Flange spreaders

The alkitronic FLANGE BUDDY is a specialized mechanical tool for separating pipe flanges. The device is manufactured in Germany by alki TECHNIK GmbH. FLANGE BUDDY creates a controlled gap between two flanges. This allows technicians to replace gaskets or install blind/spade plates more conveniently. The tool is suitable for maintenance work on industrial piping systems. FLANGE BUDDY supports many flange sizes according to DIN, ANSI and British Standard.

Purpose of FLANGE BUDDY

In piping systems, two flanges are usually pressed tightly together with a gasket in between. After a period of operation, the gasket may need inspection or replacement. After removing the bolts, the two flanges may still lie very close together. Creating a gap by manual methods can be difficult to control. FLANGE BUDDY is designed specifically for this task. The tool creates mechanical force to separate the two flanges gradually.

The gap created allows the following work to be performed: removing and replacing flange gaskets; installing or removing blind/spade plates; separating flanges during pipe maintenance; assisting in the removal and installation of flange connections; creating working clearance between two flange faces.

Operating Principle

FLANGE BUDDY is installed into one of the bolt holes of the flange. The accompanying support plate is held to the tool by a chain. During use, the support plate is inserted between the two flange faces, directly below the pressure screw.

After FLANGE BUDDY is securely fixed, the operator uses a wrench to turn the pressure screw. The screw acts on the support plate and creates force to push the two flanges apart. The operator continues turning until the gap is sufficient to replace the gasket or install the blind/spade plate.

After completing the work, the screw is turned in reverse to release the pressure. The support plate can then be removed from the flange gap. According to alkitronic instructions, the screw may be tapped with a hammer to release FLANGE BUDDY from the bolt hole.

Using Two FLANGE BUDDY Units When High Force Is Required

alkitronic recommends using two FLANGE BUDDY units when high separation force is needed. The second tool is installed in the corresponding hole on the opposite flange. Both tools act on a single support plate. This arrangement allows greater load to be created. At the same time, the load acting on the support plate is distributed more evenly. High load must not be applied off-center to one edge of the support plate. This is an important requirement when using high separation force.

Advantages of alkitronic FLANGE BUDDY

FLANGE BUDDY uses a simple mechanical mechanism and requires no electrical power. The operator only needs a suitable wrench to create force. This design is convenient for on-site maintenance work. The tool also does not require hydraulic or pneumatic systems.

According to alkitronic, FLANGE BUDDY has the following main characteristics: separates pipe flanges by mechanical method; simple and safe operation when used according to instructions; components are manufactured from high-quality materials; tested by alkitronic in international trials; suitable for many industrial flange sizes; compatible with DIN, ANSI/ASA, British Standard flanges.

FLANGE BUDDY operates entirely mechanically and has a relatively simple structure. The tool requires no external energy source, making it suitable for on-site maintenance work. According to alkitronic documentation, the components are manufactured from high-quality materials. The product has also been tested internationally.

A practical advantage is that FLANGE BUDDY utilizes the bolt hole on the flange itself as the mounting position. The operator does not need to arrange a bulky external flange separation system. The tool is compatible with many flange sizes according to DIN, ANSI/ASA and British Standard.

Sizes for DIN Flanges

FLANGE BUDDY for DIN flanges is selected primarily by bolt hole diameter. The standard range includes eight sizes from 18 to 42 mm. Depending on size, the tool is compatible with pressure ratings from PN10 to PN160.

Standard sizes in the documentation include:

D 18 – 18 mm bolt hole diameter

D 22 – 22 mm bolt hole diameter

D 26 – 26 mm bolt hole diameter

D 30 – 30 mm bolt hole diameter

D 33 – 33 mm bolt hole diameter

D 36 – 36 mm bolt hole diameter

D 39 – 39 mm bolt hole diameter

D 42 – 42 mm bolt hole diameter

Depending on size, the tool supports flanges from PN10 to PN160. The corresponding DN range depends on hole diameter and pressure rating.

Selection Table for DIN Flanges

FLANGE BUDDY for DIN flanges is selected primarily by bolt hole diameter. The standard range includes eight sizes from 18 to 42 mm. Depending on size, the tool is compatible with pressure ratings from PN10 to PN160.

Type D18 – 18 mm hole: PN10 DN 32–125, PN16 DN 32–125, PN25 DN 32–80, PN40 DN 32–80, PN64 DN 20–25, PN100 DN 20–25, PN160 DN 20–25.

Type D22 – 22 mm hole: PN10 DN 150–350, PN16 DN 150–200, PN25 DN 100, PN40 DN 100, PN64 DN 32–80, PN100 DN 32–40, PN160 DN 32–40.

Type D26 – 26 mm hole: PN10 DN 400–500, PN16 DN 250–300, PN25 DN 125–200, PN40 DN 125–150, PN64 DN 100, PN100 DN 50–80, PN160 DN 50–80.

Type D30 – 30 mm hole: PN16 DN 400, PN25 DN 250–350, PN40 DN 200, PN64 DN 125, PN100 DN 100, PN160 DN 100.

Type D33 – 33 mm hole: PN16 DN 350, PN25 DN 250–300, PN40 DN 150, PN64 DN 150–175, PN100 DN 125–150.

Type D36 – 36 mm hole: PN16 DN 400, PN25 DN 350, PN40 DN 200–300, PN64 DN 200, PN100 DN 200.

Type D39 – 39 mm hole: PN25 DN 400, PN40 DN 350, PN64 DN 250.

Type D42 – 42 mm hole: PN25 DN 400, PN40 DN 300, PN64 DN 250–300.

Sizes outside the table can be supplied on request.

Sizes for ANSI and British Standard Flanges

This version is selected by bolt hole size in inches.

Standard sizes include:

A 3/4 – 3/4 inch bolt hole (19 mm equivalent)

A 7/8 – 7/8 inch bolt hole (22 mm equivalent)

A 1 – 1 inch bolt hole (25 mm equivalent)

A 1 1/8 – 1 1/8 inch bolt hole (28 mm equivalent)

A 1 1/4 – 1 1/4 inch bolt hole (32 mm equivalent)

A 1 3/8 – 1 3/8 inch bolt hole (35 mm equivalent)

A 1 1/2 – 1 1/2 inch bolt hole (38 mm equivalent)

A 1 5/8 – 1 5/8 inch bolt hole (41 mm equivalent)

These versions support many pressure ratings from 150 lbs to 1500 lbs. Suitable DN/Inch sizes depend on each pressure rating and bolt hole. Other sizes can also be supplied on request.

Safety and Maintenance Notes

Before use, the threads of FLANGE BUDDY must be adequately lubricated. This helps the screw mechanism operate smoothly and reduces unnecessary friction load.

The support plate must be positioned correctly between the two flanges and below the pressure screw. When using high force, absolutely do not create off-center load on the edge of the support plate. If high separation force is required, two FLANGE BUDDY units should be used according to the method instructed by alkitronic.

The operator must not insert fingers into the gap between the two flanges. This is an important safety warning from the manufacturer. The two flanges may shift or close and cause serious injury.

Application in Industrial Pipe Maintenance

FLANGE BUDDY is suitable for piping systems using flange connections. Typical applications are pipe maintenance, gasket replacement and isolation of individual pipe sections. The tool is especially useful at locations requiring flange gap creation by mechanical method.

When gasket replacement is needed, FLANGE BUDDY creates the necessary clearance between the two flange faces. This allows the old gasket to be removed and a new gasket to be installed. The tool also supports the installation of blind or spade plates when a pipe section needs to be isolated.

In industrial environments, FLANGE BUDDY helps reduce the time required for flange maintenance work. The tool allows technicians to work more safely than using manual levers or improvised methods.

Available Models and Storage Case

Vinatools distributes the complete FLANGE BUDDY range from alkitronic. Available models include the D series for DIN flanges and the A series for ANSI/British Standard flanges. Each model is designed for a specific bolt hole diameter.

Standard models for DIN flanges: 30901 (D18 for 18 mm holes), 30902 (D22 for 22 mm holes), 30903 (D26 for 26 mm holes), 30904 (D30 for 30 mm holes), and larger sizes D33, D36, D39, D42.

alkitronic also supplies a dedicated storage case 21022 for FLANGE BUDDY sets. The case includes a molded insert tray to organize the tools and support plates. This helps protect the equipment during transport and storage.

Vinatools Distribution and Technical Support

Vinatools is the authorized distributor of the complete alkitronic FLANGE BUDDY range in Vietnam. All products are genuine German origin from alki TECHNIK GmbH. Vinatools provides technical support for industrial projects requiring flange maintenance solutions.

Customers can consult on model selection based on flange standard, bolt hole diameter and pressure rating. Vinatools also supplies the dedicated storage case and replacement support plates when needed.

For detailed technical specifications, compatibility tables and ordering information, customers may contact Vinatools directly. The technical team can assist with selecting the correct FLANGE BUDDY model for specific piping system requirements.