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Product highlight: EQUALIZER FLANGE SPREADER TOOLS

Flanges are an important feature on pipes used in countless kinds of industrial operations, such as petrochemical, refining, oil and gas, power plants, wind turbines, and pipelines, among others. Therefore, a dependable flange spreader tool is a critical necessity in an industrial shop as well as in the field. By using the correct pipe flange separation tool, you can maneuver any flange and avoid damaging it in the process, even if there are no access gaps.

A top-quality flange spreader tool helps you achieve safer, better controlled, and more efficient tightening of flanged joint pipe connections. Equalizer provides state-of-the-art flange spreader tools, to help you get your job done safely, on schedule, and on budget.

Equalizer features an extensive line of tools for industrial flange spreading, alignment, and nut splitting. Aztec Bolting is proud to distribute these powerful tools to our valued customers.

What are the Specific Applications for Flange Spreader Tools?

Flange spreading wedges in the SW and SWi ranges are most appropriate for work when the access gap between flanges is at least 6.0mm. When working with smaller access gaps, especially with diameters of 2.0mm or smaller, MG7TM spreading wedges are your best option.

Equalizer manufactures a full range flange spreader tools to meet your specific needs, and the entire Equalizer line is available through Aztec Bolting.

Aztec only carries flange spreading tools that are essential to critical industrial bolting applications. See the Flange Spreaders product page for product specifications.

Three Types of Flange Spreader Tools

There are several kinds of flange spreader tools to choose from. By understanding the type of tool you need and what you need to consider in determining proper fit and alignment, your flange spreader tool will perform the work you need it to do safely and efficiently.

There are three types of flange spreader tool:

  • Expanding Wedge — These flange spreaders are typically offered with a mechanical mechanism.
  • Expanding Collets — These pipe flange spreaders are used to grip the inside of the workpiece.
  • Mini-Gap Flange Spreaders — These are designed for smaller flange joints, where there is lower pressure and minimal access gap.

When using a flange spreader tool, the factors that you must weigh, in deciding the right fit and accurate alignment are:

  • Flange type
  • Flange diameter
  • Flange class

Equalizer Secure Grip Flange Spreader

Model SG11TM

The SG11TM mechanical bolt-hole spreader is designed for use on any type of flange with bolt holes in sizes between 30mm (1.18”) and 39mm (1.54”). Collet holders are provided, with drive cones that are adjustable from their central position outward. This enables the flange spreader tool to separate pipe flanges and remove a wafer butterfly valve spacer.

This model provides pipe flange Spreading Force up to  110 kN (11T). (See the product page for Tool Weight, Spreading Distance and other specifications.)

Equalizer SG Range - Secure-Grip Mechanical Flange Spreaders

Model: SG11TM

This smaller and lighter-weight tool is designed for working with pipe flanges in the small- to medium- size range. Pipe separation is actuated with the torque wrench provided. This pipe flange spreader is appropriate for use on flanges with bolt holes in sizes ranging between 17.5mm (0.69”) and 39.0mm (1.54”). Varying collets can be used for matching the flange spreader tool to bolt hole diameters.

This tool's Spreading Force, with 10,000psi hydraulic pressure applied is 90kN (9T). (See the product page for Application Range and other specifications.)

Equalizer Innovative External Hydraulic Flange Spreading Wedge

Model: SWi20/25TE

The flange spreading wedge presents a simple alternative solution to separating medium- to large-sized pipe flange joints, with an access gap of at least 6.0mm (0.25"). Force is generated by use of an external hydraulic hand-pump.

This model offers as much as 30% greater spreading capacity, compared to the SW15TE model. It's also smaller, narrower, and lighter-weight. The SWi20/25TE has a swiveling handle, special features to help prevent finger pinching. It comes with as safety lanyard as well.

The Spreading Force of this hydraulic flange spreading wedge, with application of 700bar (10,000psi) hydraulic pressure is 200kN (20T) 1st step, and 240kN (24T) 4th step. See the product page for Tool Weight, Spreading Distance and other specifications.

Equalizer Innovative Mechanical Flange Spreading Wedge

Model: SWi12 14TM

The innovative SWi12 14TM presents a straightforward mechanical method for spreading pipe flange joints that have an access gap of at least 6.0mm (0.25"). The SWi12/14TM is designed for use in separating pipe flanges in the small-  to medium-size range. This mechanical flange spreading wedge tool operates by using the provided torque wrench.

This Flange Spreading Wedge offers a 30% greater flange spreading capacity than the SW9TM model. The SWi12 14TM model is smaller, narrower, and lighter-weight than the SW9TM. The design incorporates a swivel handle, features to prevent finger pinching, and a safety lanyard.

The Spreading Force of this flange separation tool, when applying 175N.m (130ft.lb) torque, is 120kN (12T) 1st step, and 140kN (14T) 4th step. See the product page for Tool Weight, Spreading Distance and other specifications.

ALSO SEE: Integral Hydraulic Flange Spreader (by Enerpac)

For one-man flange spreader operation, we also carry an Integral Hydraulic Flange Spreader tool from Enerpac. This is a revolutionary tool is designed so that one man can carry it and operate it. To see details about Enerpac's industrial mechanical and hydraulic spreaders features and benefits, click on the Flange Spreaders product page.

Manufacturer's Instructions for Using Equalizer Flange Spreaders

Using a pipe flange spreader tool successfully requires patience. You will accomplish your objective more easily and in less time, by working at a safe and appropriate pace and carefully observing to determine precisely what is needed in terms of placement of the flange spreader and proper fit.

Be sure that you are using the correct positioning and that the fit is appropriate, in order to help prevent the load from prematurely separating while you are working with the tool and the flanges. This advice applies both to use of hydraulic and manual flange spreaders.

Always follow manufacturer's specifications when using a flange spreader, and never place in a position or location in which it doesn't fit appropriately. Flange spreader tools appear simple in design and easy to use. However, many people have been injured due to improper use of flange spreader tools.

Maintaining Your Equalizer Flange Spreading Tools

Maintain your flange spreader tool on a routine schedule, in order to preserve the life and obtain optimal performance of the flange spreader tool. Inspect the tool carefully before each use.

To clean and maintain the flange spreader tool:

  • Brush with a fine brush, and wipe every part of the tool.
  • Inspect the hydraulic connections carefully. Ensure that these and all other parts of the tool are clean and free from residue or other particulates.
  • Clean more frequently, if you are working in a saltwater area or in areas that increase maintenance needs for this tool.
  • Keep all moving parts of the flange spreader properly lubricated.
  • Several times each year, test the tool to ensure that it is operating properly.
  • Follow all manufacturer's instructions for proper use and maintenance.

For any questions about how to maintain your flange spreader tool, feel free to contact Aztec Bolting anytime.

Aztec Bolting – Proud Distributor of Equalizer Flange Spreader Tools

For more than 32 years, Aztec's experts in bolting technologies have been helping customers nationwide with solutions to challenges in industrial bolting applications. We're dedicated to your 100% satisfaction.

For more information about Equalizer Flange Spreaders or other Flange Spreading Tools, Flange Alignment Tools, or any of the many other industrial bolting technologies and services provided by Aztec Bolting, call 1-866-941-0999, or visit our website for an abundance of general information.