Flange Spreaders

How flange spreaders work

Flange spreaders are usually used in pairs or in sets on opposite sides of the flange. Mechanical or hydraulic force drives wedge-shaped tips between the flange faces and opens the gap in a controlled way. The resulting opening allows removal and installation of gaskets and visual inspection of the sealing surfaces.

Hydraulic flange spreaders generate high forces with a compact design and are ideal for heavy, stuck or corroded flange connections. Mechanical models are lightweight, easy to handle and well suited for mobile maintenance teams with frequently changing job sites.

Typical applications of flange spreaders

Flange spreaders are used wherever flanged joints must be opened and closed regularly, for example:

• maintenance and shutdown work in chemical and petrochemical plants
• oil and gas facilities, refineries and pipelines
• power plants and district heating or steam lines
• general piping construction and industrial maintenance
• installation and service work on vessels and heat exchangers

Benefits of using flange spreaders

• controlled opening of flanges without damaging sealing faces
• reduced risk of injury compared to improvised tools
• high working speed during maintenance and installation
• suitable for various flange sizes and pressure ratings

Safe use and selection

For safe operation, flange spreaders must always be used according to the manufacturer's instructions and within the permitted flange forces. The required number of tools should be used and positioned symmetrically to avoid tilting or overloading the joint.

Appropriate personal protective equipment and clear procedures are essential, especially when working on lines carrying pressurised or hazardous media. We are happy to assist you in selecting the right flange spreaders for your plant.