PSI’s LineSeal range of Shell accredited flange gaskets bring the latest sealing technology to the Middle East market.
Flange gaskets in the oil and gas industry – much like other crucial mechanical components – have had to deal with increasingly harsh demands placed upon them, as companies push production to greater levels, and look to utilise more sour products.
It is with this in mind that Pipeline Seal and Insulator Company (PSI) has released its new LineSeal range of gaskets to the Middle East market.
PSI’s LineSeal range is designed for particularly harsh operating conditions, including those with significant vibration, temperature and pressure fluctuations.
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They are therefore particularly suitable for pipeline systems in oil, gas and petrochemical industries, where zero emission performance is essential.
The design of the gasket should ensure they will be able to withstand some of the toughest substances thrown at them, including high concentrations of CO2, H2S and aggressive inhibitors.
Not only that, according to the company they also offer outstanding electrical isolation properties for cathodic protection.
PSI has revealed that the new gaskets have received Shell company approval for use in their oil production and refining processes, and are expecting similar approvals from Saudi Aramco to arrive shortly.
Designed specifically for use in high quality flange sealing applications, as well as a component part of flange electrical isolation kits, the gaskets will be supplied to fit any flange specification.
“Corrosion and piping engineers now have an increased choice of reliable flange sealing solutions. With LineSeal they now have ready access to one of the world’s most advanced sealing and isolating gaskets, meeting a wide range of conditions in demanding operational environments,” says Robert Colton, business manger, PSI.
LineSeal gaskets will be manufactured in PSI’s UK facility, based in Cambridge, which has ISO 9001 accreditation. The product will incorporate some advanced technical design features, which include a stainless steel core for strength, bonded between G-10 laminates with a proven spring energised seal element.
The pressure-activated seals provide high integrity sealing, eliminating costly leaks and providing a solution for fugitive emissions.
“PSI has tested the LineSeal range of gaskets to an extremely high level – they perform incredibly well. To get the Shell approval was quite a tough programme to go through, which we passed and we are very proud of what we have achieved,” beams Colton.
The company is also in the process of picking up a similar endorsement from Saudi Aramco, something they are eagerly awaiting and is expected shortly. “We have also spoken to Aramco and are in the final stages of getting the company approval. We are just waiting for final technical approval, which will be completed shortly,” he adds.
The LineSeal range is now available to the Middle East market, which PSI has been supplying for the last 50 years. Interest in the new product is supposed to be considerable according to Colton, and with US $4 million already invested into machinery, buildings and people in order to manufacture the gasket, they will hope to collect their share of the market as soon as possible.
“We believe LineSeal will become a world standard within a short space of time, equalling the success of the PSI LineBacker range of sealing and isolating gaskets, which also celebrates approvals from Shell Global Solutions,” concludes Colton.
