How to use flange pipe fittings correctly?

What are flange pipe fittings?

Flange pipe fittings are socket-type connectors used to connect two pipes, valves, pumps and other devices. In layman's terms, it is like two parallel plates with a transmission shaft between them, so that the two plates can rotate at the same time and seal and connect, thereby realizing the connection of the pipeline. Pipe flanges are usually composed of flanges, bolts, gaskets, etc. It can not only connect the same type of pipes, but also connect pipes of different materials and specifications. It is an indispensable connector in pipeline engineering.

How to use pipe flanges correctly?

1. Choose the right flange
Before using the flange, you need to choose the right flange according to the material, specification, working medium and other factors of the pipeline. Generally speaking, flanges are divided into national standards, Japanese standards, German standards, American standards (ANSI flange standard), etc. according to different connection standards. When choosing, you must strictly follow the standard requirements to ensure the connection effect.

2. Install the flange
When installing the flange, you need to pay attention to the following steps:

(1) Clean the flange: clean the flange, bolts, gaskets and other parts, and clean the residues at both ends of the pipeline.
(2) Install the flange: Align the flange and the flange port, then pass the bolts through the flange and the pipe port and tighten them by hand.
(3) Add gaskets: Add gaskets to the flange nuts, then tighten the nuts to the specified torque.
(4) Fix the bolts: Pass the bolts through the holes of the flange and tighten them tightly with nuts.
(5) Cross-tighten: Tighten the bolts step by step in a cross-order to ensure that the flange connection is evenly stressed.
(6) Check the sealing: After the connection is completed, check the sealing performance of the flange connection to ensure that there is no leakage.

3. Disassemble the flange
When disassembling the flange, pay attention to the following steps:
(1) Loosen the bolts: Loosen the nuts and bolts first, but do not disassemble it immediately.
(2) Knock the flange: Use a blunt object to gently knock on both sides of the flange to detach the flange from the pipe.
(3) Disassemble the flange: Disassemble the flange and flange bolts, gaskets and other parts one by one, and be careful to preserve the flange parts.

Notes:

When using flanges, pay attention to the following:
(1) Do not use flanges that are bumped, deformed or damaged.
(2) The gasket on the flange should be well sealed with the pipe interface and no bulges or cracks should appear.
(3) During installation, tighten the bolts alternately to ensure that the flange is tightly sealed and there is no leakage.

(4) When removing the flange, pay attention to safety to avoid accidents.

Application fields of flange connection:

1. Energy field: Flange connection is widely used in the transmission of heat energy and power industries, such as oil pipelines, gas pipelines, hot water pipelines, nuclear power plants, etc.
2. Petrochemical field: Flange connection is widely used in the petrochemical industry, such as petrochemical, fertilizer, chlor-alkali and other industries, for the manufacture of chemicals, synthetic resins, pharmaceutical raw materials and dyes, etc.
3. Pharmaceutical field: The pharmaceutical industry requires the use of stainless steel pipes under sterile conditions for transportation, and this type of transportation generally uses flange connection.
4. Construction field: For example, temporary water pipes, water supply and drainage pipes, central air-conditioning pipes, etc. on construction sites will use flange connection.
5. Food and beverage industry: Flange connection is also used in food, beverage, beer and other industries, such as milk, juice, beverage filling production lines, etc.

Advantages and disadvantages of flange connection:

Advantages:
(1) Easy to install and disassemble, the connection method and connection point can be flexibly adjusted to adapt to connections under various complex conditions;
(2) Good sealing performance, the use of gaskets can effectively avoid oil leakage, air leakage and other problems;
(3) High connection strength and can withstand greater pressure;

Disadvantages:
(1) High maintenance requirements, gaskets need to be replaced regularly;
(2) Relatively high cost, requiring the purchase of a large number of flanges, bolts, gaskets and other accessories.

Flange connection has the characteristics of high reliability and wide application range. It is often used in industrial pipelines, ships, petrochemicals and other fields. When using flange connection, it is necessary to select the appropriate flange model, material and sealing gasket according to the specific situation to ensure the reliability and sealing of the connection.

Read more: How to choose pipe flange material? or Pipe flange size specifications