FAQ
FAQ
If you have a question that isn't answered, please ask us by visiting here
Q: How do I know which of the tools in your range is suitable for my application?
A: Simply visit http://www.equalizerinternational.com/calculator/calculator.html. You'll need your flange type, class and diameter and within seconds you will receive a recommendation for flange alignment, spreader and Zero Gap tools.
Q: Where can I buy your tools in (insert country name here)?
A: Details for all our exclusive distributors can be found on our distribution page of our website http://www.equalizerinternational.com/distribution.html
If your country is not listed here, please contact us directly for a quotation!
Q: Can your range of flange alignment tools be used Subsea?
A: FA3TM - This tool is a mechanically actuated tool and as such the operation of this tool is unaffected by a change in ambient temperature. If the tool has been used in a subsea environment, it is essential that the tool is stripped down, cleaned and lubricated after use. Whilst the main component parts of the FA3TM have anti-corrosive coatings, there are a number of small parts (bearings) that will quickly corrode if exposed to sea/salt water.
FA6TE - This tool is actuated by means of a single acting spring return hydraulic cylinder. The FA6TE can be used successfully sub-sea if the following actions are taken:
1. The gauge and manifold are removed from the Equalizer HP350S hydraulic hand pump and the coupler is fitted directly to the pump outlet (this can be requested from equalizer)
2. The tool is connected to the Equalizer HP350S pump whilst still top side.
3. The pump release valve is fully opened and stays open until the tool has descended to the working depth. This will allow the pressure to equalise.
4. The tool is actuated via the hand pump by a diver.
5. Upon completion of works the release valve is in the fully open position until the tool has ascended to the surface.
6. The Tool and Pump are striped cleaned and lubricated to prevent corrosion.
N.B. The equalizer range of HP hydraulic hand pumps are fitted with a sealed bladder type reservoir this allows them to operate sub-sea.
The return spring in the hydraulic cylinder is not capable of retracting the tool if a down line is used.
Q: Can your flange spreaders be used Sub-Sea?
A: SW9TM - is a mechanically actuated tool and as such the operation of this tool is unaffected by a change in ambient pressure.
If the tool has been used in a sub-sea environment it is essential that the tool is stripped down cleaned and lubricated after use.
Whilst the main component parts of the SW9TM have anti corrosive coatings there are a number of small parts (bearings) that will quickly corrode if exposed to sea/salt water
SW15TE - The SW15TE is actuated by means of single acting spring return hydraulic cylinder.
The SW15TE can be used successfully sub-sea if the following actions are taken.
1. The gauge and manifold are removed from the Equalizer HP350S/D hydraulic hand pump and the coupler is fitted directly to the pump outlet (this can be requested from equalizer)
2. The tool is connected to the Equalizer HP350S/D pump whilst still top side.
3. The pump release valve is fully opened and stays open until the tool has descended to the working depth. This will allow the pressure to equalise.
4. The tool is actuated via the hand pump by a diver.
5. Upon completion of works the release valve is in the fully open position until the tool has ascended to the surface.
6. The Tool and Pump are striped cleaned and lubricated to prevent corrosion.
N.B.
1. The equalizer range of HP hydraulic hand pumps are fitted with a sealed bladder type reservoir this allows them to operate sub-sea.
2. The return spring in the hydraulic cylinder is not capable of retracting the tool if a down line is used.
SW14.5TI - The SW14.5TI is actuated via an integrated pump and sealed bladder type reservoir this allows the tools to be operated Subsea provided the following points are followed.
1. The pump release valve is fully opened prior to and stays open until the tool has descended to the working depth. This will allow the pressure to equalise.
2. Once at depth the tool can be operated in the normal manner by a diver.
3. Upon completion of works the release valve is set to the fully open position until the tool has ascended to the surface.
4. The Tool and Pump are striped cleaned and lubricated to prevent corrosion
Q: Is there a chart to set the manual torque wrench for SW9TM on spreading different sizes of flanges?
A: The force required to spread a flange is determined by many factors: how long the joint has been assembled, the level of corrosion present, the pipe configuration, the nearest pipe support etc. It would be possible for Equalizer to estimate the force to required to spread any flange joint. The torque wrench supplied with the SW9TM should be used to determine the spreading force that is being applied by the tool.
Q: What is the contact area between a SW15TE and the flange face? We're concerned that the tool could produce a load that would damage the flange. We need this information in order to calculate the stress the SW15TE would impart on our flange (ANSI 2" 1500#)
A: There isn't really an issue regarding spreaders damaging flanges manufacturer in standard flange materials. This is a very relevant question when softer materials such as aluminium are in contact with the wedges, this would need to be looked into on a case by case basis.
Q: What is the maximum operating temperature for your Zero Gap Tools?
A: We would advise against the use of all Zero Gap Hydraulic tools (ZG13TE, ZG15TE, ZG18TE & ZG25TE) in temperatures above 70ºC/158ºF
We would advise against the use of all other Zero Gap tools (ZG4TM, ZG6TM & ZG11TM) on flanges with temperatures above 150ºC/302ºF