Tool for Installing a Seal Ring Between Pipe Flanges

A tool has been devised to facilitate the accurate placement of a seal ring between the hubs of two pipe flanges that are to be clamped together. Heretofore, technicians have resorted to impro- visations that have included, variously, insertion of a ring with fingertips, lowering a ring into place by use of string or tape, sticking a ring to one hub by use of grease while the other hub is brought into alignment, and/or positioning a ring by use of a screwdriver or knife. All of these improvisations entail susceptibility to incorrect placement of the ring and contamination of sealing surfaces. Moreover, by inserting fingertips in the narrow pinch gap between the hubs, a technician risks injury.