PGE Insulation Flange Gasket by Pikotek

The Pikotek PGE Flange Gasket is a low-pressure service gasket designed for electrical flange isolation and/or general sealing applications. This gasket is suitable for use in raised-face and flat-face flanges in ANSI class 150 and 300 service (or equivalent). In addition to providing electrical insulation, the gasket is excellent for electrically isolating flanges made of dissimilar metals or where prevention of flange face corrosion is desired.

The PGE Flange Gasket was designed to give operators an alternative to ailure-prone phenolic-based insulating gaskets. Based on its construction, the PGE will provide a superior, long-lasting solution when compared to phenolic-based designs. The PGE is available in two configurations: full-face (Type E) and ring style (Type F). Depending upon the sealing element selected, the PGE is rated for most all hydrocarbon and water service applications.

The unique design of the Pikotek PGE gasket incorporates patented overlapping and offsetting seal grooves. The purpose of this design is to break each layer of laminate within the gasket itself, thereby creating a barrier through which fluid and/or gas cannot migrate. The sealing element can be any elastomeric material as well as more sophisticated Spring-Energized Teflon lip seals. As a result of this advanced gasket design, maintenance-free flange isolation and flange face corrosion mitigation are achieved economically.

Advantages & Benefits

• Superior sealing solution for low-pressure (ANSI class 150 and 300) service.
• Pressure-activated seals provide high confidence sealing.
• High-strength laminate material resists failure due to excess compression (i.e., over-tightening bolts).
• Overlapping seal grooves eliminate potential leak/weep path in laminate material and provide stronger structural integrity versus "opposing seal" designs.
• Reinforced laminate retainer material provides excellent insulation for cathodic protection systems.
• Insulating Kits always include high-strength double washers and full-length sleeves for maximum assurance against shorting.
• Gasket is sized to the bore, which protects flange faces from media-induced corrosion and flow-induced erosion.
• Mitigates galvanic corrosion in dissimilar metal flanges.
• Developed from proven Pikotek sealing technology.
• Spring-energized Teflon seal provides radial load and encapsulation in the seal groove, which eliminates cold flow. This seal truly distinguishes the PGE from all other sealing systems.
• Also available with a variety of elastomeric seals.
• Easy installation, make up and removal
  - The PGE easily slips into place.
  - Sealing system results in low required bolt loads. Less make-up force is required,
    resulting in less flange and bolt stress.
  - Gasket is self-aligning and self-centering, quick to install; no special tools are required.
• Maintenance-free, corrosion-resistant design.

Gasket/Seal Retainer

The PGE gasket/seal retainer is constructed from NEMA grade G-I0 glass-reinforced epoxy (GRE). This material has excellent performance characteristics with very high compressive strength, high flexural strength, high dielectric strength and low fluid absorption. PGE gaskets made from grade G- 10 material are rated for service up to 300 degrees F (150 C). For higher temperature service, grade G- I I is an acceptable alternative material, which is rated for 350 degrees F (177 C) continuous service.

Two overlapping and offsetting seal grooves are machined into the high strength retainer in order to break the potential leak/weep path that is inherent in all glass laminate materials. The breaking of the leak/weep path is unique to the PGE and truly distinguishes it from all other electrical insulating flange gaskets.

Sealing Elements

The sealing elements provide an impervious barrier through which no contained media or other substance can penetrate. Consequently, the composite retainer backing material behind the seal remains uncontaminated and thus permanently holds the seal in place in a static, fully-encapsulated manner.

Pikotek offers three standard sealing elements for use with the PGE. For custom applications, other sealing elements such as Kalrez or EPDM may be specified. The three standard seals are:

• Teflon (Spring-energized)
  Recommended for all environments. Helical wound spring provides radial load. Encapsulation in the seal groove eliminates creep or cold flow. This sealing system truly distinguishes Pikotek gaskets from all other flange sealing systems. Teflon is the most reliable sealing element available.
    
• Viton
  General purpose oilfield elastomer. Excellent resistance to aliphatic hydrocarbons and glycols. Good resistance to aromatic hydrocarbons. Not recommended for: Systems with amine inhibitors and in piping systems containing significant partial pressures of H2S, polar gases (i.e. C02) or where radical pressure drops commonly occur.
    

• Nitrile
  General purpose elastomer. Excellent for use in water systems or with some aliphatic hydrocarbons, silicone base fluids and glycol based systems.
  Not recommended for: Systems containing H2S, aromatic hydrocarbons, phosphate esters or halogenated hydrocarbons; piping systems subjected to radical pressure drops or piping systems containing significant partial pressures of polar gases (i.e., C02).

Insulating Kits

In order to electrically insulate the two flange faces, insulating sleeves and washers are required. To protect your investment in flange isolation, Pikotek only provides full length sleeves and double washer sets (i.e. one insulating washer for each end of the bolt). All insulating washers are made of GRE and have a compressive strength of 60,000 psi. Two metal washers are also provided for each sleeve.

Pikotek offers insulating sleeves made from GRE and Mylar. The metal washers are either zinc plated 1050 carbon steel or stainless steel. Other custom materials are available on request.

Description

The Pikotek PGE is a non-critical service gasket designed for electrical flange isolation and/or general sealing applications. This gasket is suitable for use in raised-face flanges up to ANSI class 600 (or equivalent) and is excellent for isolating flanges made of dissimilar metals or where prevention of flange face corrosion is desired. The design of the Pikotek PGE gasket incorporates patented overlapping and offsetting seal grooves. The purpose of this design is to break each layer of laminate within the gasket itself thereby creating a barrier through which fluid and/or gas cannot migrate. The sealing element can be any elastomeric material as well as more sophisticated Spring-Energized Teflon lip seals. As a result of this advanced gasket design, maintenance free flange isolation and flange face corrosion mitigation are achieved economically.

The PGE retainer is constructed of very rigid Glass-Reinforced Epoxy (GRE) laminates, which exhibit excellent dielectric strength, high compressive strength and superior sealing characteristics.

Ordering

When ordering a complete PGE insulating kit, the following must be specified:

1. Flange Specification (ANSI/ASME, API, MSS, BSI or DIN standard).
2. Size and Pressure Rating (ANSI class 600 maximum).
3. Operating Pressure, Temperature and Media.
4. Required Seal Material.
5. Insulating Sleeve Material.
6. Insulating Washer Material.
7. Metal Washer Material.

Gasket Thickness

All PGE gaskets are a standard 1/8" (0.125") thick.

Gasket Seal Retainer Options

G-10 NEMA grade G-10 Glass-Reinforced Epoxy laminate material (standard)

• Compressive Strength: 65,000 PSI
• Dielectric Strength: 750-800 VPM
• Max. Continuous Operating Temp: 302°F (150°C)
• Water Absorption: 0.05%
• Flexural Strength: 65,000 PSI
• Tensile Strength: 50,000 PSI

G-11 NEMA grade G-11 Glass-Reinforced Epoxy (GRE) laminate material

• Compressive Strength: 50,000 PSI
• Dielectric Strength: 500 VPM
• Max. Continuous Operating Temp: 350°F (177°C)
• Water Absorption : 0.085%
• Flexural Strength: 57,700 PSI
• Tensile Strength: 41,000 PSI

Sealing Elements

The sealing elements are intended to provide an impervious barrier through which no contained media or other substance can penetrate. Consequently, the composite retainer backing material behind the seal remains uncontaminated and thus permanently holds the seal in place in a static, fully encapsulated manner.

Sealing Element Material Options

• Teflon, Spring-Energized (standard)
  Recommended for all environments. Helical wound spring provides radial load. Encapsulation in the seal groove eliminates creep or cold flow. This sealing system truly distinguishes Pikotek gaskets from all other flange sealing systems. Teflon is the most reliable sealing element. Temperature Range: -250°F to +350°F (note: gasket material is limiting factor).
    
• Viton
  General-purpose oilfield elastomer. Excellent resistance to aliphatic hydrocarbons and glycols. Good resistance to aromatic hydrocarbons. Not recommended for: Systems with amine inhibitors and in piping systems containing significant partial pressures of H2S, polar gases (i.e., CO2) or where radical pressure drops (2000 PSI to 0 PSI) commonly occur. Temperature Range: -15°F to +350°F.
    
• Nitrile
  General Purpose elastomer. Excellent for use in water systems or with some aliphatic hydrocarbons, silicone base fluids and glycol based systems. Not recommended for: Systems containing H2S, aromatic hydrocarbons, phosphate esters or halogenated hydrocarbons; piping systems subjected to radical pressure drops (2000 PSI to 0 PSI) or piping systems containing significant partial pressures of polar gases (i.e., CO2). Temperature Range: -30°F to +250°F.

Insulating Sleeve Options

• GRE (standard)
  GRE (Glass-Reinforced Epoxy) tubing is suitable for continuous exposure to 350° F. This material is an epoxy laminate that offers excellent resistance to crushing, cracking, breaking and thread pinch.
    
• Mylar
  Spiral wound Mylar is a general-purpose material recommended for bolting applications with flange temperatures below 250° F. This material has generally fair resistance to crushing, cracking, breaking and thread pinch.

Insulating Washers

• GRE (standard)
  1/8" (0.125") thick Glass-Reinforced Epoxy washers cut to standard SAE washer dimensions.

Steel Washer Options

• ZPS (standard)
  Zinc-Plated Steel washers cut to standard SAE washer dimensions.
    
• SS
  Stainless Steel washers cut to standard SAE washer dimensions.