How to Correctly Install and Maintain Corrosion-Resistant Carbon Steel Washers

Pre-Installation Preparation

Before installing corrosion-resistant carbon steel washers, the first step is to inspect them. Carefully check whether the washer surface has scratches, deformation, or coating peeling. Such issues may impair the washer’s sealing and corrosion-resistant performance, so the washer should be replaced promptly if any of these problems exist.

Meanwhile, confirm that the washer’s specification and model match the equipment’s connection part—including dimensional parameters such as the washer’s inner diameter, outer diameter, and thickness. This avoids loosening or poor sealing after installation due to mismatched dimensions.

In addition, clean the equipment’s connection part. Use dedicated cleaning agents and tools to remove oil, rust, and impurities from the connection surface, ensuring the surface is clean and flat. Unevenness or rust on the connection surface will affect the washer’s fit, thereby reducing the sealing effect and increasing the risk of corrosion.

Key Points for Installation Process

When installing corrosion-resistant carbon steel washers, adopt the correct installation method:

Place the washer stably in the sealing groove of the connection part, ensuring it fully fits into the groove, stays centered, and does not shift.
When tightening bolts or nuts, follow the principle of symmetry and uniformity, tightening them step by step in a specific order to prevent washer deformation or damage caused by uneven force. For example, for flange connections, a crisscross tightening method can be used, and the specified tightening torque can be achieved gradually in 2–3 steps.

During installation, avoid touching the washer surface with sharp tools to prevent damage to its corrosion-resistant coating. At the same time, pay attention to the installation environment—avoid installation in harsh environments such as humidity or heavy dust, as moisture and dust may enter the connection part and affect the washer’s performance.

Key Points for Daily Maintenance

After corrosion-resistant carbon steel washers are installed and put into use, daily maintenance is crucial:

Conduct regular inspections of the equipment’s connection part where the washer is installed, checking for signs of leakage (e.g., liquid seepage, gas escape).
Observe whether the washer surface shows corrosion. If discoloration, rust spots, or other corrosion signs appear on the washer surface, promptly analyze the cause and take corresponding measures.

For washers in long-term harsh environments (e.g., chemical workshops, coastal areas), shorten the inspection cycle. In addition, monitor changes in parameters such as temperature and pressure during equipment operation to prevent washer damage caused by excessive pressure due to abnormal parameters. If the equipment is out of service for a long time, fully inspect the washer before restarting to ensure its performance is in good condition.

Troubleshooting and Replacement

When corrosion-resistant carbon steel washers develop faults such as leakage or severe corrosion, take prompt action:

If the leakage is minor, under the premise of ensuring safety, appropriately increase the bolt tightening torque—but do not exceed the specified maximum torque to avoid damaging the bolt or washer.
If the leakage is severe or the washer is significantly damaged (e.g., cracking, large-area coating peeling), the washer must be replaced immediately.

When replacing the washer, re-follow the pre-installation preparation and installation process. Meanwhile, analyze the cause of damage to the old washer, check for abnormalities in the equipment’s connection part (e.g., flange deformation, bolt damage), and repair or replace relevant components promptly to prevent the new washer from developing similar faults.

Supplementary Notes on Key Terms

Sealing groove: A recessed structure on the equipment connection part (e.g., flange) designed to fit the washer. It fixes the washer’s position and ensures effective sealing, which is a key structure for preventing fluid/gas leakage.
Tightening torque: The force used to tighten bolts/nuts, usually measured in N·m. Excessive torque may damage threads or washers; insufficient torque leads to loose connections—following the specified torque is critical for ensuring sealing performance.
Crisscross tightening method: A common bolt tightening sequence for flange connections (e.g., tightening bolts at diagonal positions alternately). It ensures uniform force on the flange and washer, avoiding local deformation that impairs sealing.

How to Correctly Install and Maintain Corrosion-Resistant Carbon Steel Washers