PROJECT SCOPE
The utility required four, 4”x 43” O.D. raised face flanges to be machined to record groove; 250 RMS finish. The feed water heater tube bundles would have to remain in place, therefore requiring modification of conventional flange facing techniques and equipment.

The project also required two 30” x 12” man-way flanges to be machined to parent metal with all liquid metal fill removed.

THE WTS SOLUTION
To meet the unique challenges of facing the flanges with feedwater heater tube bundles in place, the E.H. Wachs company working closely with WTS Engineering, designed and built a single point flange facing module. This module coupled with the E.H. Wachs O.D. mounted SF 3648 Split Frame created the circumferential flange facing machine needed to satisfy the rigorous requirements of the job scope.

WTS technicians used a Wachs EP/3 End Prep Machine to face the rectangular manway flanges, bringing them back to parent metal and square with the vessel, exact tolerances were maintained.

The resourcefulness of the WTS technicians, teamed with the manufacturing capabilities of the E.H. Wachs company enabled WTS to complete the scheduled work in a minimal time frame and to produce a major cost savings for the customer.