Lee Products’ new stainless-steel AFO (Axial Force Only) plugs are designed to handle high-pressure, high-temperature manifold applications, such as those occurring in the petrochem and offshore oil industry. These typically demand metal-to-metal seal devices that provide a leak-tight seal and meet API specifications. The Lee Products AFO plugs are both removable and reusable. AFO plugs feature a floating seal that self-aligns to allow for threaded holes that are not concentric with the through hole. As a result of the plug two-piece construction, the seal does not rotate during installation, thus preventing galling of the seat. Also, since all the force is contained in the axial direction, the boss diameter can be smaller compared to other designs of plug. Standard AFO plugs are manufactured from corrosion-resistant 303 and 15-5 stainless steel and do not require O-rings or sealants. They are designed to withstand pressures up to 60,000 psi and temperatures to 600degF when fitted into hard materials as well as in softer materials, such as aluminium or plastic. Typical offshore oil industry applications for AFO plugs include subsea wellhead trees, tubing hangers, completion tools, slick joints and down hole tools.
