Paddle Spacers and Blinds

At Flowell, we take great pride in delivering high-performance, reliable pipeline isolation tools tailored to meet the demanding needs of the energy, petrochemical, and process industries. Our line of Paddle Spacers and Blinds is manufactured to the highest standards, ensuring safe operation and compliance with international specifications.

Engineered to API 590 Standards

We manufacture our Paddle Spacers and Paddle Blinds (also known as Figure 8 Blinds, Spectacle Blinds, or Line Blinds) in accordance with API 590 standards. This means every unit we supply is engineered to withstand the temperatures and pressures associated with ANSI-rated flanges. By aligning with API 590, we offer our customers the assurance that our blinds and spacers deliver consistent, durable service in some of the most demanding environments in the industry.

Whether it’s isolation for maintenance, positive shutoff, or flow verification, we ensure our products perform to spec and offer long-term dependability.

Robust Material Paddle Spacers and Blinds Options

We understand that not all applications are the same. That’s why we offer a range of material options for our Paddle Spacers and Blinds to meet various service conditions.

• Carbon Steel: These are available from stock for fast delivery and are suitable for most general-purpose applications where corrosion resistance is not a primary concern.
• 304 Stainless Steel: Ideal for moderate corrosion environments, offering a balance between cost and durability.
• 316 Stainless Steel: Highly resistant to pitting and crevice corrosion, especially in chloride-rich environments. This is our go-to recommendation for marine, chemical processing, or food-grade applications.
• Custom Materials: For unique or extreme applications, we can manufacture blinds and spacers in specialty alloys, including Hastelloy, Inconel, Monel, and duplex stainless steels. Just let us know your requirements.

All materials are fully traceable, and mill test reports verifying chemical composition and mechanical properties are available upon request.

Precision Thickness and Fit

The proper thickness of Paddle Spacers and Blinds is critical to ensuring flange alignment and sealing integrity. Our units are manufactured to precise tolerances, with thicknesses determined in accordance with API 590 specifications and matched to ANSI flange ratings. This ensures that when our blinds and spacers are installed, they provide the exact spacing required for secure bolting and gasket compression.

In addition to standard thicknesses, we also accommodate custom requests when users have nonstandard or legacy flange configurations. With our in-house fabrication capabilities, we can quickly respond to such needs.

Available Sizes and Pressure Ratings

We offer our Paddle Spacers and Blinds in a wide range of sizes to accommodate nominal pipe sizes from ½” up to 48″ and beyond. Standard pressure classes include:

• ANSI 150
• ANSI 300
• ANSI 600
• ANSI 900
• ANSI 1500
• ANSI 2500

For specialized service, including high-pressure or cryogenic environments, we’re able to work with you to develop tailored solutions that meet your engineering requirements and safety codes.

Paddle Spacers and Blinds Design Features

Each Paddle Spacer or Blind features a single handle design that simplifies installation and identification. Handles are typically stamped or engraved with the size, rating, material type, and “OPEN” or “CLOSED” to designate whether the component is a spacer (open) or a blind (closed). This eliminates guesswork in the field and contributes to safer operations.

Our units’ end profiles match standard raised face flanges, and we ensure surface finishes suitable for effective gasket sealing. We also offer options for flat face applications and can provide serrated or smooth finishes depending on customer needs.

Spacer & Blind Applications Across Industries

Our Paddle Spacers and Blinds are used in a wide variety of industries, including:

• Oil and gas refining
• Chemical and petrochemical processing
• Power generation
• Water and wastewater treatment
• Marine and offshore facilities
• Pulp and paper production

Wherever there is a need for reliable, verifiable line isolation, you’ll find our products in use. Whether it’s a planned shutdown, emergency maintenance, or routine inspection, our products provide the assurance of zero-leakage isolation when it’s needed most.

Supporting Documentation and Compliance

At Flowell, documentation is an essential part of our product delivery. We can provide the following upon request:

• Material Test Reports (MTRs)
• Certificates of Conformance
• Dimensional inspection reports
• Pressure test certifications
• Custom tags and labeling

We also understand the importance of compliance with local and international standards. That’s why we work with regulatory and inspection bodies to ensure every component we ship is fully compliant with applicable norms.

Fast Turnaround and Custom Orders

One of the reasons our customers return to us time and again is our speed. Thanks to a large inventory of raw materials and semi-finished products, we are able to fulfill most carbon steel paddle spacer and blind orders from stock.

For stainless steel and custom orders, we maintain short lead times due to streamlined manufacturing processes and experienced production staff. Whether you need a single unit or a bulk order with serialized tracking, we are equipped to deliver promptly.

Got a unique configuration? No problem. Send us your drawing or specifications, and our engineering team will work with you to design and fabricate exactly what you need.

Safety and Operational Assurance

Proper use of Paddle Blinds and Spacers is critical to plant safety. These components are often the first line of defense during system isolation for maintenance or system modification. We treat this responsibility seriously.

Every unit we manufacture is inspected before shipping to ensure flatness, material compliance, and proper marking. Our quality assurance team follows rigorous standards to ensure that when our product arrives on your site, it’s ready to perform.

Additionally, we offer guidance on proper installation practices, torque specifications, and handling best practices. Our technical support is just a phone call or email away, and we’re happy to walk you through any aspect of installation or maintenance.

Why Choose Us For Paddle Spacers & Blinds?

We’re more than just a supplier — we’re your partner in flow control and system safety. With decades of experience, a reputation for quality, and a deep commitment to service, we’ve built long-standing relationships with clients across North America and beyond.

When you work with us, you can expect:

• Responsive service from knowledgeable experts
• Quality products made to standard, or customized to your needs
• Fast delivery, including same-day shipping on stocked items
• Full documentation and technical support
• Competitive pricing and volume discounts

Request a Quote Today

Whether you’re looking to standardize your isolation practices or need a specialty solution for a unique application, we’re here to help. Contact our team to request a quote, submit a drawing, or speak with an engineer.

We’re committed to helping you maintain the safety, reliability, and efficiency of your systems. Let Flowell be your trusted source for Paddle Spacers and Blinds.