The idea of placing anything on the flange face is a bad idea. Proper installation of the flange faces requires a good metal to metal seal. Normally, a precise torque tool is used to connect the two flange faces together-applying the proper torque to each bolt diametrically opposed. If the flanges connect piping or other pressure containing lines, and you want to know if the seal leaks, put a pressure transducer in the line upstream-then if you see a pressure loss if the flange seal fails. One will find a host of pressure transducers and guages in the market that have alarm settings to alert you when there is a pressure loss.

Michael Leiwig

Oil States Industries Inc.