How To Choose The Best Hydraulic Or Manual Flange Spreaders?

What are flange spreaders used for?

The hydraulic flange spreaders are the latest tools used to spread force and create power to open flanges in pipes without hammer – blows and sparks. Some of the most popular models possess integrated wedge-heads, and can be operated by a hand pump. Each operate is capable of creating over 25 tons of spread force.

Some of the most popular brands come with multiple hydraulic hoses, stepped blocks and wedge-heads, and are also provided with external hand pump. The power delivered is very high indeed. They are powerful and easy to handle, and will get your job done in absolutely no time.

How to choose the best hydraulic flange spreaders for your use?

The Power Master range of hydraulic flange spreaders is by far the best and most competitively priced. The range of products is very high, and there is one tool to cater to each and every need that you may have.

The hydraulic flange spreaders are available in the market in capacities starting from 5 tonnes to 10 tonnes. They are used to open flanges, which may be as high as 92 mm in thickness. The tool is easily operated with the help of a hydraulically run hand – pump. There is a connecting hose and is delivered in an easy – to – carry steel case, which may also be used to safe keep the instrument.

By using the best quality hydraulic flange spreaders, you can open the most difficult of the flanges and that too without causing any risk like the one that arises if you use a hammer and chisel set to do the job.

Why should you go for hydraulic flange spreaders?

The following are some of the factors that play a positive role in your decision to use a manual or hydraulic flange spreader:

• It can open to 3 inches or 76.2 mm

• The minimum applied force at tips is an enormous 4300 kg, equivalent to 10,000 lbs.

• The tool can be operated by a single individual in an easy and simple process.

• There is a universal size that may be made to fit all your requirements

• The tool does not drift away a single bit, and stays where it had been placed.

• The cutting jaws open in an parallel manner

• The hydraulic flange spreader is very light in weight and weighs only 7.7 kg or 17 lbs.

Various types of hydraulic flange spreaders

The most popular types of hydraulic flange spreaders are:

• Hydraulic Power Spreaders –In the hydraulic power spreaders, the ratchet handle is replaced by a hydraulic cylinder. It only needs to be operated with the power generated by a single hand pump.

• Manual Power Spreaders – In manual power spreaders, the tip is placed between the flange spreader mouth and the handle is turned. The gap thus created is almost 3 inches.

Thus, you get an idea of what hydraulic flange spreaders are all about. You can now pick any tool of your choice and get your job done in no time.

Toughest jobs…. made easy with hydraulic flange spreader

To open pipe flanges, one can’t find a better tool then hydraulic flange spreaders. They ensure safety operation. As the name suggests, a standard hydraulic pump acts as the source of power. Hoses are employed in connecting pump to other parts. This assembly of the pump and hoses is enclosed in a steel storage case. The operation of these flange spreaders can be done either individually or sometimes as a pair in case of dealing with larger diameters. The troubles faced by the orthodox tools like hammers and chisels are eliminated by the hydraulic flange spreaders.

Applications:

• The spreading of flanges.
• Align, lift and level heavy equipment
• Replacements of shafts can be done
• Replacement of impellers
• They are helpful in changing gaskets and turning of blinds
• They are extensively used in the maintenance of the plant.

Operation:

The operating procedure is real simple. The basic steps are as follows:

• The wedge of the hydraulic flange spreader should be centered between the two flanges.
• The stud of the holder ears must be centered in the flange holes. And then, force has to be applied to the holder ears in the required direction.
• Lastly, hydraulic pressure is applied or the nut on the top of the flange is tightened.

Hydraulic Flange Spreaders Kit:

A standard kit consists of the following parts:

• Flange spreader wedge head
• Hydraulic cylinder
• Hydraulic hoses
• Safety blocks
• Stepped blocks

Safety Precautions:

• The operator must be equipped with protective wear like glasses, gloves, etc.
• In case of lifting the load with this tool, employ safety blocks under the load.
• The pressure applied shouldn’t exceed the limits as specified by the manufacturer.
• The workplace has to be clean and organized. Placing of objects between the tool and working equipment should be avoided.
• The hoses shouldn’t be twisted or bended too sharply.
• A tight connection has to be ensured at the couplers.

Maintenance:

The tool has to be safeguarded from external factors like moisture, temperature etc. Clean it after every use. The parts have to be lubricated periodically. Use the lubricants which are specified by the manufacturer. If any part of the assembly is found to be ineffective or damaged, replace them. The tool shouldn’t be dropped down. It can lead to injuries.

Trouble Shooting:

The following tips can be helpful in troubleshooting of the hydraulic flange spreaders.

• If the cylinder has problems in cycling, then try increasing the hydraulic pressure. Ensure that there is enough hydraulic oil.
• If the oil is found to be contaminated, then immediately change the oil.
• Improper purging of hoses can leak air into the system. Bleeding the system can be helpful in such cases.
• The improper functioning of the seals can leak ram around the piston. These worn out seals have to be replaced.