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Flanges are essential connecting components widely used across various industrial and civil sectors. They are primarily utilized for connecting pipelines, valves, pumps, and other equipment, providing convenience for installation, disassembly, and maintenance. Below is a detailed introduction to the main application scenarios of flanges:
1. Pipeline Systems
Flanges are most commonly used in pipeline systems.
Application Examples:
- Oil and Gas Transportation: Flanges are used to connect straight pipe sections, reducers, and attach pipelines to valves and pumps. Weld neck flanges are often the preferred choice due to their high strength and pressure resistance.
- Urban Water Supply: Flanges are used to connect water treatment networks, especially large pipelines and critical nodes, allowing for easy installation and periodic maintenance.
2. Petrochemical Industry
Flanges are essential in petrochemical equipment, which often operates under high-temperature, high-pressure, and corrosive conditions.
Application Examples:
- Refineries: Flanges connect towers, heat exchangers, and pipelines. Socket weld flanges are commonly used in medium and small-diameter high-pressure pipelines.
- Chemical Production: Flanges ensure leak-proof connections between devices and reactors or distillation columns.
3. Power Industry
The power sector relies heavily on flanges for boilers, steam pipelines, and cooling water systems.
Application Examples:
- Nuclear Power Plants: Flanges connect piping systems in nuclear reactors, adhering to strict safety and sealing standards.
- Thermal Power Plants: High-pressure flanges are used in steam pipelines to withstand extreme pressure and temperature.
4. Marine Engineering
Flanges play a critical role in marine engineering, connecting piping systems on ships and offshore oil platforms.
Application Examples:
- Ships: Threaded flanges are widely used in ship propulsion system pipelines and drainage systems for their ease of installation.
- Offshore Drilling Platforms: Corrosion-resistant flanges connect oil transport pipelines and other equipment.
5. Construction Engineering
Flanges are important in construction systems, including heating, ventilation, and drainage networks.
Application Examples:
- HVAC Systems: Long weld neck flanges are used to connect air ducts and water pipes, reducing pressure loss and preventing leakage.
- Sewage Treatment: Blind flanges seal unused pipe ends or maintenance sections in large sewage treatment networks.
6. Food and Pharmaceutical Industry
The food and pharmaceutical industries require flanges that meet strict hygiene standards, often using stainless steel flanges to prevent contamination.
Application Examples:
- Food Processing: Flanges connect piping in dairy and beverage production equipment.
- Pharmaceutical Equipment: Flanges are used in sterile transport pipelines, often paired with specialized sealing materials.
7. Liquefied Gas and Cryogenic Systems
Flanges are crucial in liquefied natural gas (LNG) transportation and cryogenic equipment.
Application Examples:
- LNG Storage and Transport: Flanges connect cryogenic pipeline systems, requiring excellent low-temperature resistance.
- Refrigeration Equipment: Flanges ensure sealed connections in refrigerant pipelines to minimize leakage.
8. Military Industry
Flanges are indispensable in the military industry, particularly for weapons systems and military facilities.
Application Examples:
- Missile Launch Systems: High-precision flanges connect fuel delivery pipelines.
- Naval Equipment: Flanges are used in hydraulic and cooling systems on ships.
9. Specialized Applications
- Testing and Experimentation: Flanges are commonly used in laboratories and research facilities to connect equipment for specialized purposes, such as high-pressure testing devices.
- Renewable Energy: Flanges ensure precise connections for components in wind turbines and solar power systems.
Conclusion
Flanges, with their diverse specifications and materials, meet the varying demands for connectors across industries. From standard pipelines to specialized equipment in harsh environments, flanges play an irreplaceable role in the global industrial ecosystem. Choosing the right type, size, and material of flanges based on specific scenarios is key to ensuring safe operations and enhancing efficiency.