Dec 6, 2021 By: Alireza Zandi Karimi, Applications Engineer, Triangle Fluid Controls Ltd. Hot bolting is the practice of sequential removing and replacing of bolts on a bolted joint (e.g. flange, heat exchanger, manway, etc.) while the joint assembly is under reduced operating pressure. This practice is potentially hazardous, and the utmost caution, therefore, needs… Read More »
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8 Steps to Properly Installing a Gasket
April 11, 2019 By Chett Norton, C.E.T. and Sylvia Flegg, Marketing Manager Visually examine and clean flanges, bolts, nuts and washers and make sure to replace any defective components, if necessary. Lubricate bolt threads, nut threads & facing, and washers. Install new gasket… Read More »
It’s not me…it’s you!
Jan 31, 2019 By: Chett Norton, C.E.T. I have had many conversations over the years with end users and installers, and the majority of the time, we realize that it wasn’t the gaskets fault for blowing. I often chuckle to myself wondering how the conversation would go if a gasket could talk to its end… Read More »
8 Gasket Myths – Debunked
March 13, 2018 By: Chett Norton, C.E.T. As a gasket application’s engineer, I spend a lot of time speaking with people on the phone or in person on site discussing gaskets. Whether it is material selection, installation or trouble-shooting gasket failures, there are many common things I hear people talk or ask about. So,… Read More »
Featured Article published in “Environmental Science & Engineering” Magazine
SELECTING PROPER GASKETS FOR WATER TREATMENT FACILITIES INVOLVES MANY CONSIDERATIONS By Chett Norton, C.E.T The importance of plant operators and operations in water treatment facilities selecting the right gaskets cannot be overstated. Unfortunately, they are often the last thing that anyone thinks about, and are in most cases considered a commodity item. However, most operators… Read More »
How to Diagnose & Seal Damaged Flange Faces
January 26, 2017 By: Chett Norton, C.E.T and Stephanie Jouppien Figure 1: Pitted flange with steam cuts. Photo courtesy of Slade Inc. Imperfections on flange faces happen. With regular maintenance and removing old, stuck-on gasket\debris, flanges with scratches, pits, dents and dings are a common site in many a plant. With more and more… Read More »
How Long Will A Bolted Flange Gasket Last?
December 16, 2015 By: Chett Norton, C.E.T Have you ever received the dreaded 2 a.m. call from plant staff saying that things are at a standstill – production is down? You arrive at the plant, walk through the parking lot, coffee in hand, and head to the locker room. When you come out on to… Read More »