As a common connection method in industrial pipeline systems, the sealing performance of flange connections directly affects the safety, stability, and operation efficiency of the entire system. In industries such as oil, chemicals, and electricity, flange leakage may lead to serious safety accidents and economic losses. Therefore, how to improve the sealing of flange connections has become a key issue in engineering design and maintenance.



Firstly, the key to improving the sealing of flanges lies in the reasonable selection of sealing materials. Currently, commonly used sealing materials include graphite gaskets, rubber gaskets, and metal gaskets. Different working conditions have different requirements for materials, such as high-temperature environments should choose high-temperature-resistant metal wrapped gaskets, and in corrosive media, it is necessary to select corrosion-resistant polytetrafluoroethylene gaskets or graphite gaskets. The correct selection of materials can effectively improve the sealing performance of flange connections and prevent leakage caused by material aging or chemical corrosion.



Secondly, the installation quality directly affects the sealing effect of the flange. When connecting flanges, it should be ensured that the flange surface is clean and free of debris, avoiding poor sealing due to impurities. At the same time, the tightening sequence and torque control of the bolts are also crucial. Generally, diagonal tightening is adopted to make the flange bear evenly, and it is fastened according to the standard torque value to avoid damage to the gasket or deformation of the flange due to over-tightening, or the inability of the sealing surface to effectively fit due to loosening.



Furthermore, optimizing the flange structure is also an effective means to improve sealing. For example, the use of concave-convex flanges, tenon-groove flanges, and other structural forms can enhance the contact area and sealing performance of the sealing surface. In addition, appropriately increasing the flange thickness or using higher-strength materials can also help resist the impact of system pressure and temperature changes, thereby improving the overall sealing stability.



Finally, regular inspections and maintenance are also necessary measures to ensure the sealing of flanges. With the extension of operating time, sealing gaskets may age, and bolts may become loose. Therefore, enterprises should establish a perfect maintenance system, regularly inspect the sealing condition of the flange connection parts, and replace aging gaskets or retighten bolts in time to ensure the long-term stable operation of the system.



In summary, to improve the sealing of flange connections, it is necessary to consider multiple aspects such as material selection, installation technology, structural optimization, and post-maintenance. Only by strictly controlling each link can flange leakage problems be effectively prevented, thereby ensuring the safe and efficient operation of industrial systems.