Flange Testers

WHAT IS A FLANGE TESTER?

A flange tester is a leak and pressure testing tool that validates flange joint connections. One common type of flange tester, a flange weld test tool, is comprised of a bolt-on flange, a flange seal, and a secondary active SEALFAST® seal that creates a pressure boundary on the pipe past the flange to pipe weld. This allows the user to effectively pump test pressure into the isolated test annulus between seals and hydrotest the weld joint. Flange testers are used to confirm the joint function in piping systems such as: carbon and stainless steel, fiberglass reinforced plastic pipes, other polymer piping systems, and many more. Flange testers are important tools in piping systems that can confirm the safety of the system, can confirm joint integrity, and prevent costly shut-downs prior to bringing the system up to full pressure.

 

Flange testers typically come in two main styles, those that utilize mechanical seals: mechanical flange testers and those that use inflatable seals: inflatable flange testers. Both products are provided with rugged, reliable, field tested, SEALFAST® Seals to keep you going test after test, until the job is done even in extreme environmental conditions.

 

Our tools are fabricated from durable, high quality materials to handle the abuse of on and offshore installations. These customizable tools can be fabricated for low, medium, and high pressures, exceeding 5000 psi working pressures. As with our other tools, these tools can be designed and manufactured to a host of third party certifications upon request. We also commonly design lifting accessories and provide turnkey test packages including control components such as gauges, hose assemblies, valves, manifolds, and pumps to round out our customers’ test plans. Mechanical Research & Design, Inc. flange testers are relied upon and trusted all over the world — give them a try today!  Mechanical Research & Design, Inc. – We do the best work under pressure!

What is a Flange Tester, Flange Weld Tester | Isolation and Test Tools | Mechanical Research & Design, Inc., Manitowoc Wisconsin U.S.A.

Have Specific Requirements?

We specialize in custom solutions! Take a look at a few of our proven custom solutions or let us know your requirements. Our engineers and production staff are equipped to travel around the world at a moment’s notice to assist you with your needs!

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Contact us today to discuss our rates or to book an appointment with one of our engineers. 

Mechanical Research & Design, Inc. | Innovation Redefined | Manitowoc Wi

TYPES OF FLANGE TESTERS

Mechanical Flange Tester

Mechanical flange testers utilize a SEALFAST® products mechanical seal. They are a standard flange tester that requires the tightening of seal actuation nuts to activate the mechanical seal once installed into the flange/pipe system. The tool is designed to be secured to a flange face with a flange seal creating a test pressure annulus on the I.D. of the weld. The user then pressurizes this zone through a test fill port (with water) and vents air out of the system for a safe test. These tools can be designed for various flange/pipe sizes, pressure classes, and flange lengths. These tools come standard as one integral tool that pressure tests welds only, but can be modified upon request for a two-part tool that pressure tests and axially load tests the weld. Mechanical flange testers are usually used for pressures exceeding 200 psi through over 5000 psi, where precise leak detection is required as well as when an inflation medium is not available in the field.

Mechanical Research & Design, Inc. | Innovation Redefined | Manitowoc Wi

Inflatable Flange Tester

Inflatable flange testers utilize a SEALFAST® products inflatable seal. They are a standard flange tester that requires air or water injection to activate the inflatable seal once installed into the flange/pipe system. The tool is designed to be secured to a flange face with a flange seal creating a test pressure annulus on the I.D. of the weld. The user then pressurizes this zone through a test fill port (with water) and vents air out of the system for a safe test. These tools can be designed for various flange/pipe sizes, pressure classes, and flange lengths. These tools come standard as one integral tool that pressure tests welds only, but can be modified upon request to a two-part tool that pressure tests and axially load tests the weld. Inflatable flange testers are usually used for pressures up to 200 psi through more than 5000 psi. Inflatable flange testers can are also used when more rapid installation is required as well as when an inflation medium is available.

Mechanical Research & Design, Inc. | Innovation Redefined | Manitowoc Wi

Customizations

Mechanical Research & Design, Inc. specializes in engineered-to-order solutions and can customize any tool to meet the application’s specific requirements.

• Custom longer tools for custom length flanges (see above)
• Axial stress and pressure decay flange testers (two-piece tools)
• Custom flanges and bolt patterns

Mechanical Research & Design, Inc. | Innovation Redefined | Manitowoc Wi

Typical Uses

Mechanical Research & Design, Inc. flange testers and flange weld testers can be commonly found in the following areas and industries:
• Refinery pipe systems and tank nozzles
• Transport pipelines for oil and gas
• “Golden weld tests” in every industry
• Pumping stations and force mains
• Piping systems in wastewater treatment plants
• General industrial flange maintenance projects

Mechanical Research & Design, Inc. flange testers and flange weld testers are designed and fabricated at our innovative production facility in the U.S.A. for top-of-the-line quality, flexible customization, and the longest service life in the industry! We manufacture our own SEALFAST® Elastomers and seals which allow us to provide rapid tool turnaround for your urgent and critical applications!

Click here to see our other isolation and test tools.

If you would like more information about how we can streamline your testing processes, contact us or request a free quote today!

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