gasket (FRG) (Figure 1).

Figure 1 Flange Rescue Gasket

The FRG is a unique invention developed in response to customer demand for a sealing solution to reduce the lengthy and costly process of flange maintenance in corrosive offshore environments. Flexitallic went further by creating the FRG which actually negates the requirement for flange replacement or machining, potentially reducing every flange inspection by 24 h.

Utilising Flexitallic’s revolutionary sealing technology, highly compressible Sigma© ensures the FRG conforms to damaged flange surfaces to seal and prevent further deterioration. Restructured Sigma© PTFE bonded to the high integrity serrated metal ring provides a leak-free seal and blow out resistance. The bright, easily identifiable FRG has a PTFE coated body which is corrosion resistant and features integral bolt holes for ease of installation and ensures correct location. Superior mechanical integrity allows the use of the full range of torque reducing the risk of operator error to meet stringent HSE standards.

Previously, sealing issues with corroded flanges have discouraged frequent inspection. Now, flanges can easily be inspected and sealed effectively enabling fast, accurate assessment of internal corrosion.

The FRG is the ultimate corrosion management tool which is proactive in helping inspection and reactive in enabling repair. By reducing leaks and slowing corrosion, the possibility of shutdowns with associated HSE visits are dramatically reduced, as is the huge loss of revenue associated with a stop in production.

From corrosion management to health and safety, through environmental impact to incident avoidance, the FRG is poised to dramatically change flange inspection and maintenance forever.