Connecting Flanges

Connecting Flanges: Reliability and Ease of Maintenance

Flanged connections are the standard method for creating demountable joints in industrial ductwork, including dust collection (aspiration) systems. Unlike welded connections, flanges allow for easy disassembly and reassembly of duct sections for inspection, cleaning, repair, or replacement of worn components.

Using flanges at key points in the system (e.g., before and after cyclones or flexible connectors) significantly simplifies maintenance and reduces equipment downtime.

Types of Flanged Connections for Ductwork

In dust collection systems, two main types of constructions are primarily used for connecting duct sections to each other or to equipment:

1. Pre-fabricated Flanges (Rings and Frames)

These are single-piece elements that are welded to the end of the duct section either during manufacturing or installation.

• Round Flanges: These are steel rings made from flat bar or angle iron, drilled with holes for bolts. This is a simple and common solution for connecting round ducts and fittings.
• Rectangular Frames: Similar to round flanges but rectangular in shape, made from profile (e.g., K-profile) or angle iron for connecting rectangular ducts.

2. Mounting Profile Systems (for Rectangular Ducts)

This method is often used for assembling flanged connections on large rectangular ducts or directly on site.

• Principle: The flange is formed not from a solid frame, but from lengths of special mounting profile (rail) cut to size. These sections are attached to the edges of the duct and then joined together at the corners using connecting corners.
• Advantages: Allows for the creation of flanges of virtually any size, simplifies transportation and installation of large duct sections.

Important Requirement for All Types: Regardless of the construction, a flanged connection in a dust collection system must provide the smoothest possible internal joint without protrusions, to avoid creating additional airflow resistance or promoting dust accumulation.

Materials and Ensuring Airtightness

Flanges and profiles for dust collection systems are made from the same materials as the ductwork:

• Galvanized Steel (DX51D+Z275): Standard finish for most applications.
• Black Steel (S235): Used where corrosion protection is not required or for painting.
• Stainless Steel: Used in corrosive environments or where higher hygiene standards are needed.

Connection Airtightness

Flanges themselves are not airtight. The seal is achieved using a gasket or sealing tape, which is compressed between the two flanges when the bolts are tightened (or clamps are applied for certain profiles). The choice of sealing material (e.g., NBR rubber, EPDM, silicone) depends on the temperature and characteristics of the conveyed medium.

Safety Requirements: Grounding and ATEX

When transporting combustible dust (wood, plastic, etc.) through a ductwork system, static electricity can accumulate. If this charge is not dissipated, it can lead to a spark and ignition.

Electrical Continuity: In accordance with ATEX directive requirements, the entire ductwork system must be reliably grounded. Flanged connections play a key role in this.

• When using metallic or conductive gaskets, the bolted flange connection ensures electrical continuity.
• If dielectric (non-conductive) gaskets or sealants are used, the electrical circuit is broken. In such cases, it is necessary to install special grounding jumpers between the connected flanges or duct sections to ensure safe dissipation of static charge.

Proper grounding of flanged connections is a mandatory condition for the safe operation of dust collection systems in potentially explosive atmospheres.

Custom Manufacturing and Installation

Manufacturing to Your Needs: We offer standard round and rectangular flanges, as well as components for mounting profile systems (rails, corners). Custom manufacturing of non-standard flanges based on your drawings or samples is also possible for repairing or integrating with unique equipment.

Professional Installation: SIA "Akvilon" offers installation services for dust collection systems, including the correct assembly and sealing of flanged connections to ensure the reliability and longevity of your system.

Ordering and Supply

We offer a wide selection of standard connecting flanges, profiles, and corners, and also manufacture custom items to your requirements. Contact our engineers for selection or ordering of components for your dust collection system.