Special Features: Flex-Line connectors provide a positive, leak-proof seal, while allowing for angular variations of as much as 10 degrees between tanks. They also eliminate the need to spot tanks the same distance apart at each rig location, since plain-end pipe can extend into the tank as far as necessary. See Fig. 55-F.

Description: The Flex-Line connector consists of a steel flange welded to the mud tank, a molded, oil-resistant packing element and a retainer ring. The flange can be welded to either the inside or the outside of the tank. If the connector is installed with the rubber on the outside of the tank, a hose clamp is required to provide a seal. See specifications on this pag . However, the method illustrated in Fig. 58-F is preferred, since the seal is provided by the pressure of the mud in the tank. For cutting holes in tanks, refer to installation dimensions, Fig. 58-F.

The outlet plug shown in Fig. 54-F is an optional accessory that provides a fluid-tight seal when the Flex-Line connector opening is not in use. The plug fits the regular connector flange and uses the same retainer ring.

Installation: Mud tanks are easily connected by pushing the plain-end pipe through the packing element. To remove, the pipe is pulled out. The self-sealing packing element prevents mud leakage even under extreme misalignment. It can be removed and replaced when moving tanks, if desired.

Installed on the suction line from the pump to a mud tank, the Flex-Line serves as a fiexible joint, absorbing pump pulsations. Settling of either pump or tank is automatically compensated for by the angular variation allowed. A pair of flexible connections, of course, allows for even greater misalignment than a flexible connection at the tank end and a rigid one at the pump suction.

Size Range and Specifications: Flex-Line connectors and plugs are made for pipe OD's of 8 5/8", 10 3/4" and 13 3/8".