No one wants this to happen in their piping system. Flange Covers protect flanges when shipping, in storage, and during repairs and maintenance routines keeping them safe for installation and aid in retaining integrity of piping systems.
In a typical installation such as this, piping is joined by two flanges. Often the pipe ends are welded to a flange and then the flanges are joined. Imagine two pieces of metal pressed against each other. There is a high possibility of leakage. To reduce this issue many flange faces are designed with a slightly raised surface at the center opening or some are manufactured with a groove embedded in the flange. A gasket is placed over/in this section. Then, when the two flanges meet, the gasket (typically rubber) absorbs the pressure and tightens to form a secure seal.
The flange style just described uses welding to join the pipe and the flange. With a Snap Ring Flange, no welding is used. Instead, a retaining ring flange system uses a grooved flange and a retaining ring to secure components in place. This style of flange cover is more than a face cover. The Snap Ring Flange Protector wraps around and under the exterior rim to fully shield the snap ring flange providing ultimate protection.
A Snap Ring Flange has been inserted into the round pipe. Using the special retaining ring pliers, the ring is squeezed into place and when the pliers release the retaining ring, the pressure will secure the flange in place.
The significance of this sealing security is a primary reason for the Snap Ring Flange Protector. Before installing the flange, the chamber in which it will be housed needs to be protected from contamination. SR flange covers will do exactly that as it wraps over the interior groove.
Flange protection is essential to safety in any piping systems. While flange designs include many varieties, flange protections are flexible enough to cover all styles and sizes.