OPERATOR INSTRUCTION MANUAL
SWi5TE_Rev02_A5
SWi5TE
FLANGE SPREADING WEDGE
5
3.2
FLANGE SPREADING
Spread the flanges apart by actuating the tool.
Once the joint has been opened to the desired distance,
or if the tool has reached its maximum travel, insert the
Safety Blocks into the flange joint.
Ensure the full width of the selected Safety Block step is
fully inserted before gradually retracting the tool until the
flange load has been applied to them.
The wedges can then be retracted fully and inserted
again, using the next step. In this way the flange joint
can be iteratively opened further until the required spread
is reached.
3.
SWi SPREADING WEDGE
TOOL OPERATION
3.1
GENERAL GUIDANCE
Before attaching the tool ensure at least two flange bolts
remain in place. These should be 180 degrees apart with
their nuts loosened sufficiently to enable flange work to
be carried out. Leaving these bolts in place will help to
reduce unwanted lateral flange movement during flange
spreading.
Prior to spreading, an assesment should be carried out to
determine the most appropriate positioning of the tools
around the joint. A minimum of 2 tools should always be
used.
Determine the flange joint access gap - a minimum access
gap of 4 mm (0.16”) is required for the SWi5TE tools. The
access gap is the clearance between the surfaces onto
which the wedge will apply its spreading force.
4.0 mm (0.16”)
MINIMUM
ACCESS GAP
Place the tool into the access gap, with the full width of
the selected step fully inserted up to the heel.
