REPLACEMENT OF GASKETS OF PIPE LINES PUMPS

1.0     PURPOSE:
    
    To describe a  standard operating procedure for replacement  of gaskets of pipe lines/pumps.
    
2.0    SCOPE:
    
    The standard operating procedure describes in detail the method of replacing  gaskets of pipe lines/pumps in the plant.
    
3.0    RESPONSIBILITY:
    
    The  responsibility  of replacing gaskets of  pipe  lines/pumps lies  with  the  staff of rank not lower  than  junior  utility operator of maintenance department.
    
    The  responsibility of preparing, reviewing  and approving  the standard  operating  procedure lies with the  Manager  -  Maintenance,  Head of Production and Head of QAD respectively.
    
4.0    METHOD:
    
4.1    Ensure that the pipe line/pump is not in operating condition, empty and is not under  pressure.
    
4.2    In case of pipe lines ensure that valves in the line are shut off and connected equipment are isolated electrically. 
    
4.3    In case of pump isolate  the equipment electrically.
    
4.4    Open all the bolts and nuts/studs of flange/suction cover. 
    
4.5    Remove the  old gasket and clean both the surfaces using  sharp edged blade.
    
4.6    Select   the  suitable  gasket  material  to  suit   the   line  material/pump material. The list of gasket  materials  used for different  line  material/pumping material is given in Annexure.
    
4.7    Fix three bolts in loose condition (if there are four holes for the  connected flange) in case of pipe line.
    
4.8    Insert the gasket between the flanges from the fourth  unbolted side   and  incase  of pumps place the gasket  on  the  suction cover.
    
4.9    Ensure that the gasket is centrally located,  and  then fix the fourth bolt in case of pipe line.  In case of pump fix all  the studs hand tight.
    
4.10    Tighten  the  opposite  bolts/studs by  observing  the  central location of the gasket. 
    
4.11    Tighten all the bolts/studs.
    
4.12    Check  for  the  flange leak after passing fluid  in  the  pipe line/pump.
    
4.13    If the flange leaks tighten the bolts further till the  leakage is arrested.
    
4.14    Restore the power supply to the equipment in case of pumps and open the line valves incase of pipe lines.    
 

Pipe lines pumps, replacement of gaskets, engineering