NEW - TDW Flange Protection
TDW is now adding protectors like the one pictured on all of their flanges to protect the gasket face. They can be left on during weld procedure and do not need to be removed until the valve is ready to be attached.
TDW now places protectors like the one pictured below on all of their flanges to protect the gasket face. They can be left on during weld procedure and do not need to be removed until the valve is ready to be attached. This helps protect the gasket face while installing. From now on, all TDW fittings will have these protectors fitted.
TDW Flange Protectors
The KERR team is available for presentations, lunch and learns and customer visits.
We at Kerr Engineered Sales Company know how important it is for operators to ensure safe and optimized operations for pipeline products and services. Our team has been offering solutions to pipeline operators for over 70 years, and has represented TD Williamson since 1952. TDW has been providing superior products and services to the industry for over 100 years. We stand behind the promise that TDW offers the best in class Closures in the industry.
GPT Isolation Gaskets – Matching to the Pipe Bore
Guide to understanding sizing for GPT Isolation Gaskets. A standard in gasket design for GPT is to match the gasket inside diameter (ID) to the pipe bore that the gasket is being put into.
A standard in gasket design for GPT is to match the gasket inside diameter (ID) to the pipe bore that the gasket is being put into. This is the appropriate sizing for most GPT gaskets.
GPT Isolation Gaskets
The flange bore will directly depend on how the flange connects to the pipe, and in general there are two ways – Weld Neck and Slip-On. Weld Neck typically means the flange is butt-welded to the pipe and in this case the flange bore will match that of the pipe bore. Slip-On means the flange is designed to slip over the outside of the pipe where it is then welded in place and therefore the flange bore will be slightly bigger than the outside diameter (OD) of the pipe. Knowing the type of flange is the first step to understanding the ID of the gasket needed. The goal is for the gasket ID to match the flange bore.
For a given nominal pipe size, the OD of the pipe does not change, but the pipe schedule changes and is related to the wall thickness (WT). The larger the schedule the ticker the pipe e.g. SCH 10 is thinner than SCH 80.
The gasket ID with a slip-on flange will be slightly bigger than the standard OD of a given nominal pipe size. For a weld-neck flange, the flange bore is the same as the pipe bore.
Wrong Sizing Leads to Corrosion & Erosion
It is important to understand why the gasket ID is required to be equal to the flange bore. For example, if the gasket ID was sized larger than the flange ID, the flange face and isolation would be at an increased risk as there would be a void between the two flanges causing increased turbulent flows of media. This increased turbulence can lead to crevice corrosion. There would also be an increased risk of unwanted media build ups in the void which could cause an electrical bridge shorting the path of isolation.
If the gasket were to be sized smaller than the flange ID, then the gasket would be protruding into the pipe, there is a risk of the sealing element landing inside the flange bore and not sealing against the flange face. The gasket would also be in the direct path of the media and pigs (both the pig and the gasket could be damaged). This situation again would cause increased turbulent flow leading to corrosion and erosion.
In the case of matching two flange faces with different bores, GPT best practice is to match the gasket ID with the larger flange bore.
In summary, matching the gasket ID to pipe bore is the effective way to mitigate corrosion and maintain electrical isolation.
The KERR team is available for presentations, lunch and learns and customer visits.
We at Kerr Engineered Sales Company know how important it is for operators to prevent corrosion and erosion when making purchase decisions and operating equipment. Kerr has been representing leading pipeline repair and performance companies in Eastern US since the company was founded in 1952. Seventy one years later, the company is still a family run business serving customers with the highest quality service and support.
Troubleshooting for the TDW PIG-SIG® V
PIG-SIGs detect pigs, spheres, scrapers, and other tools as they pass distinct points along the pipeline. They can also alert operators if a pig is lost or stuck. This blog has tips and solutions to the most common issues with the TDW Pig Sig V.
tips and solutions FOR issues with TDW Pig-Sig V.
Pig passage indicators are commonly referred to as “PIG-SIGs,” a term TDW originated more than 60 years ago. They accurately detect pigs, spheres, scrapers, and other tools as they pass distinct points along the pipeline and when they reach the receiver, and can also alert operators if a pig is lost or stuck.
The weatherproof and corrosion-resistant PIG-SIG® V pig passage indicator is built to withstand most environments. All components exposed to pipeline products are completely sealed to prevent leaks.
PIG SIG V OPERATIONS GUIDE
NOTE: It is very important to read these troubleshooting guidelines in conjunction with the Pig Sig V Operating and Maintenance instructions PIG- SIG V Guide
ISSUE: The Plug assembly won’t thread on to the THREAD-O-RING ™ Nipple
Verify that it is indeed a TDW THREAD-O-RING. The hole in the pipe may be too small or not centered. The TDW THREAD-O-RING may be swedged due to over-tightening of a valve or cap. Measure the inside dimension (ID) to ensure it is not swedged or egged.
ISSUE: PIG-SIG V has never worked correctly
Verify that the proper TDW THREAD-O-RING was used to correspond with the wall thickness of the pipe. Measure the height of the THREAD-O-RING as it is mounted to the pipe and then add that measurement to the wall thickness of the pipe. The measurement should not exceed 4.50 inches but needs to be greater than 4.25 inches.
ISSUE: The Plug stopped working correctly
If the plug is contaminated, install a new filter pack version. If there is wax build up in the plug: consult with the TDW factory regarding other plug options.
If The Trigger is damaged, the first step is to verify that the proper TDW THREAD-O-RING was used for corresponding wall thickness of pipe. Measure the height of the TDW THREADO-RING as it is mounted to the pipe and then add that measurement to the wall thickness of the pipe. This measurement should not exceed 4.50 inches but needs to be greater than 4.25 inches.
The plug may have wax or other buildup that is preventing the trigger from moving. This can lead to the plug being damaged.
ISSUE Electrical or Combo Electrical switch is not sending electrical signal
Check for the proper switch adjustment. Please refer to electrical switch instruction in the manual and ensure that the switch is adjusted properly.
Ensure that the double torsion spring is still installed correctly.
Verify that the indicator is properly installed. Check the indicator installation by removing a set screw and looking for the groove on the plug.
Verify that the plug is fully installed. Measure the distance the plug extends above the THREAD-O-RING Nipple; the distance should be 1 3/8 inches.
In the event of freezing weather, the seal on the indicator may have been compromised allowing water to enter the upper position of the plug. This water can freeze and not allow the magnet to move.
ISSUE: Indicator - The All Types Flag doesn’t raise after assumed pig passage
Verify that the indicator is properly installed: check indicator installation by removing a set screw and looking for the groove on the plug.
Verify that the plug is fully installed: Measure the distance the plug extends above the THREAD-O-RING nipple (should be 1-3/8 inches).
In the event of freezing weather: the seal on the indicator may have been compromised allowing water to enter the upper portion of the plug. This water can freeze and not allow the magnet to move. Remove indicator and check for moisture.
IN THE EVENT OF FREEZING WEATHER:
Remove indicator to check for moisture. 65 Section VII – Maintenance Table 11. PIG-SIG V Maintenance Intervals Item Interval Seal Inspect every six months for tears or cracks.
Replace annually (order seal kit).
Magnet Inspect annually.
Replace if cracks or chips are present.
Indicator O-ring is recommended to be replaced annually.
Plug O-ring Inspect any time the plug is removed. Replace annually.
Plug Backup Ring should be replaced each time the plug is removed.
NOTE: Times may vary depending on the pipeline product and the environment that the unit is exposed to.
ISSUE:Flag does not raise after assumed pig passage/switch does not actuate or release (reset)
Proper switch adjustment: refer to electrical switch instruction in the manual and ensure the switch is adjusted properly. The gap between polymer slider and switch plunger should be between 0.005 and 0.02 inches (0.1 to 0.6mm).
To discuss issues with your Pig Sig V please contact any of the KERR team.
Kerr Engineered Sales Company has been representing leading pipeline repair and performance companies in Eastern US since the company was founded in 1952. Seventy years later, the company is still a family run business serving customers with the highest quality service and support.
NGA Fall Operations Conference Oct 6&7
Join the KERR team at the Northeast Gas Association Fall Operations Conference on October 6& 7, 2022 at the Saratoga Hilton, Saratoga Springs, New York.
October 6-7, 2022 Saratoga Hilton, Saratoga Springs, New York
Join the KERR team at the Northeast Gas Association Fall Operations Conference
NGA’s 2022 Fall Operations Conference is open to natural gas distribution and transmission company operations personnel with interests in customer services, utilization, damage prevention, pipeline safety, methane emissions reduction.
The conference has four separate tracks with workshops and breakout sessions on both days. The four tracks include:
C u s t o m e r S e r v i ce s / U t i l i z a t i o n
D a m a g e P r e v e n t i o n
P i p e l i n e S a f e t y M a n a g e m e n t
Me t h a n e E m i s s i o n s & R e d u c t i o n
Kerr Engineered Sales Company has been representing leading pipeline repair and performance companies in Eastern US since the company was founded in 1952. Seventy years later, the company is still a family run business serving customers with the highest quality service and support.