What are flange connections?

Flanged joints are one of the most common joints used in industry. They are welded to the pipeline pipes and are characterised by their circular shape. When making a flange connection, care must be taken to ensure the type of flange connection is selected correctly. Only a well-chosen connection can serve safety and have a positive effect on the service life of the equipment/pressure installation You should know and comply with the requirements of the European Pressure Directive.
Older constructions are characterised by asbestos seals. Today, the use of asbestos is unthinkable because asbestos is banned!

And how do you choose the type of connection?

The criterion by which the connection is selected is operation! The flange is intended to provide a durable and reliable connection. Typically, flanged connections are used when fittings are installed.

The flanges are made to standards and this is very important. These standards guarantee safety. So what are the standards in Europe? Flanges in Europe are referred to as PN, and manufactured according to EN 1092-1. This symbol and number indicate the nominal pressure class of the flange.

What flanged joints can do together:

• Cast iron pipes with fittings
• Steel pipes with fittings
• PVC pipes with fittings
• PEHD pipes with fittings

It is useful to know what such connections are used for, and these connections are used for bonding:

• Wires
• Pipes
• Fittings
• And they are also used in the chemical industry, the food industry or the energy industry

What does the installation look like?

• The flange connection may only be installed by suitably qualified and authorised persons!
• All bolts and gaskets should be checked for completeness
• Only after these steps have been completed can installation begin
• The right tools should be selected, such as: torque spanners, hydraulic
• The installation team then aligns the joint and tightens the bolts according to the diagram
• The tightening of the screws has 5 stages together with the torque
• The calculation of the gasket compression force through the flanges has a defined range - from the smallest joint tightness to the largest

Of course, the work involved in assembling flange connections is a responsible job for which professional knowledge is essential. Assembly and disassembly should be carried out under safe conditions! Without professional knowledge and good workmanship, it is impossible to assemble a flange joint in a way that guarantees its stability and durability. Precision and accuracy are paramount in this field.