What is the purpose of the sleeves in a typical flange-isolating kit?

The primary purpose of the sleeves in a typical flange-isolating kit is to isolate the flange studs or bolts. This isolation is crucial in preventing electrical continuity between the flanges, which can lead to corrosion due to electrolysis. By using sleeves, the potential for corrosive galvanic reactions is minimized, as the fasteners are kept electrically isolated from the flange surfaces and the fluid within the piping system. This is particularly important in pipelines that transport fluids or gases that may contribute to corrosion, ensuring the longevity and integrity of the piping system.

Isolating the flange studs or bolts helps maintain the intended function of the flange isolation, which plays a critical role in system performance and safety. Other components of the flange-isolating kit, such as insulators or gaskets, also contribute to this overall goal, but the specific function of sleeves is centered around the protection of the bolting assembly from electrical conductivity.