Designers and engineers know that it’s rarely feasible to merely weld two components together and be done with the process. Most connections need to be disassembled, whether the parts have to be removed for service or for replacement. As a result, some versatility is required in the design. Therefore, two of the most common connecting methods are either with a flange or with threaded parts.
Whether you are using a flange or a thread, many applications will require a strong seal between the two parts, and often one that can withstand high temperature or pressure. Using a sealant can prevent leakage.
Sealing Flanges
Flanges offer a degree of convenience in certain applications. For example, a threaded connection will need to be screwed together, but sometimes the parts will be too large or the space will be too limited to make that possible.
A primary concern with flanges—compared to threads—is the threat of leaks, since the two components are often butted together instead of inserted within one another. To prevent leakage, select the proper gasket to complete the seal. A flat gasket is typically used where minimal leakage is permitted (air flow). One of the best ways to prevent leakage in difficult applications is to use
a protective sealant. For instance, in the presence of extremely high temperatures, a product like the Deacon 3300 High Temperature sealant works to cement flanges together without harming future repairs of metal to metal joints.
Sealing Threads
Threads form a great connection because they work to basically build one unit instead of putting two components together. Unfortunately, threads also require the ability to turn one of the components, which is not always possible with larger assemblies. That being said, pipe threads can still be prone to leakage and should also be fitted with a sealant like Deacon 770 –L which is recommended for threaded fittings in applications involving steam.
Whether you’re sealing threads or flanges, Deacon Industries provides quality sealants for both connection types in high-heat applications. Visit our Deacon Sealant eCommerce store for more information.
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