What Does
Insulating Flange (FIK) Mean?
Insulating flanges are those flanges equipped with plastic pieces that insulate and prevent the flow of an electric current between two metal surfaces. Insulating flanges are used in cathodic protection systems to prevent electrolytic corrosion.
An insulating flange may also be known as a flange insulation kit or flange isolation kit (FIK).
Corrosionpedia Explains Insulating Flange (FIK)
Cathodic protection is often supplied to pipelines and other equipment that contain fluids. In order to provide cathodic protection to these systems, insulating flange kits are installed at intervals in the pipeline. These insulating flange kits ensure that the two metallic surfaces are never in contact when an electric current is passed through a pipeline for the purpose of minimizing corrosion. Localized cathodic protection is achieved by placing anodes close to the protected structure.
The insulating flange kits are available for various pipeline sizes. These kits are installed at spaced intervals, generally where joints exists in the pipelines. These kits help to electrically insulate the pipeline from other foreign metallic structures and plant grounding systems.