Tight and reliable connections are the primary goal of the installer's work and ensure the system's efficiency and safety. Quality is the result of high accuracy and precision, ensuring long-lasting operation of tanks and pipelines. The application of these solutions can be found in various industries, i.e. power generation, food and beverage industry, chemical industry and oil refineries. Flange connections are used to join pipes, tubes and fittings. Their installation, the use of appropriate gaskets or bolts, requires appropriate qualifications and expertise. Flanged joints consist of several components: two steel flanges symmetrical to the axis, bolts with nuts as connecting parts and gaskets. The joints vary in terms of the dimensions of the components involved or the type and properties of the materials used to make them.
What does the course look like?
A person who wants to become a flange fitter should become certified. When enrolling in the course, everyone should be at least 18 years old and have at least a primary school education. After passing the practical and theoretical exam, the trainee receives a personal certificate (TÜV in accordance with EN 1591-4 Flanges and their connections) of completion of the training, issued on the basis of the Regulation of the Minister of National Education in Polish and English. The validity of the certificate is 5 years.
What the editing profession is all about
By taking a course as a joint fitter, one can learn, among other things, about the type of flange and bolt connections, the functions and properties of gaskets, the relationship between bolt elongation, pressure and clamping force on the gasket, safe disassembly, the effects of bolt relaxation, leakage classes, disassembly methods, preparation of the sealing surface, performing joint supervision, selection of gaskets, recognition of faults and failures, selection of personal protective equipment and inspection of the working environment. Due to the high demand in this industry, jobs can easily be found in the labour market. Among the many benefits of joint assembly are:
- Detachment for possible disconnection. In the event of faults, replacement of installation components or maintenance work inside the pipe.
- Tightness is a guarantee of reliable and effective connections. A professionally executed installation that uses steel flanges and other top-quality components is important.
- Rigidity using parts that comply with the prevailing standards protects the structure from mechanical damage. This ensures problem-free flow for a long time.
The joint fitter then selects the necessary tools, e.g. a hydraulic or torque spanner. The bolts are then tightened, bearing in mind the result of the torque calculation. This is done in order to match the tightening force to the system. The installation process is completed with a special protocol. Through proper maintenance of the flanged joints and by limiting the influence of the human factor, the risk of leakage is reduced. At the same time, the operational safety of the pressure equipment is increased.
