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).
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. The FRG actually negates the requirement for flange replacement or machining, so dramatically reducing downtime.
Utilising Flexitallic’s revolutionary sealing technology, highly compressible Sigma® ensures the FRG conforms to damaged flange surfaces to seal and prevent further deterioration. Sigma restructured PTFE is bonded to the high-integrity serrated metal ring, providing 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.
The FRG is the ultimate corrosion management tool, proactive in helping inspection and reactive in enabling repair. By reducing leaks and slowing corrosion, the possibility of shut-downs 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.
Flexitallic’s approach to the problems experienced by the oil and gas offshore industry has resulted in high numbers of enquiries from engineers globally. Many enquiries involve the use of the FRG to both shorten the time of unplanned maintenance and also the reduction of the damaging effects of corrosion on new and replacement equipment, both having major implications for engineers.
Russ Currie, Flexitallic’s applications engineering manager reports: “The FRG offers engineers an exciting solution for upgrading equipment and processes, especially when faced with the challenges that increased demands from health, safety and environmental legislation bring.
“Engineers and asset managers are instantly identifying that the FRG offers an opportunity to increase production up time, reduce maintenance downtime, and positively affect past and future corrosion damage to ultimately improve the profitability especially on ageing offshore assets. Feedback on the FRG from the industry includes many positive comments on the simplicity of the design, material development, innovative use of available technology and ease of installation.”
Phil Kelshaw, sales and engineering director at Flexitallic comments: “The Flexitallic team has designed and manufactured an incredible product in the flange rescue gasket. In line with the long list of the FRG’s features and benefits, Flexitallic has invested in a sophisticated marketing campaign to brand and launch the new gasket, to maximise awareness amongst engineers and asset managers to impact the gasket industry globally. Aspect Design & Marketing gave the flange rescue gasket a unique brand – a highly identifiable industrial styled FRG ‘stamp’ logo and created a distinctive design style for use across all marketing communications.
“We maintain our position as an industry leader in sealing solutions through engineering expertise, pioneering gasket design, materials development and setting industry standards. With strong, valued, long-term partnerships with customers, who rely on our knowledge of current health and safety and environmental issues affecting the industry. We work with them to identify problems and provide fast, innovative solutions. FRG is a great example of Flexitallic’s commitment to offering a superior sealing solutions package.”
The FRG is the latest in a long line of sealing technology innovations from Flexitallic, from the spiral wound gasket to the flexible Sigma range of high-integrity, low-maintenance gaskets.
