Bolt Hole Flange Protectors: Specs&How to Choose
What Is A Bolt Hole Flange Protector?
The bolt hole flange protector is a component specifically designed to protect the bolt holes of a flange. Additionally, it safeguards the sealing surface of the flange during transportation, handling, and storage. Unprotected flange surfaces are highly susceptible to impact, corrosion, and contamination. An appropriately selected bolt hole flange protector can prevent damage by sealing the bolt holes and the entire flange surface, thereby ensuring the proper operation of pipeline facilities.
Common Materials for Bolt Hole Flange Protectors
Different users have varying requirements for the material of bolt hole flange protectors. Some users need bolt hole flange protectors for special environments, so these plastic flange covers must incorporate additional specialized materials to meet the specific application needs of the customers.
| Name | Features |
| LDPE | High toughness and excellent impact resistance |
| HDPE | High rigidity, excellent UV resistance, and good chemical resistance |
| PP | Good rigidity, lightweight, suitable for chemical plant environments |
| Rubber/PVC | Good elasticity, lightweight properties, and low cost |
Why Use Bolt Hole Flange Protectors?
Prevent Damage to the Flange Surface
The primary function of a flange cover is to protect the integrity of the flange surface, thereby preventing potential leakage.
Keep the Bolt Holes Clean
The bolt hole flange protectors prevents dust, water, and other substances from entering the bolt hole, thereby saving cleaning time before installation.
Support Coatings and Paints
During the construction process, if workers need to paint or apply coatings, the flange protectors can shield the flange surface to ensure the cleanliness of the gasket contact area.
Reduce Rework and Downtime
Clean, intact flange installation speeds up the process. The use of flange protectors provides robust protection for flange integrity, thereby reducing downtime and delays.
Enhance the Product's Appearance
During the process of photographing or transporting flanges for customers, the use of flange protectors can convey messages of cleanliness and high quality to the customers.
Flange Standards and Universality
In order to fully match the flange, the flange protectors produced by each flange cover manufacturer are all manufactured according to the standard flange dimensions. The common standards for bolt hole flange protectors include:
- Pipe flanges of ANSI/ASME B16.5-24 inches or less
- ASME B16.47 series A and B-26 and 60-inch flanges
- DIN EN1092-1- European standard for pn grade flanges
- BS 1560 - British equivalent ANSI
When flange cover manufacturers design and produce flange covers, they all need to comply with:
- Bolt circular diameter (BCD)
- The diameter and quantity of bolt holes
- Flange grade pressure grade (150#, 300#, etc.)
When customers order bolt hole flange protectors/flange protectors, they need to know the flange standards they are using, or send pictures of the flanges they are using to the flange cover manufacturer and ask them to help confirm the flange standards.
A Guide to Buying Bolt Hole Flange Protectors
When purchasing flange covers, ask your supplier for or confirm the following specifications:
- NPS (Nominal Diameter)
- Flange grade (rated pressure)
- Flange standards (ANSI,ASME,DIN,BS, etc.)
- Cover type (full face type, push-in type, bolt type)
- Material and color (PE,PP,LDPE, etc.)
Professional tip: If you place a bulk order, you can consult the flange cover manufacturer to see if there are any discounts. At the same time, you can also compare several manufacturers and choose high-value products.
The Applicable Industries for Bolt Hole Flange Protectors
The oil and gas industry
The flange cover can protect the flanges on drilling platforms, pipelines, and pressure vessels
Shipbuilding and marine-related industries
The material of the flange cover can withstand the erosion of marine humidity and salt
Power generation industry
The bolt hole flange protectors can protect the flanges of turbine and condenser pipelines
HVAC and Water Treatment
Maintain the cleanliness of stainless steel flanges during storage
FAQ
1.Does the flange cover meet the quality standards?
Although not subject to pressure vessel regulations, as a manufacturer with years of production experience and a strong reputation, we adhere to the ANSI/ASME flange dimensions standards to ensure the perfect fit between flange covers and flanges.
2.Is the bolt hole flange protectors rated for pressure?
This is not applicable. The design of the flange cover serves purposes of protection and concealment, not for pressure sealing or hydrostatic testing.
3.Can the flange cover be recycled?
Most flange covers are recyclable in standard plastics; please consult local recycling guidelines for specifics.
4.Can the same flange cover be used for 150-class and 300-class flanges?
Sometimes, but the bolt circle diameter and dimensions need to be verified. Flanges with higher grades usually differ in dimensions.
Whether you need to store or transport, selecting the correct bolt hole flange protectors ensures your pipeline components arrive ready to perform flawlessly.
