Products & Services

The VCFS* utilizes Pikotek’s standard VCS design with its 20 plus year track record of success in sealing Very Critical Service. The FS* version was created by taking a standard VCS configuration and adding a secondary sealing element that is capable of maintaining a seal while subject to a 1500ºF (800ºC) fire. The VCFS* combines the VCS’s proven track record of electrical isolation and sealing integrity in aggressive situations with a solution that has fully passed the API 6FB, 3rd Edition fire test.

The VCFS* is suitable in all services up to and including ANSI 2500# and is offered for ring type joint (RTJ) flanges from 6”- 24” and raised face flanges from 2”-24”. The VCFS* is designed for service where the cost of joint failure cannot be tolerated and the operator desires both electrical isolation and added sealing integrity in the case of a fire.

The VCFS* consists of a PTFE spring-energized primary sealing element and an E-ring secondary seal, all seated in a high-strength metal core upon which an insulating laminate is permanently bonded. Due to its unique pressure activated sealing mechanism, the gasket requires far less bolt stress to seal than other gasket types. In addition, the engineered E-ring will serve as a secondary seal during normal operation and the primary sealing element during a fire.

* Note: The “FS” or “Fire Safe” designation denotes only that this gasket has successfully passed the API 6FB fire test. Due to the fact that every fire is unique and many uncontrolled variables are present, no other claims regarding suitability or performance in a fire are made. Each designer, user and/or operator will need to assess their individual situation when deciding to install FS style gaskets. Patent Pending.

Flowlok Flowlok flange connections are designed to minimize fugitive emissions in bolted end-connections through the use of a patented dual seal design that "locks" in the media and improves flange sealability when compared to conventional flange gasket technology even in connections with imperfect flange faces. The Flowlok is composed of essentially two independent sealing components, a high modulus composite-lined structural seal retainer and a secondary pressure-energized radial face seal. The primary sealing element is the composite seal retainer lining material located outside of the secondary radial face seal. The gasket lining material is composed of a structurally rigid, yet superficially compressible material such as a glass-reinforced polymer (glass-reinforced epoxy, silicon, melamine or polyimid) or other non-asbestos, high-temperature polymer material which can then be coated with either Buna N rubber or chemical resistant neoprene. This material possesses good compressive strength while also providing a positive seal. The result is sealability without material deformation. The secondary face seal material is the key to fugitive emission minimization. The standard seal is a helical wound spring-energized Teflon lip seal. For nonstandard applications, Teflon can be substituted with a wide range of other superior elastomeric and non-elastomeric face seal materials (see section on Seal Materials). The Pikotek Flowlok is designed for use in all ANSI and API class flanges including ring-joint (RTJ), raised-face, and flatface (or combination) flanges. This means that the Flowlok can be used to mate dissimilar flange types as well Firelok (API 6 FB fire tested) The Firelok flange connection offers all of the features and benefits of the Flowlok with the added feature of a patented fire-resistant "piston" seal which is designed to capture the media in the event of ultra-high temperature (hydrocarbon) flame impingement such as would be present in a runaway hydrocarbon fire. The Firelok connection with fire-safe metal-to-metal backup seals has passed the API 6 FB destructive fire test for bolted end-connections (2,000 degrees F for 30 minute duration).       PGE Flange Gasket The PGE Flange Gasket is a low-pressure service gasket designed for electrical flange isolation and/or general sealing applications. This gasket is suitable for use in raised-face and flat-face flanges in ANSI class 150 and 300 service (or equivalent). In addition to providing electrical insulation, the gasket is excellent for electrically isolating flanges made of dissimilar metals or where prevention of flange face corrosion is desired. The PGE Flange Gasket was designed to give operators an alternative to ailure-prone phenolic-based insulating gaskets. Based on its construction, the PGE will provide a superior, long-lasting solution when compared to phenolic-based designs. The PGE is available in two configurations: full-face (Type E) and ring style (Type F). Depending upon the sealing element selected, the PGE is rated for most all hydrocarbon and water service applications. The unique design of the Pikotek PGE gasket incorporates patented overlapping and offsetting seal grooves. The purpose of this design is to break each layer of laminate within the gasket itself, thereby creating a barrier through which fluid and/or gas cannot migrate. The sealing element can be any elastomeric material as well as more sophisticated Spring-Energized Teflon lip seals. As a result of this advanced gasket design, maintenance-free flange isolation and flange face corrosion mitigation are achieved economically. Advantages & Benefits Superior sealing solution for low-pressure (ANSI class 150 and 300) service. Pressure-activated seals provide high confidence sealing. High-strength laminate material resists failure due to excess compression (i.e., over-tightening bolts). Overlapping seal grooves eliminate potential leak/weep path in laminate material and provide stronger structural integrity versus "opposing seal" designs. Reinforced laminate retainer material provides excellent insulation for cathodic protection systems. Insulating Kits always include high-strength double washers and full-length sleeves for maximum assurance against shorting. Gasket is sized to the bore, which protects flange faces from media-induced corrosion and flow-induced erosion. Mitigates galvanic corrosion in dissimilar metal flanges. Developed from proven Pikotek sealing technology. Spring-energized Teflon seal provides radial load and encapsulation in the seal groove, which eliminates cold flow. This seal truly distinguishes the PGE from all other sealing systems. Also available with a variety of elastomeric seals. Easy installation, make up and removal - The PGE easily slips into place. - Sealing system results in low required bolt loads. Less make-up force is required,   resulting in less flange and bolt stress. - Gasket is self-aligning and self-centering, quick to install; no special tools are required. Maintenance-free, corrosion-resistant design. PGE Design Gasket/Seal Retainer The PGE gasket/seal retainer is constructed from NEMA grade G-I0 glass-reinforced epoxy (GRE). This material has excellent performance characteristics with very high compressive strength, high flexural strength, high dielectric strength and low fluid absorption. PGE gaskets made from grade G- 10 material are rated for service up to 300 degrees F (150 C). For higher temperature service, grade G- I I is an acceptable alternative material, which is rated for 350 degrees F (177 C) continuous service. Two overlapping and offsetting seal grooves are machined into the high strength retainer in order to break the potential leak/weep path that is inherent in all glass laminate materials. The breaking of the leak/weep path is unique to the PGE and truly distinguishes it from all other electrical insulating flange gaskets. Sealing Elements The sealing elements provide an impervious barrier through which no contained media or other substance can penetrate. Consequently, the composite retainer backing material behind the seal remains uncontaminated and thus permanently holds the seal in place in a static, fully-encapsulated manner. Pikotek offers three standard sealing elements for use with the PGE. For custom applications, other sealing elements such as Kalrez or EPDM may be specified. The three standard seals are: Teflon (Spring-energized) Recommended for all environments. Helical wound spring provides radial load. Encapsulation in the seal groove eliminates creep or cold flow. This sealing system truly distinguishes Pikotek gaskets from all other flange sealing systems. Teflon is the most reliable sealing element available.    Viton General purpose oilfield elastomer. Excellent resistance to aliphatic hydrocarbons and glycols. Good resistance to aromatic hydrocarbons. Not recommended for: Systems with amine inhibitors and in piping systems containing significant partial pressures of H2S, polar gases (i.e. C02) or where radical pressure drops commonly occur.    Nitrile General purpose elastomer. Excellent for use in water systems or with some aliphatic hydrocarbons, silicone base fluids and glycol based systems. Not recommended for: Systems containing H2S, aromatic hydrocarbons, phosphate esters or halogenated hydrocarbons; piping systems subjected to radical pressure drops or piping systems containing significant partial pressures of polar gases (i.e., C02). Insulating Kits In order to electrically insulate the two flange faces, insulating sleeves and washers are required. To protect your investment in flange isolation, Pikotek only provides full length sleeves and double washer sets (i.e. one insulating washer for each end of the bolt). All insulating washers are made of GRE and have a compressive strength of 60,000 psi. Two metal washers are also provided for each sleeve. Pikotek offers insulating sleeves made from GRE and Mylar. The metal washers are either zinc plated 1050 carbon steel or stainless steel. Other custom materials are available on request.