Safety Shield
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SAFETY SHIELD BASICS
Safety Shields are designed to prevent spray out and mist formation, from pipelines containing hazardous chemicals (acid, bases, oil, steam etc).
The primary purpose is to prevent spray or mist but not to contain the leak indefinitely. Ideally the shield will control the leak safely, allowing liquid release vertically.
Typically leaks occur at pipe joints such as flanges, valves and expansion joints, though shields can made to fit a variety of fittings.
A variety of different shield designs exist and there is no single type which is suitable for all applications. It is critically important for the safety shield design to prevent direct and lateral (sideways) spray-outs and avoid mist formation. It is possible for a poor shield design to create a fine mist in the event of leakage.
Poorly designed or fitted shields may cause more harm than good – especially if they are held tight against the flange with not way of diffusing the pressure release.
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
With over twenty years experience serving the Safety Shield market, we have provided solutions for a variety of applications. The vast majority of requirements can be solved by one of these four standard designs:-
PTFE Shield
Our most popular shield, compatible with practically all corrosive chemicals due to technical fabric and Teflon thread.
PTFE-CLEAR Shield
This shield is generally used for applications where sight of the flange/joint must not be obscured. Thus, liquid releases can be seen within the shield, providing visual indication.
316 STEEL Shield
Comprises outer 316 steel band, inner 4-layer steel mesh and external quick-release clamp. The key design feature is the internal mesh which effectively diffuses all pressure from the release, resulting in a safe drip.
PVC Shield
Made from heat-sealed PVC and is designed to provide a ‘budget’ or short-term solution for low corrosion, pressure and temperature applications.
Whilst these shield are suitable for most applications, we do have a wide variety of other materials and special designs available.
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
PTFE Shield
The most widely used shield type throughout all industries – due to corrosion resistant materials and flexibility of fabrication. This design wraps around the outside flange diameter, pulling down around the bolts to prevent direct spray, lateral spray and mist formation.
Our PTFE shield uses only the highest quality materials and is designed to exactly fit, thus prevent spray and mist. Further, all our designs are tested on our pressure-test facility.
Beware of shields that may look the same as ours, but use inferior materials and ineffective design. These are generally cheap copies, offering poor protection – indeed, ill-fitting shields can CAUSE lateral spray and mist formation.
NOT ALL SHIELDS ARE THE SAME. WHEN THE PRICE OF FAILURE IS HIGH, DO NOT COMPROMISE ON QUALITY
1. Central Thick Scrim material
Added safety. Without this, a pressure release can split the outer shield material, creating spray and mist.
2. Permeable Teflon material
Ensures leaking liquid is drawn away from the flange, thus avoiding corrosion (especially if acid duty) and triggering litmus colour change . Other non- permeable shield designs can hold corrosive liquids against the flange.
3. Teflon Thread
Better resistance against corrosive atmospheres. Other shields use cotton threads which disintegrate quickly.
PTFE-CLEAR Shield
Like the PTFE shield, but with clear central ECTFE (Teflon) section, enabling visual inspection of the flange at all times, without shield removal. Comprises corrosion resistant materials.
PTFE-CLEAR ShieldOur PTFE-CLEAR shield uses only the highest quality materials and is designed to exactly fit, thus prevent spray and mist. Further, all our designs are tested on our pressure-test facility.
Beware of shields that may look the same as ours, but use inferior materials and ineffective design. These are generally cheap copies, offering poor protection – indeed, ill-fitting shields can CAUSE lateral spray and mist formation.
NOT ALL SHIELDS ARE THE SAME. WHEN THE PRICE OF FAILURE IS HIGH, DO NOT COMPROMISE ON QUALITY
1. Central clear ECTFE material
Added safety & continued visual inspection. Other shield designs use FEP as clear section, which can ‘cloud’ over time, becoming opaque, and difficult to see through.
2. Permeable Teflon material
Ensures leaking liquid is drawn away from the flange, thus avoiding corrosion (especially if acid duty) and triggering litmus colour change . Other non- permeable shield designs can hold corrosive liquids against the flange.
3. Teflon Thread
Better resistance against corrosive atmospheres. Other shields use cotton threads which disintegrate quickly.
PVC Shield
Two-layer PVC shield, offered as low-cost alternative, where process conditions allow. Typically used for low corrosion applications for ambient pressure and temperature conditions.
PHOTO GALLERY
This is a small collection of safety shield pictures, either on their own on in-situ. Notice the variety of non-standard shield configurations available.
Valve Shields:-
Other Shields:-
Standard Shields:-
