Abstract: A pressurized leaking flange joint is sealed with a ¼ circle load support structure, a jacking bolt extending therethrough and applying a radial load to a sealing plug between the flange gap. The sealing plug is a graphite packing ring placed into the flange gap on either side of a gasket centering ring, and a carbon steel compression ring (two ⅛ circles placed end-to-end) placed on top of the packing ring on either side of the gasket centering ring. The load support structure is installed such that the jacking bolt is centered over the flange gap. The jacking bolt is torqued and subsequently applies a radial load to the compression ring, which radial load is transferred to the load support structure and then to two flange bolts against which the load support structure bares. The radial load on the compression rings compresses the packing material into the pathway of the leak, thereby sealing the same.

Abstract: Novel cobalt-free iron-base, wear-resistant and anti-galling, hardfacing alloys are provided. These alloys are capable of being deposited on substrates by welding without preheating the substrate, thus facilitating field applications of cobalt-free alloys.

Abstract: A welding electrode suitable for underwater welding is manufactured from a welding rod with a flux layer thereon by forming a protective coating of a waterproofing material at least over this layer and subjecting it to a pressure at least as great as the pressure at a depth of water at which the welding electrode is intended to be used such that the waterproofing material is driven into pores and interstices of the flux to impregnate it. Waterproofing materials which do not produce organic residues at welding are preferred, such as liquid sealant with metallic aluminum powder, polyurethane, resins and epoxy-based coatings.