A Comprehensive Guide to Flange and Threaded Connections in Pump Systems

If you’re setting up or upgrading a pump system, you’ll need to decide between flanged and threaded connections. While both can get the job done, each one works best in specific situations.

Let’s cut through the complexity and see which one makes sense for your setup.

What Are Flanged and Threaded Connections?

Flanged connections are like clamping two pipes together with metal rings (flanges) and a gasket between them. You bolt them tight, and you’ve got a solid seal that can handle serious pressure.

Threaded connections just screw together, like a really beefy version of connecting garden hoses. They’re simple, direct, and have been doing the job reliably for ages.

Flange Connections in Pump Systems

A flange connection joins pipes by bolting two flanges together with a gasket in between.

This setup is strong enough for high-pressure and high-temperature systems.

Flanged connections are common in industrial, oil, and chemical processing plants.

Types of Flanged Connections

• Welded flange – Requires welding for a permanent, high-strength seal.
• Slip-On flange – Slides over the pipe and gets welded in place.
• Threaded flange – Screws onto a threaded pipe, no welding needed.

Why Choose Flanged Connections?

Flanged connections bring several key advantages to your piping system:

• They handle extreme pressure and heat like a champ
• You can take them apart easily when maintenance calls
• With the right gasket, they create seals you can trust
• Perfect for larger pipes where strength matters most

Limitations to Consider

Before choosing flanged connections, keep these drawbacks in mind:

• They need more space than other options – those bolts and gaskets take up room
• Expect to pay more upfront for materials and installation
• The extra metal adds weight to your system, which might affect support needs

Threaded Connections in Pump Systems

Threaded connections screw directly into a pipe or pump without needing flanges or gaskets.

This makes them fast and simple to install, especially for low-pressure systems.

Types of Threaded Connections

• NPT (National Pipe Thread Tapered) – A U.S. standard for sealing fluids.
• NPS (National Pipe Straight) – Requires a gasket to prevent leaks.
• BSPT (British Standard Pipe Tapered) – A 55-degree angled thread.
• BSPP (British Standard Pipe Parallel) – Needs a gasket to stay leak-free.

Benefits of Threaded Connections

When it comes to simpler piping needs, threaded connections offer clear advantages:

• They’re quick to install, just screw them together and you’re done
• You can fit them in tight spaces where flanges won’t go
• Your wallet will thank you (less material and labor means lower costs)
• Perfect for maintenance crews who need to make fast connections

Challenges with Threaded Connections

Like any connection type, threaded fittings come with their own set of limitations:

• You’ll want to stick to low and medium pressure applications
• Once they’re really tight, getting them apart can be tricky
• You’ll need good thread sealant or tape to prevent leaks
• Cross-threading during installation can ruin your day

Comparing Performance

You’ll also want to compare the two on more grounds before making a decision. Here’s how flanged and threaded connections stack up:

Overall, fanged connections are stronger and work in demanding conditions. Threaded connections are cheaper and easier to install in small systems.

Threaded Flanges: A Hybrid Option

Looking for something between pure threaded and welded flange connections? Threaded flanges offer an interesting middle ground.

These versatile components screw onto your threaded pipe while giving you all the benefits of a flanged connection. You get better pressure handling than standard threaded joints without needing any welding.

Learn more about threaded flange applications in our detailed guide, or browse our complete threaded flange range to find the right solution for your system.

Reference

Flanged vs. Threaded Valve Connections