Now pikotek introduces a revolutionary new gasket design that greatly reduces sustained media loss (fugitive emissions) through bolted flange connections while also minimizing the risk of substantial gas or fluid loss in the event of fire/flame impingement. Both the pikotek Flowlok and Firelok flange connections exhibit excellent flange sealing characteristics that are derived from the same technological innovation found in the pikotek VCS (Very Critical Service) flange gasket. This gives the Flowlok and Firelok excellent sealing capabilities in all normal and abnormal operating conditions.

pikotek 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.

The pikotek 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 pikotek Firelok connection has passed the API 6 FB destructive fire test for bolted end-connections (2,000 degrees F for 30 minute duration). What makes the pikotek Firelok connection able to withstand the destructive forces of 2,000 degree hydrocarbon flame impingement? The key to its revolutionary fire resistance is in the design of its secondary high temperature seals.

In an actual hydrocarbon fire, any gasket or seal’s ability to withstand flame/ temperature is only part of the problem. The bigger problem is metal fatigue which leads to stud bolt elongation which directly translates into connection relaxation and sealing failure. In other words, the presence of extreme temperature and the metal stud bolt’s relatively high coefficient of thermal expansion leads to bolt elongation and a resulting and substantial loss in bolt tension (as much as 1/32 inch measurable elongation with B7 carbon steel stud bolts). This also applies to tempered alloy metal stud bolts, however, to a lesser extent depending on the relative coefficient of thermal expansion and the metal’s ability to retain tensile strength. The result with conventional gaskets and seals (no matter how fire-resistant the material) is connection failure WHICH CAN ACTUALLY FEED AND PERPETUATE THE SPREAD OF A RUNAWAY HYDROCARBON FIRE!