TPi November 2019

Fittings, valves, flanges & connectors

Exceeding gas-tight sealing strengths and eliminating ATEX zones

gases or combustible dust during normal duty; and zone 2 / 22 are zones with minor danger – presence of explosive gases or combustible dust is not likely to occur, or only for a shorter period of time. Preventing the release of dangerous substances that can create explosive atmospheres and

All forms of industrial production of gases or liquids utilise pipes, flanges and seals. Traditional sealing solutions are a weak point in any piping system due to their leak-prone nature and life span degradation. Despite the safe guards and precautionary measures that are implemented in piping systems and production facilities, current sealing solutions still represent risks to health, safety, investments and the environment. The DeltaV-Seal is the next-generation of leak-proof sealing technology, claimed to enable the reduction of operating expenditures associated with production, maintenance and product loss. The primary design purpose of the DeltaV-Seal is to eliminate emissions from flanges in a piping network. Environmental dangers and sensitive environments identified as ATEX zones can be addressed, as the stable sealing strengths of the DeltaV-Seal enables users to build facilities and piping networks through these zones without threat of explosion, leakage or contamination. Explosive atmospheres can be caused by flammable gases, mists, vapours or combustible dusts. A certain level of potentially flammable substance mixed with oxygen is all that is needed to ignite into an explosion. The DeltaV- Seal meets the criteria for “durably technically tight” solutions, and eliminates hazardous areas – ATEX zones 0, 1 and 2. Zone 0 / 20 are zones with constant danger – permanent presence of explosive gases or combustive dust; zone 1 / 21 are zones with potential danger – occasional presence of explosive

preventing sources of ignition are two key ways of reducing risk. Tests conducted by DNV GL and AMTEC Advanced Measurement Messtechnischer Service GmbH demonstrate sealing strengths that exceed oil and gas industry standards. This enables the DeltaV-Seal to be certified as durably technically tight, exceeding the industry requirement for sealing strengths by 10,000 times (in accordance with VDI2440 regulations). Such strengths have been proven to dramatically reduce fugitive emissions from the petroleum production industry. The DeltaV-Seal has also been certified as a “fire and blowout safe” gasket sealing solution (in accordance with API 6FB regulations). Through controlled extreme heat and pressure tests lasting 30 minutes, the gasket was exposed to temperatures in excess of 650°C and 40 bars of pressure. Test results revealed that the DeltaV-Seal released only 1 per cent of the permitted volume. Additional testing showed that the gasket resisted mechanical stress and vibrations greater than ten million repetitions. These results also enabled it to receive the first DNVGL certification for gasket sealing technology. DeltaV-Seal

manufactured from the same metal alloy as the connecting flanges, enabling both seal and flange to expand or contract in unison during temperature fluctuations. This helps the gasket maintain the tightest seating while eliminating the possibility of galvanic corrosion from developing within the connection. The DeltaV-Seal maintains full sealing pressure regardless of pipe medium, fluctuations in temperature, vibration or pressure. The DeltaV-Seal is a single-piece, all- metal gasket that was developed in place of spiral wound and Kammprofile gaskets. When bolted together, specially engineered sealing rings on the gasket adapt to the shape of the flange. These enable the gasket to effectively contour to any irregularities on the surface of a flange without further compromising the flange. This sealing technology effectively seals undamaged flange connections to stop leakage before it can occur. It can also seal leakage in flanges caused by scoring damage as deep as 0.3mm. The elimination of re-torquing enables the seal to offer a longer maintenance-free life span without further compromising the integrity of the flange. The DeltaV-Seal will also not degrade or change properties while in operation, eliminating the build-up of residue and the need for flange cleaning. Pipeotech AS – Norway

For versatility, durability, safety and quality consistency, the DeltaV- Seal is water cut and then finished via CNC machining for precision. The gasket is also engineered to withstand both cryogenic and scorching temperatures. DeltaV-Seals seals are

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TUBE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL November 2019

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