At Flexilatina de Colombia, with more than 15 years of experience in industrial sealing and fixing solutions under our DINASEAL® brand, we have identified that the majority of leaks in flanged joints do not originate in the packaging, but in installation and fixing errors.
A poorly fixed flanged joint compromises safety, operational continuity and increases maintenance costs. Below, we present the most frequent errors in the field and how to avoid them with good technical practices.
- Use of uncertified or incorrect fasteners
Common mistake:
Install studs and nuts of low quality or without certification, not in accordance with the pressure, temperature or fluid of the process.
Consequence:
Loss of preload, plastic deformation, creep failures or accelerated corrosion.
How to avoid it:
- Always use fasteners certified under ASTM A193 / A320 / A194.
- Check the correct grade according to the operating condition.
- Ensures traceability and quality certificates.
- Apply the torque “at the discretion of the installer”
Common mistake:
Tightening without a defined methodology, without a torque wrench or without following a crossed pattern.
Consequence:
Uneven loading on the gasket, leak points and premature seal damage.
How to avoid it:
- Applies controlled torque with calibrated tool.
- Follow the ASME PCC-1 procedure.
- Tighten in progressive stages (30% – 60% – 100%).
- Do not lubricate studs and nuts
Common mistake:
Install dry, thinking that a better fit is achieved.
Consequence:
False torque readings, excessive friction, and actual preload loss.
How to avoid it:
- Always lubricate threads and support faces.
- Use lubricants compatible with the application.
- Guarantees precision of the applied torque.
- Misalignment of flanges during fixing
Common mistake:
Force alignment with the studs.
Consequence:
Lateral loads, flange deformation and premature packing failures.
How to avoid it:
- Check parallelism and concentricity before assembly.
- Ensures correct guidance and support of the pipe.
- Never use bolts as an alignment tool.
- Reuse fatigued fasteners
Common mistake:
Reinstall studs previously subjected to high thermal or mechanical loads.
Consequence:
Loss of load capacity and risk of rupture.
How to avoid it:
- Inspect visually and dimensionally.
- Replaces studs exposed to high temperature or corrosion.
- Prioritize system security.