Quick way to connect ANSI flanges?

[rdesai]

Has anyone seen or know of a way to quickly connect and disconnect flanges? or some kind of universal clamp design?

I tryingto find a way to be able quickly pressure test multiple sizes on the same test rig.

 

[MikeHalloran]

Multiple sizes ... of what? At what pressure?

For very modest pressures (<1barg), a big flat flange with a rubber face and a bunch of deep throat C-clamps will work okay.

For more serious pressures, consider regular flanges with quick-acting fixture nuts.



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[rdesai]

This is for a hydrostatic test of our products, so flange size/pressure changes depending on customer connection.

Trying to find a fast way to connect flanges with out having to use match class rating on mating flange.

If it does have to match find a way to assemble and disassemble quickly.

 

[unclesyd]

What are the prssures that your are concerned with?

 

[rdesai]

we use flanges from 150# up to 900#, tested from 500psi to 3500psi

 

[unclesyd]

You might want to give these people a call. I've used their plugs up 1500 Psig and few excursions to 2800 Psig with no problems.

Remember that if you can use something like these plugs always use a safety gag.

http://www.expansionseal.com/

 

[rdesai]

I saw these but they won't work because the plug goes too far into the pipe. Only have about 1 inch of clearance between flange face and instrument.

 

[277Peter]

Most major valve manufacturers use a horizontal press arrangement with thick plates and "O" rings to match the mating flanges.

 

[unclesyd]

With only 1" working room is you flange something like a studding outlet?

In line with the post by here are two providers of hydrotest rigs that I'm familiar with. if the quantity of test warrants either of these companies can furnish a special test rig.

Calder has the flange clamps for testing but they require an appropriate size flange to clamp on to.

http://www.barbeetesters.com/stat1.htm

http://www.caldertesters.com/products.html

 

[JLSeagull]

Hydraulic tensioners might save time. Their real advantage is leak prevention.