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On-Site Flange Refacing Using the FI14M Manual Flange Facing Machine for Forging and Pressure Vessel Applications

Recently, the MT Portable Machine team provided an on-site flange resurfacing solution using the FI14M Manual Flange Facing Machine at a leading forging and pressure vessel manufacturer in Wuxi, China. As a trusted supplier for major energy and petrochemical clients including Sinopec, CNPC, CNOOC, and Shenhua Coal Group, the client maintains the highest standards for flange precision and component integrity in both valves and tank assemblies.

The client had previously been using MT’s FI26E Flange Facing Machine for two years, achieving outstanding results on large-scale flanges. Due to the robust performance and reliability of MT equipment, they opted to add the FI14M to their workshop and on-site toolkit specifically for smaller flange maintenance and repair tasks on valves and pressure vessels. These smaller flanges, often found on tank outlets and control valves, require precise manual machining to restore gasket seating surfaces without disassembling entire systems, ensuring safety and minimizing downtime.

The MT Portable Machine team quickly deployed the FI14M to the client site, demonstrating their hallmark rapid-response and field expertise. The FI14M, a fully manual flange facing solution, features a clamping range from 1.07" to 10.63" (27.2–270 mm) and a maximum facing reach of 14" (355.6 mm) O.D., making it ideal for in-situ repair of small to medium flanges. Its proprietary MT clamping system allowed the technicians to mount the tool accurately within seconds, providing precise alignment with the flange I.D. and ensuring optimal concentricity.

Using its dual feed rates—0.125 mm/rev (0.005 inch/rev) for smooth finishes and 0.5 mm/rev (0.02 inch/rev) for stock removal—the FI14M enabled the MT team to completely restore worn, scarred, or corroded flange surfaces. The manual swing operation produced a high-quality “phonographic” finish in strict accordance with ASME B16.5 standards, enhancing gasket sealing performance. Cutting bits, double-sided and engineered for long-term durability, easily machined through carbon steel, stainless steel, alloyed steel, aluminum, and cast iron commonly used in valve and tank flanges.

The on-site repair was completed efficiently without the need to dismantle any connected piping or vessel sections. This minimized operational downtime and avoided costly logistics and labor expenditures. The FI14M’s lightweight, compact design—only 9 kg working weight with a durable plastic transport case—ensured easy handling and transport within the confined workshop and plant areas. MT Portable Machine’s team executed the job with professional precision, reinforcing the brand’s reputation for reliable, high-performance on-site flange maintenance solutions.

This successful intervention underscores MT Portable Machine’s commitment to delivering advanced manual and automated flange machining solutions. For any flange repair or resurfacing challenges, or to receive the latest FI14M product specifications and expert guidance for on-site applications, contact the MT Portable Machine technical team at: info@mtportable.com.

http://www.mtportable.com
Jichuang Machinery Manufacturing Wuxi Co.,Ltd

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