In chemical pipeline systems, flange connection and wafer connection are two mainstream connection methods. When making a choice, a comprehensive consideration should be made based on specific working conditions, medium characteristics, cost budget and maintenance convenience. The following is a comparison of the two connection methods and selection suggestions:

I. Comparison of Structure and Sealing Performance

Flange connection

Structural features: The two flange plates and gaskets are tightly combined by bolts to form a rigid connection.

Sealing performance: Sealing is achieved through gasket compression, with excellent sealing effect, suitable for high pressure, high temperature and strongly corrosive media.

Applicable scenarios: Harsh working conditions in industries such as chemical engineering, petroleum, and natural gas, especially in pipeline systems with extremely high sealing requirements.

Clamping connection

Structural features: Pipes or valves can be directly clamped by fixtures (such as bolts or nuts) without the need for flange plates.

Sealing performance: The sealing performance is relatively weak, making it suitable for scenarios with low pressure, low temperature, and low sealing requirements.

Applicable scenarios: water supply and drainage, air conditioning systems, low-pressure gas pipelines, etc.

Ii. Comparison of Installation and Maintenance

Flange connection

Installation complexity: Flange plates need to be aligned, gaskets installed and bolts tightened, which takes a relatively long time.

Maintenance convenience: All bolts need to be loosened when disassembling, which makes the maintenance cost relatively high. However, the connection is stable and suitable for long-term use.

Clamping connection

Installation complexity: Simple structure, quick installation, suitable for space-limited or emergency maintenance scenarios.

Maintenance convenience: Easy to disassemble, but it may become loose after long-term use and requires regular inspection.

Iii. Comparison of Cost and Economy

Flange connection

Material cost: Flange plates, gaskets and bolts are relatively expensive.

Applicability: Suitable for high-value and high-risk projects, such as nuclear power and main process pipelines in the chemical industry.

Clamping connection

Material cost: Simple structure, low material cost.

Applicability: Suitable for projects with limited budgets or temporary ones, such as building water supply and drainage, and agricultural irrigation.

Iv. Selection Suggestions

Give priority to scenarios with flange connections

High-pressure, high-temperature or strongly corrosive media: such as crude oil distillation units in oil refineries, natural gas transmission pipelines.

In situations where frequent disassembly is required, such as the coolant circulation pipeline in nuclear power plants, it is convenient for equipment maintenance.

Scenarios with extremely high sealing requirements: such as the transportation of high-purity fluids in the pharmaceutical and food processing industries.

Give priority to the scenarios where the clamping connection is selected

Low pressure, low temperature and low sealing requirements: such as building water supply and drainage, air conditioning systems.

Scenarios where space is limited or rapid installation is required: such as temporary pipeline construction and equipment commissioning.

Projects with limited budgets: such as agricultural irrigation and ordinary pipelines in small chemical plants.

V. Precautions

Medium characteristics: If the medium has good lubricity and a smooth surface, the wafer connection can reduce wear. If the medium is flammable and explosive, flange connection should be given priority to ensure sealing.

Pipe diameter limit: The wafer connection is generally suitable for pipes with a diameter less than DN50. For large-diameter pipes, it is recommended to use flange connection.

Temperature and pressure: Under high-temperature or high-pressure conditions, flange connections have stronger anti-deformation capabilities and are more suitable for long-term stable operation.

Summary

Flange connection: It is suitable for scenarios with high pressure, high temperature, strong corrosiveness and extremely high sealing requirements, and is the first choice for industries such as chemical engineering and petroleum.

Wafer connection: It is suitable for scenarios with low pressure, low temperature and low sealing requirements. It has low cost and is easy to install, making it suitable for civil engineering and temporary projects.

When making a choice, it is necessary to take into account the specific working conditions and requirements, and balance the sealing performance, installation convenience, cost and maintenance requirements to ensure the safe and stable operation of the pipeline system.