What is a floating flange?

The floating flange is a connector that provides flexibility in pipe systems, reducing vibration and allowing movement. Pipes carrying hot or cold liquids can change shape due to expansion or contraction, resulting in stress on joints and fittings. Adding floating flanges allows the pipe parts to move separately apart. The term "flange" concerns the connection point that can be connected to another pipe, either by screwing the flange together or by screwing one flange to the next section.

There are two types of flange floating systems; A solid tube with movable flange connectors at each end and a flexible pipe with connectors. Solid connectors are made of steel pipes with compression mounting containing seals at each end. When connected, the seals are suitable for the end of the next section. When the flanges are tightened, the seals are compressed and stopped by leaks, but if necessary there may be some movement.

Another type of floating flange is a Jeflexible tube with free or freea fixed flange at each end. Free flange systems do not ride or connect flange, allowing them to move or connect to a pipe that is not correctly sorted. The slices of the flange are welded or glued to maintain a constant connection angle, but the flexible pipe can move as needed to align the connection.

pipe materials can change considerably and it is important to have the right material for specific fluids. Low -pressure systems can use a plastic tube with screwed connections to reduce weight and cost. Corrosive materials may require natural rubber or artificial elastomers to reduce wear. Some floating flange systems based on elastomer use a built -in wire or cable to allow even higher pressures, but remain flexible.

flexibility can be achieved by materials such as PLAston tubes or by adding flexible joints or sing knitted covers. Flexible joints can be used with fixed pipes, with sealing in the middle that can move to allow non -conforming connections. The levers are woven steel or thick fibers that can resemble a fabric cover, allowing higher pressure with flexibility.

Using a floating flange requires some planning because these systems cannot be bent or stretched for certain limits. If the misalignment is extreme, it may be recommended that the pipe connection is created, as the flexible connection can be excessive stress and may fail. Minor modifications and elimination of vibrations are the two best uses for flexible connection devices.