A flange connection involves securing two pipes, fittings, or pieces of equipment to their respective flange plates; a gasket is placed between the two plates, and they are fastened together with bolts to complete the connection. Some fittings and equipment come with integral flanges, which also fall under the category of flange connections. Flange connection is a crucial method in pipeline construction; it is convenient to use and capable of withstanding high pressure. While flange connections are rarely seen in domestic piping-where diameters are small and pressures are low-they are ubiquitous in boiler rooms and industrial production sites, where pipelines and equipment are frequently connected this way.
Principles and Applications of Flange Connections; Tips for Selecting Flanges Based on Pressure Ratings
Based on the connection method, flange types include: plate-type slip-on flanges, slip-on flanges with hubs, weld-neck flanges, socket-weld flanges, threaded flanges, blind flanges, lap-joint flanges with weld-neck stubs, lap-joint flanges with slip-on stubs, ring-joint (RTJ) flanges and blind flanges, large-diameter plate flanges, large-diameter high-neck flanges, figure-8 blinds, and lap-joint flanges with weld-neck stubs.
