Insulating flange connections (IFS)

Insulating flange connections or IFS are a specialized element of a pipeline system that provides it with protection from the effects of electrochemical corrosion.

It's no secret that a large number of pipelines are being laid underground. The chemical composition of the earth, as well as the presence of stray currents, contribute to the occurrence of electrical corrosion, which negatively affects any steel pipeline. In order to prevent this process from spreading to pipes already laid above the ground, an IFS is installed at the junction of the ground and underground pipelines. Electrocorrosion is blocked due to the presence of a dielectric spacer and dielectric bushings for the electrical insulation of the studs in the IFS design. Thus, having reached the insulating flange connection, the current effect is “quenched” and does not pass further along the pipeline. The IFS works according to the same principle when it is installed at the junction of an underwater and conventional pipeline. Depending on the design, IFS are of two types:

• double-flange - consist of two flanges (flat welded or flat welded butt), one dielectric gasket, insulating bushings, connecting studs;
• three-flange - similar in design to the previous ones with only one difference: they have two insulating gaskets, between which a special washer is placed.

Also, IFS are divided according to the material from which the flanges are made, as well as in terms of nominal bore (DN) and working pressure (Ru). IFS assembly is allowed only in the factory and in strict accordance with the standard. The assembly process takes place in several stages:

• before assembly, the sealing surfaces of the flanges are treated with a special varnish or spray coating, which have dielectric properties;
• IFS fasteners (nuts, studs) are isolated from the flanges with special dielectric bushings;
• then all the components of the IFS are folded, the fasteners are tightened. In order to avoid distortion, the part is connected by tightening diametrically opposite studs.

Every detail without fail, after assembly, comes control. The control system includes hydraulic and electrical tests. Electrical control is carried out with a megohmmeter in a dry, well-ventilated area. The test takes place under a voltage of 1000V. In order to exclude the failure of the IFS under adverse conditions, the part is tested both in a dry and in a wet state.

For hydraulic control, the method of pressure testing with water using a hydraulic hand pump is used. Such a test allows you to check the part for the strength and tightness of the connection.

Application of the IFS

Areas of application of the IFS:

• on pipelines located near tram depots, power substations, repair depots, etc. in a word, wherever stray currents may occur;
• on pipelines - outlets from the main line;
• at the junction of an insulated pipeline and buildings that do not have insulation and grounding (water pumping stations, gas and oil pumping stations, tanks, etc.);
• for connecting pipelines from different metals;
• at the junction of pipelines and explosive underground structures;
• on above-ground vertical sections of inputs and outputs of gas distribution points and gas distribution stations;
• for isolation of the pipeline laid to / from underground facilities of enterprises that do not have insulation or to those where such protection is not provided.

Buy insulating flange connections at a favorable price

As you can see, choosing an IFS is an extremely responsible and not an easy task. Therefore, the best solution would be to contact a specialized company that will help you correctly select the necessary IFS. The company "UTMK" will gladly help you with the solution of such an important task. The enterprise offers to purchase wholesale and retail steel IFS with a working pressure (Ru) of 6 MPa (kgf/cm2) and with a conditional bore (DN) from 20 mm to 150 mm. The price is negotiable. The specialists of our company will not only help you choose the necessary part, but also provide services for packaging and delivery of your order to anywhere in Ukraine. Contact us! We will be glad to help you.