PL Flange

Flange, also known as a flange disc or boss, is a component used for connecting shafts or for joining pipe ends. It is also used at equipment inlets and outlets, such as reducer flanges, for connecting two pieces of equipment. A flange connection or flange joint refers to a removable connection formed by the combination of a flange, a gasket, and bolts. Pipe flanges are specifically used for piping in pipe installations, while equipment flanges refer to the inlets and outlets of equipment. Flanges have holes and bolts that secure them tightly together, with a gasket used to seal the flange joints. Flanges are available in threaded (screwed) connections, welded flanges, and clamp flanges. Flanges are always used in pairs; low-pressure pipelines can use threaded flanges, while pipelines above 4 kg pressure require welded flanges. Two flange discs are joined with a sealing pad and then bolted together. Flange thickness and bolt types vary with pressure ratings. Equipment like pumps and valves, when connected to pipelines, have corresponding flange shapes, also known as flange connections. Any connection piece that uses bolts to connect two flat surfaces and seal them is generally called a "flange," such as in ventilation pipe connections. Such components can be referred to as "flange-type parts." However, such connections are only a part of a device, like the connection between a flange and a pump, so it's not appropriate to call the pump a "flange-type part." Smaller items like valves can be called "flange-type parts."