Flange alignment tool and method for using same

Abstract

A flange alignment tool comprises a body portion having a first, relatively flat surface disposed for abutting engagement with a rear surface of a pipe flange and a second, curvilinear surface adjacent the first surface and shaped for complementary engagement with a curvilinear neck portion of the pipe flange adjacent the rear surface thereof. First and second spaced apart aligning pins extend through the body portion and include projecting flange-engaging pin ends positioned for alignment with an adjacent pair of through apertures in the flange. Resilient springs urge the aligning pins in a predetermined direction for encouraging positive engagement of the flange-engaging pin ends with the through apertures. A method for aligning a pair of pipe flanges, each having a plurality of through apertures, at opposite ends of a length of pipe, comprises permanently attaching a first flange to a first end of said pipe, inserting an alignment tool having a flat surface into two adjacent ones of the through apertures of the first flange, applying a level to the flat surface and rotating the pipe and first flange until the level indicates a level position. A second flange is placed about the opposite end of said pipe, and the tool is inserted through two adjacent ones of the through apertures of the second flange. The level is then applied to the flat surface of the tool and the second flange is rotated while holding the pipe stationary until the level indicates a level position. The second flange is then permanently attached to said opposite end of the pipe.