Flange connection and socket connection are both common types of pipe connections. Each of them has its own unique features and applicable scenarios, and there are also some obvious differences between them.
I. Characteristics of Flange Connections
1. Complex structure but stable: The flange connection involves aligning two pipes or equipment with flange plates, and then tightening the flanges with bolts to form a single unit. The structure is relatively complex, but the connection is much more stable.
2. Excellent sealing performance: The sealing gaskets between the flanges can effectively prevent the leakage of the medium, ensuring the safety and stability of the connection. The material of the flange gaskets is also selected according to the pressure level, ranging from low-pressure asbestos gaskets, high-pressure asbestos gaskets and PTFE gaskets to metal gaskets.
3. Wide application range: Flange connections can be used for pipe connections of various diameters, under various pressures and temperatures, especially performing exceptionally well in harsh environments such as high pressure, high temperature and corrosion. When choosing flanges, factors such as the acidity and alkalinity of the medium should also be taken into consideration.
4. Easy disassembly: Although the installation process is relatively complex, the flange connection is also easy to disassemble. All that is needed is to loosen the bolts.
II. Characteristics of Interlocking Connection
1. Simple structure: The flange connection mainly secures the pipe or equipment by using two symmetrical clamps. The clamps are usually fixed with bolts or other fasteners, making it convenient for adjustment and disassembly.
2. Easy installation: Due to its simple structure, all that is needed is to align the fixture with the pipeline or equipment, and then tighten the bolts to complete the installation. No professional tools or personnel are required.
3. Low Cost: The accessories for the clamp connection have relatively lower costs, and the speed of installing and disassembling the accessories is fast, resulting in lower maintenance costs as well.
4. Limited application scenarios: The flange connection is mainly applicable to low-pressure, low-temperature environments with low requirements for sealing performance, such as drainage pipes. At the same time, it has higher requirements for the medium, such as good lubricity of the medium, smooth surface without scratches or depressions. Generally speaking, the flange connection is suitable for pipes with a diameter less than DN50.
III. Differences between Flange Connection and Socket Connection
1. Complexity of structure: The structure of flange connection is relatively complex, while the structure of butt joint is simpler.
2. Sealing performance: The sealing performance of flange connection is superior to that of butt joint, especially in high-pressure and high-temperature environments.
3. Installation ease: The compression connection offers higher ease of installation during the process, while the flange connection requires more precise alignment of the flange discs and ensuring the correct placement of the sealing gaskets between the flanges. Therefore, the installation process is relatively more complex.
4. Application scope: Flange connection is applicable to various harsh environments for pipe connections, while butt joint connection is mainly used in scenarios with low pressure, low temperature and where the requirement for sealing performance is not high.
5. Cost and Maintenance: The cost of lap joint connections is relatively low, and the maintenance cost is also low; while for flange connections, precise construction techniques and sophisticated equipment are required during the construction process, thus resulting in greater investment in manpower, materials, and time, and the maintenance cost is accordingly higher.
Flange connections and socket weld connections each have their own characteristics and applicable scenarios. When choosing a connection method, one should comprehensively consider specific requirements and actual working conditions to ensure the safety and reliability of the connection of pipelines or equipment.
