What is the function of a flange in pipeline?

What is the flange in pipeline?

In industrial pipeline system, flange is an important component that connects two pipelines or pipeline and equipment, and realizes the tight connection and sealing of various components in pipeline system. It usually consists of two interconnected annular parts, one of which is usually fixed on the pipeline or equipment, and the other is connected to it by bolts. Such design is convenient for disassembly and maintenance, and can help maintain the integrity of the pipeline.

Function of pipe flange:

Pipe flange is a mechanical part used to connect pipes, valves, pumps, equipment and other components. Its main functions include:

1. Connection function

It can firmly connect two pipelines, pipe fittings or equipment together, so that the medium can flow smoothly, ensure sealing performance and prevent medium leakage. In industrial production, since the length of the pipeline is usually long, it is difficult to meet the demand with a single pipe, so flange pipe is needed for connection.

2. Easy to disassemble and install
In the pipeline system, the design of flange facilitates the maintenance and replacement of pipelines. By removing the bolts at the flange connection, the pipeline can be easily disassembled, making maintenance more convenient and quick.

3. Sealing performance guarantee
Since the medium in the pipeline is usually liquid, gas or steam, if it is not sealed, the medium will leak out of the pipeline, causing serious safety problems. Flanges can form a reliable seal at the connection of the pipeline by clamping the sealing gasket, threaded connection, etc., to prevent fluid or gas leakage at the connection.

4. Withstand pressure and load
During operation, the pipeline will be subject to various forces, such as internal pressure, external force, temperature change, etc. These forces will cause the pipeline to bend, bend and creep. The design of the flange takes this into consideration, strengthens the support at the pipeline connection, enhances the bearing capacity and firmness of the pipeline, and reduces the deformation. It can withstand the pressure, temperature changes and external mechanical loads inside the pipeline system.

5. Change the direction and diameter of the pipeline
After the pipeline is connected, it is sometimes necessary to adjust it, such as adjusting the direction, height, angle, etc. of the pipeline. The design of the pipe flange has a certain adjustment ability. By removing the flange pipe connection bolts, the position and angle between adjacent pipelines can be adjusted to meet the working requirements under different conditions. Through flanges of different types and specifications, the change of pipeline direction and the conversion of caliber can be achieved.

6. Standardized interface
Following unified standards and specifications, it is convenient for the connection and interchange between components produced by different manufacturers.

7. Adapt to various application scenarios
The design of the flange can adapt to various application scenarios, such as high temperature, high pressure, corrosion and other environments, and can also adapt to different media, such as water, oil, gas, etc.

Types of pipe flanges:

According to national standards, in actual production applications, flange pipes can be divided into different types, including welding flanges, threaded flanges, socket welding flanges, clamped flanges, side welding flanges, etc. According to different connection methods and structural forms, flanges can be divided into blind flanges, butt welding flanges, threaded flanges, SO flanges and other types. Blind flanges are mainly used to close the end of the pipeline system, butt welding flanges are suitable for welding connections, threaded flanges are suitable for threaded connections, and SO flanges are round bosses at the connection between flanges and pipeline flanges, which are suitable for use with flange gaskets. Different types of flanges have their own advantages in different occasions. Choosing the right flange type can better meet the needs of the pipeline system.

Application fields of flange pipe fittings:

Pipe flanges are widely used in pipeline systems in petrochemical, electric power, metallurgy, shipbuilding, medicine and other industries.
In the petrochemical industry, pipeline systems for various conveying media cannot do without flange connections, such as oil pipelines, gas pipelines, etc.; in the power industry, thermal power plants, nuclear power plants, etc. require a large number of flange connectors; in the shipbuilding industry, flange connections are also an indispensable part of ship pipeline systems. It can be said that flanges, as important connectors in pipeline systems, are widely used in various fields.

Matters to note when selecting flanges:

When selecting pipe flanges, the following points need to be considered:

1. Working conditions, including media, pressure, temperature, flow, etc., need to match the material, specifications and other parameters of the flange pipe.
2. The material of the flange, including carbon steel, stainless steel, alloy steel, plastic, etc., needs to be selected according to factors such as the acidity, alkalinity, corrosiveness, and quality requirements of the medium.
3. The specifications of the flange, including nominal diameter, nominal pressure, etc., need to be selected according to the needs of the actual working occasion.
4. When installing and adjusting the pipeline, pay attention to strictly follow the specifications to ensure safety and reliability.

Conclusion:

As an important connector in the pipeline system, flange fittings have multiple functions such as connection, sealing and support. Different types of flange pipes are suitable for different working occasions. By selecting the appropriate flange type, correctly installing and maintaining the flange connection, the normal operation and safety of the pipeline system can be guaranteed. At the same time, the wide application of flanges also reflects its important position in various industrial fields, providing solid support for the construction and operation of various process pipelines.

Read more: Pipe flange size specifications and classification