The development of the Flaretite Seal was commenced by Norm Mathers in 1998 as Managing Director of Mathers Hydraulics Pty Ltd in Brisbane Queensland, Australia.
The invention was driven by the desire to overcome the following problems:

• Weeping hydraulic joints
• Cost of replacement for damaged nipples and flares
• Associated down-time of machinery
• Environmental damage to plant and property
• Clean up costs

The concept of using sealant to reduce weeping is not new, with a variety of thread sealants being available. However, the Flaretite seal was designed incorporating the locking features of threads and the sealing qualities of thread sealant or chemical thread locking. Mr. Mathers produced a number of prototypes that were progressively modified to arrive at the current design.

Representatives of the industry were invited to submit weeping joints to which the seal was fitted. The results were outstanding, with all but the most severely damaged ceasing to weep. Further testing carried out by one of America’s leading fitting manufacturers has demonstrated the following for the Flaretite Seal:

• it will not rupture or detrimentally affect the integrity of the original joint;
• it allows higher tightening torque to the flare joints without causing face damage;
• it prevents weeping on new and damaged faces;
• in emergencies, it will allow short-term operation of extensively damaged joints.