How to Use Our Gasket Insertion Tools
A step-by-step guide to assembling and using our gasket insertion tools for safe, precise gasket placement on API 6A, RTJ and NORSOK compact pipeline flanges.
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Step-by-Step Usage Guide
Unpack the Tool
Remove the gasket insertion tool from its protective packaging. Each tool is supplied ready to use with all components pre-assembled.
Inspect the Tool
Visually inspect the tool body, sliders, rubber-tipped jaw grippers and securing bolt. Check for any damage or debris before use, particularly if operating subsea.
Set the Insertion Height
Adjust the sliders to set the correct insertion height for your gasket and flange combination. This ensures the gasket seats at the precise depth in the flange recess.
Secure the Gasket
Place the gasket onto the tool and tighten the securing bolt to hold it firmly in position. The tool is now ready to be clamped onto the pipe flange for installation.
Ready for Installation
The tool is now loaded and ready to deploy. Position it onto the pipe flange, and the rubber-tipped arms grip the flange face to hold the tool in place while the gasket is guided precisely into the recess. The entire process can be carried out by touch alone in zero-visibility subsea conditions.
Safety & Efficiency Benefits
Reduced Risk
Eliminates the need for manual gasket handling near heavy flanges, reducing the risk of hand and finger injuries.
Faster Installation
Purpose-built tooling reduces installation time compared to manual methods, saving valuable operational hours.
Zero-Visibility Use
Tactile design allows divers to assemble and operate the tool entirely by touch in murky subsea conditions.
Common Questions
How do you insert a gasket in a subsea pipeline?
Using a Saltwater Technologies gasket insertion tool, the gasket is secured to the tool body, which is then clamped onto the pipeline flange. The tool positions the gasket precisely into the flange recess, even underwater in zero-visibility conditions.
Can a diver operate the gasket insertion tool?
Yes. Our tools are specifically designed for diver operation in subsea environments. The simple mechanical design means divers can assemble, position and remove the tool by touch alone, without requiring visibility.
How long does gasket installation take with these tools?
Installation time depends on the pipe size and conditions, but our tools significantly reduce the time compared to manual methods. A typical topside installation takes minutes, while subsea operations benefit from the tool's tactile design that simplifies the process.
What flange standards are the tools compatible with?
Our tools cover the three main gasket standards used in the oil & gas industry: API 6A / API 6BX high-pressure ring gaskets (SBX/BX series), API 6B ring-type joint flanges with oval/octagonal gaskets (R series), and NORSOK L-005 / ISO 27509 compact flanges with IX and HX seal rings.
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