In this blog entry we focus on the manufacturing/machining of a custom bleed ring. Bleed rings are used to drain or remove excess liquid through a pipe or a valve as well as for taking samples or attaching instruments. They can also reduce or dispose of pressure before removing a flange through the use of valves or blind flanges.
This particular bleed ring is made from Duplex Stainless Steel. The benefits of this particular material over austenitic stainless steels are better corrosion resistance, particularly chloride stress corrosion and chloride pitting corrosion, and higher strength. The starting material shown in the first photo is a hot rolled annealed pickled plate. The machining process through the use of a lathe takes into consideration the hardness of the material and its proneness to work hardening.
In this image you can see the pilot holes drilled to indicate where the bolt holes will be drilled.
The photo below shows the final bleed ring with the bolt holes drilled. This bleed ring will be placed between two flanges and the bolts will pass through these holes to secure it in place.
This custom bleed ring also includes a raised gasket like indentation on it, which will be used for a unique application such as a site glass.
In this photo you can also see the final tap drilled and threaded.
