Octopus Subsea Tooling: Advanced Gasket Insertion Tools and Flange Installation Aids for Reliable Subsea Operations
At Octopus Subsea Tooling, we are focused on one thing. Improving the safety, consistency and reliability of subsea flange operations.
Flange make up offshore is not simply a mechanical task. A pipeline flange connection forms part of a pressure boundary that must perform under demanding conditions for years. When executed correctly, it becomes invisible. When done poorly, it leads to leaks, rework and unnecessary risk.
That is why we design and manufacture advanced gasket insertion tools and flange installation aids specifically for subsea environments.
The Importance of Consistency in Flange Make Up
One of the driving factors in attempts to improve Flange Make Up is consistency of procedures and reliability of product.
Over the years, we have seen the same bad practices repeated during subsea flange tie ins and subsea flange operations. Gaskets or Ring Type Joints are sometimes forced into position. Flange sealing faces are used as leverage points. Flanges are pulled together using bolt load (hydraulic jacks) rather than proper alignment. These habits often stem from a lack of understanding of flange engineering and from inadequate tooling.
A pipeline flange relies on correct gasket seating alignment and even bolt load distribution. If the gasket is damaged during insertion, or the flange face is marked, the integrity of the joint is already compromised before bolt tensioning begins.
True consistency comes from combining proper procedure with purpose built subsea installation tools / aids that support the correct method every time.
The Original Gasket Insertion Tool
We At Octopus Subsea Tooling we developed the original gasket installation tool to solve a simple but critical problem. How to insert RTJ or metal gaskets safely and accurately between ANSI B16.20 flanges in subsea conditions.
Our subsea gasket insertion tool controls the gasket during lowering / placement between the flange faces and correctly inserted into the flange face grooves, allowing divers to guide it the RTJ into position without damaging the RTJ or flange sealing face. The GIT reduces manual handling in confined spaces and helps prevent the common issue of misaligned, or dropped or damaged gaskets.
This approach protects both the gasket and the pipeline flange. It also reduces the likelihood of rework, which saves valuable vessel time and avoids unnecessary exposure for divers.
The result is a controlled, repeatable insertion process that improves confidence before bolt up even begins.
Engineering Driven Flange Installation Aids
Flange installation aids are often underestimated. In reality, they play a crucial role in alignment and load control during flange make up.
We have seen flange skillets and improvised alignment tools used without proper mechanical understanding. If a tool does not account for flange geometry and load paths, it can introduce uneven stress or damage critical surfaces.
At Octopus Subsea Tooling, we design our flange installation aids around sound engineering principles. Each tool supports correct alignment and minimises distortion during flange tie ins. Correct alignment means bolt load is used to seat the gasket, not to correct flange misalignment.
This distinction is important. When bolt load is misused to force flanges together, gasket seating stress becomes unpredictable and joint integrity suffers.
Our tools are developed to remove that uncertainty.
Built for Real Subsea Conditions
Subsea flange installation tools must perform in difficult environments. Limited visibility, currents and restricted access all influence how a tool is used.
We design our equipment with these realities in mind. Tools must be robust, simple to operate and intuitive for divers.
The original Gasket Insertion Tool and Subsea Installation Aids are proudly manufactured in Malaysia. We maintain strict quality standards to ensure every unit performs consistently across projects and operating conditions.
Reliability of product is just as important as reliability of procedure. When tools behave predictably, teams can standardise their flange make up process and reduce variability between crews.
Improving Pipeline Flange Tie Ins
Pipeline flange tie ins are often carried out under time pressure. Spool installation schedules are tight and offshore costs are significant. In these circumstances, there is a temptation to rely on familiar methods rather than engineered solutions.
Common issues include poor alignment, damaged RTJ grooves and uneven bolt tightening. Each of these problems increases the risk of leakage or premature failure.
By using Octopus Subsea Tooling ‘Gasket Insertion Tools and properly engineered flange installation aids, these risks are significantly reduced. Gaskets (Ring Type Joints) are inserted cleanly. Flanges are aligned correctly. Bolt up becomes controlled and predictable.
This does not slow operations. It improves efficiency by reducing rework and preventing delays caused by damaged components.
Raising Standards in Subsea Flange Work
At Octopus Subsea Tooling, we believe that raising standards in subsea operations starts with improving the fundamentals.
Flange engineering must be respected. Gasket behaviour must be understood. Bolt load must be controlled. Our subsea installation tools are designed to support these principles in practical offshore conditions.
We have built our reputation on helping operators move away from repeated bad practices and towards structured, reliable methods. By combining engineered tools with consistent procedures, we help deliver safer divers, protected sealing surfaces and dependable pipeline flange connections.
Work With Octopus Subsea Tooling
If you are involved in subsea spool installation, flange make up or pipeline flange tie ins, we can support your project with proven, engineered solutions.
Speak with us at Octopus Subsea Tooling about our advanced gasket insertion tool, skillets and complete range of subsea flange installation aids. Let us help you improve consistency, protect your assets and deliver reliable subsea flange tie in operations every time.