VCS/VCFS

Prevent future leaks and blowouts

Innovative Engineering for corrosion protection

For Zero Fugitive Emissions

& Extreme Critical Sealing Applications
The VCS/VCFS systems use proprietary materials to
address the regulations associated with fugitive emissions
requirements that are closely monitored and highly
sensitive to regulatory agencies today.
VCS Sealing & Isolation
Features
» Extreme, high-reliability sealing and electrical isolation solution for critical service
applications
» Seals and isolates all pressure ratings through ANSI 2500 class and API 10,000 psi service
» Withstands severe service conditions including vibration, temperature and pressure
fluctuations
» Designed to withstand corrosive environments, including high concentrations of CO2, H2S,
produced water and aggressive inhibitors Type E
» Good electrical isolation properties for cathodic protection
» Pressure-activated seals provide high confidence sealing, eliminates costly leaks and
provides a solution for fugitive emissions
» Gasket is sized to the bore to protect flange faces from media-induced corrosion and flow-
induced erosion
» Prevents turbulent flow at flanged connections
» Mitigates galvanic corrosion in dissimilar metal flanges
» High-strength laminate material resists failure due to excessive compression
» Available to match any flange specification (ANSI, ASME, API, MSS, BS, DIN, AS, others) Type F
» Can mate mismatched RTJ with raised-face flanges
» Easy installation, make up and removal Sealing element may be positioned
» Sealing system is not sensitive to low bolt loads - providing reliable sealing through a anywhere between the I.D. of the
range of bolt stress gasket and I.D. of the bolt circle
» Gasket is self-aligning and centering - quick to install and no special tools are required depending on flange design.
» Maintenance-free corrosion-resistant design is resistant to deforming under load
NOTE: Can be custom made to order
» Works in Ring Joint Flanges, reducing fluid entrapment, flow induced erosion and media
induced corrosion between flanges
» Reusable by simply replacing sealing ring

0.245”
0.260”
0.308”

Stainless Steel Spring

High Integrity 316 Spring Energized PTFE Seal G-10 Reinforced Laminate
Stainless Steel Metal Core (Others Available on Request: FKM, ...etc.) (G-11 Available)

Applications
» H2S Service
» High pressure flanges
» Critical service applications
» High pH Service
» Locations where one prefers an
integral seal element
» A more convenient spiral-wound type Before Tightening After Tightening
gasket replacement The flange faces come into contact The flange faces come into firm contact
with the sealing elements, which with the retainer, thus compacting the
extend slightly above the surface of sealing elements within grooves. At
the retainer. As the flange is tightened the same time, the unique VCS spring
the sealing elements are compressed energized seal provides elastic memory
into the machine groove, developing for a polymer not normally associated
an initial high unit pressure against with this characteristic - resulting in
the flange faces. a simple flat gasket with extremely
high loading and self energizing
NOTE: Can work for ring joint flanges
characteristics without adverse cold
reducing fluid entrapment. flow problems.

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VCFS Firesafe Isolation
VCFS Firesafe Development
» Based upon proven GPT VCS platform Development of the patented VCFS took over three years in
» Provides complete flange electrical isolation overcoming the many challenges involved. One major challenge
» Tandem seal technology was how to maintain bolt load during the event of a fire. This
» PTFE sealing system has 20+ years successful track record involved addressing the sealing mechanism itself as well as the
» E-Ring sealing systems is dual purpose fire safe and backup isolating washers.
» Passed API 6FB, 3rd Edition Fire Test Extensive testing led to the use of a hardened Inconel E-ring
» Use in conjunction with cathodic protection systems to perform the secondary sealing after the PTFE seal had been
» Mitigates potential flange rotation melted by the fire. However, the E-ring compression was quite
» Provides a tighter seal under low bolt loads critical, and had to be mitigated to prevent excessive compression
during the burn. This led to use of the back-up ring to precisely
manage E-ring compression.

Introduction Another problem was that as metallic elements, neither the

E-ring nor the back-up ring provided the required isolation
The creation of the VCFS was driven by the demands of our properties. The solution was to employ a dielectric coating that
customers who needed to electrically isolate their flanges but would isolate and withstand compression of the flanges.
worried about the performance of non-metallic components in
the event of a fire. This was especially a concern in the offshore The result was the formulation of the proprietary X37 coating
market where the consequences of a fire on platforms are very which performed admirably during testing and provided isolation
hazardous and costly. even after three bolt-up operations to full torque levels.
Additionally, the needs of users in piping and LNG applications, The next challenge came due to the fact that standard G-10
where the risk of a fire would greatly threaten life and property, Glass Reinforced Epoxy (GRE) washers degraded in a fire and
drove the need for an electrical isolation seal that is fire safe lost bolt load, which resulted in the release of media in a fire.
per API 6FB. This led to the development of tandem Hardened Coated Steel
washers that electrically isolate, yet retain bolt load in a fire.
The combination of these elements created a system that would
both electrically isolate the flanges and pass the API 6FB Fire
Test.

Before Fire

After Fire

3
VCFS Firesafe Isolation

API 6FB Fire Test

The API 6FB test requires that any sealing end connection used for the testing media was stored in an 8 inch pipe with
hold for 30 minutes in a flame condition and then for a 60 an inside diameter of 8.071 (20.5cm). Using basic volume
minute cool down period. After the assembly is cooled to calculations, volume loss per every inch (2.54cm) of water
room temperature the line is de-pressurized and then re- height was determined.
pressurized. During all facets of the test the gasket must not System pressure was another variable that was tracked
exceed an API prescribed leakage rate. during the API 6FB test. The protocol required that pressure
be held constant during the 120 minute burn and cool down
cycle. Since any water leakage in the system would result
in an overall pressure loss, the pressure must be increased
appropriately to maintain the average pressure specified by
API 6Fb testing protocol. Chart 2 shows the pressure versus
time curve for this test.
For sizes below 6” on RTJ flanges and 2” on raised face
flanges GPT has designed the single seal Firesafe isolating
Chart 1: Temperature logging Chart 2: Pressure versus time curve for
for the calorimeter blocks and this test. kit. The single seal utilizes the technology of the E ring to
thermocouples during the full 60 minute provide the seal and the X37 coating and the GRE laminate
burn and cool down cycle. continues to give full isolation properties that are prevalent
in the traditional GPT VCS design.
The testing assembly included 6” Class 300 VCFS kits
complete with sleeves and HCS washers, 6” carbon steel The VCFS is also offered in a High Temperature design that
flanged blinds with a 2” bore and 1” pipe welded to the outside utilizes G-11 Instead of G-10. This allows the seal to service
of the flanges at the bore complete with 1” end caps. Studs higher operating temperatures up to 392°F.
and nuts for the flanges, Grade A193-B7 and 2H respectively 65,000psi Compressive Strength gives the seal the ability to
and two high capacity propane burners, six thermocouples withstand the bolting and flange stresses
and six calorimeter blocks.
750-800 VPM Dielectric Strength shows that the kit has the
After the 1” pipe was welded to each of the steel flange blinds, capacity to meet the isolation demands
end caps were threaded onto each pipe end. Ports were
created in one of the end caps to accommodate the necessary 0.05% Water Absorption assures that the product will not
pressure equipment. The GPT VCFS gasket was installed suffer from the effects of ingress from media
between the flanges and the flanged assembly was made up 50,000psi Tensile Strength gives the user the confidence that
with a torque value of 200ft-lbs using the appropriate star the seal has the ability to withstand the internal pressures
pattern.
Most of the standard bolting lubricants are conductive so GPT
After the flange assembly was completed a Megger ® developed a non conductive metal free grease called Piko-
isolation testing device (model MIT 481) was used to validate Lube in order to minimize the potential of resistance loss.
the gasket’s isolation properties. This isolation tester was GPT would recommend this lubricant for use on isolating
set to the highest setting of 1000V DC and the isolation systems and it has a friction factor of 0.15.
between the flange-to-flange connections was measured.
Unlike some suppliers GPT will not offer a product that
The isolation between the flanges and threaded stud
does not conform to the highest technical standards. We
connection was then measured using the same setting; four
are proud of our achievements in design and technology and
different isolation measurements were taken for this test at
will give the support and back up necessary to provide the
the 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock bolt positions.
most suitable products. In this regard GPT is unique in the
The two large propane burners were then put into place industry.
according to API fire test protocol. These burners were :
* Note The “FS” or “Fire Safe” designation denotes only that this gasket has suc-
ignited manually and were used to provide the flame for cessfully passed the API 6FB fire test. Due to the fact that every fire is unique and
the thirty minute burn cycle. The flame was controlled 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
by a valve at the central computer location; this valve was
assess their individual situation when deciding to install FS style gaskets. Patent
used to regulate the propane flow into the burners. Chart 1 Pending.
contains the temperature logging for the calorimeter blocks
and thermocouples during the full 60 minutes burn and cool
down cycle.
The leakage that occurred during the 120 minute burn and
cool down cycle was calculated using readings that were
taken by a differential pressure transducer. Water that was

4
VCS Material Properties

Common VCS Material Physical Properties VCS Test Results - Typical

ASTM Test Method G-10 Epoxy/ G-11 Exopy/ Test VCS Value
Glass Glass
Compression Test 140 Mpa Gasket Stress
D149 Dielectric Strength Volts/ 800 550 EN 13555 @ 150° C
Mil (Short Time)
Creep Relaxation 0.99 Relaxation Factor
D695 Compressive Strength 65,000 58,000 EN 13555 @ 150° C
(psi)
Leakage Test 1.0 x 10-3 mg/m/s
D229 Water Absorption (%) 0.04 0.08 EN 13555 @ 40 bar Helium Leakage rate
@ 5 Mpa to 80 Mpa gasket stress
D257 Insulation Resistance Meg 300,000 225,000
Ohms Hot Blowout Test No Blowout
HOBT @ 151° C @ 165 bar
D790 Flexural Strength (psi) 65,000 58,000
Shell Leakage Test 4.2 x 10-7 pa-m3/s/mm
D256 IZOD Impact Strength (Ft- 26.0 10.0
T-2.232686 @ ambient @ 52 Mpa Leakage Rate
Lbs/Inch)
Shell Cycle Test < 0.10 bar pressure loss
D638 Tensile Strength (psi) 51,000 41,000
T-2.232686 @ 150° C @ 45.6 Mpa
D732 Shear Strength (psi) 21,000 21,000
Temperature Range (°F) -200 to 302 -50 to 392 Element temperature limits
Temperature Range (°C) -129 to 150 -46 to 200 PTFE FKM
Note: G-10 for cryogenic services to -459°F / -273°C is also available. Degrees Fahrenheit Cryogenic to + 450 -20 to +350
Degrees Celsius Cryogenic to +232 -29 to +177

Note: Consult with a specialist for cryogenic applications and/or extreme

temperature variations, hazardous fluids or for extremes in temperatures and
pressures.
VCS and VCFS Recommended Torque Values
NPS 150# 300# 600# 900# 1500# 2500#
½ 35 35 35 125 125 125
¾ 35 71 71 125 125 125
1 35 71 71 202 202 202
1¼ 35 71 71 202 202 303
1½ 35 125 125 303 303 445
2 71 71 71 202 195 303
2½ 71 125 125 303 303 445
3 71 125 125 202 445 625
3½ 71 125 202 N/A N/A 1119
4 71 125 202 445 625 1822
5 125 125 303 625 1119 2771
6 125 125 303 445 848 2771
8 125 202 445 848 1442 5553
10 202 303 625 848 2263 7260
12 202 445 625 848 2771 N/A
14 303 445 848 1119 4002 N/A
16 303 625 1119 1442 5553 N/A
18 445 625 1442 2263 7460 N/A
20 445 625 1442 2771 9759 N/A
22 625 1119 1822 N/A N/A N/A
24 625 1119 2263 5553 15686 N/A
Note: This torque chart is for B16.5 flanges only. The recommended max value is 30,000psi. Please verify that your preferred % of yield is not exceeded with these
values. The values above are for temperatures at or below the gasket rated temperature.

5
VCS Flange Isolation Kits

Double Washer Set Application considerations

Double washer set flange Double washer configurations
isolation kits include the following may be used for added protection
components for each bolt: against the possibility of “shorting
out” the nuts and bolts. In addition,
Two - 1/8” thick steel washers
double washer sets electrically
Two - Isolating washers
isolate the nuts and bolts from
One-Full length isolating sleeve
both flanges.

Single washer set Application considerations

Single washer set flange isolation In buried applications, single
kits include the following items for washer configurations may
each bolt: be used to allow the Cathodic
Protection (CP) current to reach
One - 1/8” thick steel washer the nuts and bolts. If desired,
One - Isolating washer nuts on the opposite side of the
One - Isolating sleeve cathodically protected flange
may be included as part of the CP
G-10 One-Piece Sleeve system.
and washer set
One-piece sleeve and washer set Application considerations
flange isolation kits include the Easier to install, one-piece
following items for each bolt: sleeves also allow the inspector a
One - 1/8” thick steel washer visual indication of sleeve usage.
One - 1/8” thick G-10 Washer
One - G-10 Isolating Sleeve
Full length sleeve, double washer set configuration
Steel washers
Isolation Washer
Steel washers are designed to fit Steel Washer
Isolation Sleeve
over the isolating sleeve or the
retainer ring on the one-piece
sleeves and washers. The outside
diameter is sized to fit within the
bolt facing on ANSI standard
flanges. They are made of 1/8”
(3.2mm) thick plated hot-rolled
steel. (Stainless steel available)
Buried Application Note:
Consider using the ElectoStop™
monolithic isolation fitting
Gasket

1/8” Washer Material physical properties Sleeve Material physical properties

ASTM Test Method G-10 G-3 ASTM Test Method Mylar G-10 Nomex®
Epoxy/ Epoxy/
Glass Glass
D149 Dielectric Strength Volts/ 800 550 D149 Dielectric Strength Volts/ 4000 800 550
Mil (Short Time) Mil (Short Time)
D695 Compressive Strength psi 65,000 58,000 D695 Compressive Strength psi N/A N/A N/A
D229 Water Absorption % 0.04 0.08 D229 Water Absorption % 0.8 0.04 0.08
Operating Temp °F Cryogenic Cryogenic Operating Temp °F -75 to Cryogenic Cryogenic
to +302 to +392 +300 to +302 to +392
Operating Temp °C Cryogenic Cryogenic Operating Temp °C -59 to Cryogenic Cryogenic
to +150 to +200 +149 to +150 to +200
D790 Flexural Strength psi 13,000 65,000 58,000
Cut Through Resistance 3,500 16,000 No Test
ft-lbs
Nomex is a registered trademark of DuPont

6
 GPT VCS Flange Isolation Ordering Guide/Worksheet

Quantity Nominal ANSI Gasket Gasket For VCS Washers Washer Sleeve Gasket I.D. Type
Pipe Size Class Type Style Material Schedule
Pipe Flange
Specify Specify 150# E = With VCS Retainer Seal Element DW = Double G-10 1 PC Mylar Specify W = Weld Neck
Below Below 300# Bolt G-10 FKM Washer G-10 G-10 Below S = Slip On
400# Holes G-11 PTFE G-11 G-11 R = RTJ
600# F = Ring O = Other
900# (No Bolt Denote Specs.
1500# Holes) & Table
2500#
Quantity Nominal ANSI Gasket Gasket For VCS Washers Washer Sleeve Gasket I.D. Type
Pipe Size Class Type Style Material Schedule
Pipe Flange

Retainer Seal Element

For Flange Isolation kits over 24’ in addition to the above please specify:
Flange Facing Nominal Bolt Diameter
(Raised, RTJ..etc) (Threads/Inch)

Flange I.D. Sleeve Length

Flange O.D. Pipe I.D.
Flange Thickness Steel Sleeve I.D.
(For Concrete Pipe)
Number of Studs/Bolts
Product in Line
Stud/Bolt Diameter
AWWA Class & Table
Stud/Bolt Hole Diameter (Or other similar std.)

Stud/Bolt Circle Diameter Internal Lining

Note: Caution! Bolts with smooth shank portions may not fit within sleeves. Verify prior to ordering.

Warranty
All products are warranted against failure caused by
manufacturing defects for a period of one year. Any product
found to be so defective and returned within one year from
date of shipment will be replaced
without charge.
The above warranty is made in lieu of, and we disclaim, any
and all other warranties, expressed or implied, including the
warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular
purpose, and buyer agrees to accept the products without
any such warranties. We hereby disclaim any obligation or Flange Faces >250 Micro Inches:
liability for consequential damages, labor costs or any other For flange face surfacing greater
claims or liabilities of any kind whatsoever. than 250 micro inches, consult
factory.

7
GPT Water Jet and CNC Machines
GPT’s water jet machinery cut intricate parts with no heat-affected zone, distortion, or mechanical stresses caused by other cutting
methods. In addition, they cut with a narrow kerf, to provide better usage of raw material. As a result GPT has the ability to provide
more accurate gaskets, with more intricate shapes and possibilities without wasting raw materials. CNC machines cut precise
dimensions to accommodate specific seal elements and gasket tolerances.

Typical Specifications Extreme Critical Sealing for Industries

All Critical service applications Production fields and offshore
Materials for sealing gaskets on pipes containing water, In gathering and injection piping, tank farms, oil and gas
aqueous fluids, oil, sour or natural gas (up to 302ºF, 150º C) processing systems, and sour gas and water handling systems.
consist of the following components: Christmas trees, pumps, valves, and wherever it is important to
guard against the loss of product.
Isolation and sealing gasket
One isolating and sealing gasket, VCS Type “F”, 0.260” thick, Petroleum Marketing Facilities
316 stainless steel core retainer laminated on both sides with In terminal and tank farm piping, marine and airport fueling
a G-10 fiber glass reinforced laminate containing a precision systems and other product handling facilities where it is
tapered groove to accommodate the controlled compression essential to prevent loss of product or damage due to a flange
of a PTFE spring energized seal. Sealing element placement leak or blowout.
shall accommodate either flat, raised or RTJ face flanges. LNG and SNG Systems
The PTFE seal shall be spring and pressure energized. The
G-10 retainer shall have a 800 volts/mil dielectric strength For loading, unloading, liquefaction, regasification and
and a minimum 69,000 psi compressive strength. The I.D. processing of LNG, the production and processing of SNG, and
of the flange isolating gasket shall matches the bore of the wherever it is essential to provide a leak-proof flange for use
flange in which it is installed. from cryogenic to very high temperatures.
Quality Pipeline and Distribution Piping
Isolation Kits are manufactured at a GPT facility that In compressor and pumping station piping, metering and
has a registered ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management measurement facilities, valves and other control equipment
System. Submittals shall include copy of valid registration. and elsewhere on a mainline piping system where a long-
Performance suitability and material compatibility shall be lasting, leak-proof flange is essential. In gas distribution
determined by the user. piping - underground storage facilities, town border stations,
industrial meter, regulator sets, and district regulators.
Availability
Refineries
Isolation Kits manufactured by:
GPT, Denver, CO, U.S.A., In piping systems for heavy gasoline, caustic and acid based
Telephone: 303-988-1242, Facsimile: 303-988-1922, materials, carbon slurry, and wherever it is essential to protect
www.gptindustries.com e-mail: [email protected] plant and personnel from damage due to flange leaks or
blowouts.

GPT 1:6

Unit 3-5, Chester Road, Colmworth Business Park

4990 Iris St., Wheat Ridge, CO 80033 6455 Clara Road, Suite 300, Houston, TX 77041 Eaton Socon, St. Neots, Cambridgeshire, PE 19 8YT
Tel: (303) 988-1242 Fax: (303) 988-1922 Tel: (713) 747-6948 Fax: (713) 747-6029 Tel: +44 (0) 1480 404661 Fax: +44 (0) 1480 404662
www.gptindustries.com www.gptindustries.com www.gptindustries.com