How to install seamless stainless steel elbows to save time and effort? Five methods to help you acquire these skills.
1、 Pre installation inspection is essential
1. Measuring accuracy with a caliper: Take out the elbow and press the caliper first to confirm that the inner diameter and pipeline fit tightly together. Don’t rush to install it until you discover a half millimeter difference in size.
2. Check for hidden injuries with sharp eyes: Use a flashlight to shine on the inner wall and if there are scratches or rust spots, return the product directly. These defects are prone to leakage in the later stage.
3. The flow arrow should be identified accurately: the surface of the elbow is marked with the medium flow arrow. Installing it upside down may affect the pipeline pressure and teach too many painful lessons.
2、 High installation and alignment efficiency
1. Horizontal installation is an iron rule: 90% of water leakage accidents are caused by slanted clothing. Use a level to accurately calibrate and ensure that the elbow is parallel to the pipeline.
2. There is a way to align the flanges: if the screw holes of the two flanges are misaligned, do not forcefully break them. Use a pry bar to adjust the position, align them, and then fix them with two diagonal bolts first.
3. The sealing ring should be operated in a playful manner: soak the rubber gasket in hot water for 10 minutes in advance, insert it into the flange groove while it is still hot, and after cooling, the fit should be fully stretched.
3、 Tighten the bolts scientifically
1. Diagonal tightening to prevent deformation: Apply force three times in the order of “top left → bottom right → bottom left → top right”, and use a torque wrench to reach the specified value for the last time.
2. Tips for lubricating threads: Apply a thin layer of food grade grease to the bolt threads, which can prevent biting and facilitate later maintenance and disassembly.
3. Using too much force can be counterproductive: Stop immediately when you hear a squeaking sound from the bolt. This is a metal fatigue warning, and if you tighten it again, the bolt will break.
4、 Key steps for acceptance and pressure testing
1. Check for slight leaks in soapy water: Apply concentrated soapy water to the weld seam, mark with a marker when bubbles appear, and focus on addressing these points after pressing.
2. Step up pressure to ensure safety: First, apply 0.5 times the working pressure and maintain it for 10 minutes, then gradually increase it to 1.5 times. Do not directly apply high pressure.
3. Identification of abnormal sounds with stethoscope: Place a mechanical stethoscope on both sides of the elbow, and if there is a continuous sizzling sound, it indicates that there are impurities washing away inside, and it must be disassembled, washed, and reworked.
5、 Daily maintenance cold knowledge
1. Quarterly physical examination should not be forgotten: every 3 months, use an endoscope to explore the inner wall of the elbow and promptly perform acid pickling and passivation if pitting and pitting are found.
2. Winter anti freezing operation: If used outdoors in the north, wrap the elbow with an electric heat tracing strip before entering winter, and adjust the temperature to 5 ℃ to prevent freezing and cracking.
3. Don’t forget to make marks during disassembly and assembly: Use a steel grade pen to draw alignment lines on the side of the flange, and resetting according to the marks can save half an hour during the next disassembly and assembly.
After installation, don’t rush to tidy up the tools! Tap the elbow three times with pressure to ensure a clear and noiseless sound.