A new flange connection structure

Abstract

The utility model discloses a novel flange connecting structure, the novel flange connecting structure includes including first flange ring, second flange ring and set between first flange ring with the sealing element of second flange ring, the sealing element includes brass seal layer and nickel base alloy gradient transition layer, first flange ring is set to the end face of second flange ring towards the brass seal layer, nickel base alloy gradient transition layer is set to the end face of second flange ring towards first flange ring. The utility model discloses through brass seal layer realizes self -sealing, spares flange pad, reduces maintenance cost and simplifies installation. The special geometric shape design of brass seal layer and nickel base alloy gradient transition layer enhance sealing performance, and stress is evenly dispersed, and the stability of connection is promoted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of flange ring technology, and in particular to a novel flange connection structure. Background Technology

[0002] Piping systems and equipment connections are extremely common in many industries, from petrochemicals and power generation to machinery manufacturing and construction. Flange rings, as key components for reliable connections, are widely used in the connection points of various pipelines, containers, and mechanical equipment to ensure stable system operation under different working conditions and maintain the normal operation of media transport and equipment. Traditional flange rings are mostly made of a single material, commonly stainless steel. Their structure mainly consists of a flange body with evenly distributed bolt holes along the circumference for connecting to other equipment or pipelines. While this single-material flange ring has a simple structure and mature manufacturing process, it has certain limitations in sealing performance.

[0003] In existing flange sealing designs, gaskets are often relied upon to achieve a sealing effect. When two flange rings are connected, the gasket is placed between the connecting surfaces of the two flange rings. By tightening the bolts, the gasket is compressed and deformed, filling the gap between the connecting surfaces of the flange rings, thus achieving the purpose of sealing. Different types of gaskets are suitable for different working conditions. For example, rubber gaskets are suitable for low-temperature, low-pressure environments with non-corrosive media; metal spiral wound gaskets are suitable for high-temperature, high-pressure environments with highly corrosive media. However, this gasket-dependent sealing method has many problems. First, the sealing efficiency is relatively low because the gasket is prone to aging or damage during long-term use, leading to a decline in sealing performance. Second, the sealing cost is high, requiring regular replacement of the gasket, increasing maintenance costs and installation complexity. In addition, the sealing effect requires selecting the appropriate gasket based on different media, increasing the difficulty of selection and management. Finally, the manufacturing process generally involves forming the flange ring body through casting or forging. Casting is a lower-cost process suitable for producing flange rings with complex shapes, but the mechanical properties of the product are relatively weak; forging can make the metal structure denser, improving the strength and toughness of the flange ring, but the manufacturing cost is higher. After molding, the connecting surfaces of the flange ring need to be machined to ensure surface flatness, facilitating the installation and sealing of the flange gasket. These process steps increase manufacturing costs and production cycle.

[0004] In summary, traditional flange rings in the existing technology have obvious defects in terms of sealing performance, maintenance cost, installation complexity and manufacturing process, and urgently need to be improved. Utility Model Content

[0005] This utility model provides a novel flange connection structure to solve many technical problems caused by the reliance on flange gasket sealing in traditional flange ring bolt connections.

[0006] In view of the above technical problems, this utility model provides a novel flange connection structure, including a first flange ring, a second flange ring, and a sealing element disposed between the first flange ring and the second flange ring; the sealing element includes a brass sealing layer and a nickel-based alloy gradient transition layer, the brass sealing layer being disposed on the end face of the first flange ring facing the second flange ring; the nickel-based alloy gradient transition layer being disposed on the end face of the second flange ring facing the first flange ring.

[0007] Optionally, both the first flange ring and the second flange ring are made of stainless steel alloy.

[0008] Optionally, the upper surface of the brass sealing layer is provided with a shallow conical protrusion structure or a lip-shaped cross-section structure, so that elastic deformation space is reserved between the first flange ring and the second flange ring when they come into contact.

[0009] Optionally, the end face of the second flange ring is provided with a pressure response structure, which includes a trapezoidal response structure or a conical response structure.

[0010] Optionally, the upper edges of the first flange ring and the second flange ring are provided with connecting through holes evenly spaced in the circumferential direction. The novel flange connection structure also includes bolts, which pass through the upper connecting through holes of the first flange ring and the second flange ring in sequence, thereby connecting the first flange ring and the second flange ring.

[0011] In this invention, firstly, the brass sealing layer achieves self-sealing during bolted connections, eliminating the need for the flange gasket required in traditional flange connections. This improvement directly reduces maintenance costs, as there is no need to periodically replace easily aging flange gaskets, and it also simplifies the installation process, reducing installation steps and time. Secondly, due to the good ductility of brass, the special geometric design of the brass sealing layer, such as a shallow conical raised structure or a lip-shaped cross-section structure, and the application of a nickel-based alloy gradient transition layer, not only enhances the sealing performance but also avoids micro-gaps caused by differences in material properties by uniformly distributing stress, further improving the stability of the connection. Furthermore, the pressure-responsive structure (trapezoidal or conical contact structure) enhances the lateral clamping force when the medium pressure increases, achieving a self-tightening effect of "the higher the pressure, the tighter the seal," effectively preventing leakage under high-pressure conditions and significantly improving the sealing performance and reliability of the flange connection under high-pressure conditions. These improvements enable the new flange connection structure to maintain efficient and stable operation under various complex working conditions, reducing the risk of seal failure due to pressure changes or temperature fluctuations, and providing strong protection for the stable operation of industrial pipeline systems. Attached Figure Description

[0012] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments of this utility model will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the novel flange connection structure in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the novel flange connection structure in another embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Cross-sectional view along the AA direction.

[0016] The reference numerals in the accompanying drawings are as follows:

[0017] 1-First flange ring, 2-Second flange ring, 21-Pressure response structure, 3-Sealing element, 31-Brass sealing layer, 32-Nickel-based alloy gradient transition layer, 4-Connecting perforation, 5-Bolt. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the technical problems solved, technical solutions, and beneficial effects of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model.

[0019] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "longitudinal," "radial," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0020] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0021] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, an embodiment of this utility model provides a novel flange connection structure, including a first flange ring 1, a second flange ring 2, and a sealing element 3 disposed between the first flange ring 1 and the second flange ring 2. The sealing element 3 includes a brass sealing layer 31 and a nickel-based alloy gradient transition layer 32. The brass sealing layer 31 is disposed on the end face of the first flange ring 1 facing the second flange ring 2; the nickel-based alloy gradient transition layer 32 is disposed on the end face of the second flange ring 2 facing the first flange ring 1. Understandably, brass has good ductility and sealing performance, effectively filling the tiny gaps between the flange connection surfaces and achieving metal-to-metal sealing. During the tightening process of the first flange ring 1 and the second flange ring 2, the brass sealing layer 31 can undergo elastic deformation, tightly fitting the connection surface, thereby achieving initial sealing. By providing a sealing element 3 comprising a brass sealing layer 31 and a nickel-based alloy gradient transition layer 32 between the first flange ring 1 and the second flange ring 2, the sealing performance and structural stability of the flange connection are significantly improved. The brass sealing layer 31, with its excellent ductility, can tightly fit the end face of the first flange ring 1, effectively filling tiny gaps and forming a preliminary seal. Meanwhile, the nickel-based alloy gradient transition layer 32 enhances the bonding strength between the sealing element 3 and the second flange ring 2, further ensuring the reliability of the seal.

[0022] In one embodiment, both the first flange ring 1 and the second flange ring 2 are made of stainless steel alloy. Understandably, the base material of the first flange ring 1 and the second flange ring 2 is made of stainless steel alloy. Stainless steel alloy possesses excellent strength and corrosion resistance, enabling the flange ring to maintain long-term stability and reliability in harsh industrial environments, effectively resisting the erosion of various chemical media, thereby extending the service life of the flange. Simultaneously, the good machinability of stainless steel alloy ensures the manufacturing precision of the flange ring, allowing the flange ring's connecting surfaces to achieve the required flatness and dimensional accuracy, providing a foundation for achieving a good sealing effect.

[0023] In one embodiment, the upper surface of the brass sealing layer 31 is provided with a shallow conical protrusion structure (not shown) or a lip-shaped cross-section structure (not shown) to allow for elastic deformation space between the first flange ring 1 and the second flange ring 2 when they come into contact. Understandably, when the first flange ring 1 and the second flange ring 2 come into contact, these structures provide elastic deformation space, allowing the brass sealing layer 31 to undergo elastic compression deformation during the tightening of the bolts 5. This elastic deformation not only generates elastic lateral force and radial compressive force but also automatically forms a sealing pre-tightening force during installation, thereby achieving initial sealing of the flange connection. The shallow conical protrusion structure can generate localized high contact pressure and, through its geometry, convert internal pressure into radial clamping force, enhancing the sealing effect; while the lip-shaped cross-section structure primarily provides a wider contact band by filling localized plastic gaps, improving assembly tolerance and cycle life. These designs enable the flange connection to maintain good sealing performance under different operating conditions, while improving the reliability and stability of the flange connection and reducing the risk of seal failure due to pressure changes or temperature fluctuations.

[0024] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the end face of the second flange ring 2 is provided with a pressure response structure 21, which includes a trapezoidal response structure or a conical response structure. Understandably, when the flange connection is subjected to internal medium pressure, the trapezoidal or conical contact structure (i.e., the trapezoidal or conical response structure) can effectively convert the pressure into a lateral clamping force. As the pressure increases, this clamping force also increases accordingly; significantly improving the sealing performance and reliability of the flange connection under high pressure conditions, effectively preventing leakage problems caused by increased pressure. Simultaneously, the trapezoidal or conical contact structure can also provide better stress distribution, reduce local stress concentration, and enhance the overall stability and durability of the flange connection; it can also improve the assembly tolerance of the flange connection, making it easier to align and seal the flange during installation, reducing installation difficulty and cost.

[0025] In one embodiment, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the first flange ring 1 and the second flange ring 2 have evenly spaced connecting holes 4 along their upper circumferential edges. The novel flange connection structure also includes bolts 5, which pass sequentially through the connecting holes 4 of the first flange ring 1 and the second flange ring 2, thereby connecting them. Understandably, the evenly spaced connecting holes 4 along the upper circumferential edges of the first flange ring 1 and the second flange ring 2 ensure good stability and uniform stress distribution in the connection between the flange rings. By having the bolts 5 pass sequentially through these connecting holes 4, the first flange ring 1 and the second flange ring 2 are firmly connected together. This connection method not only provides sufficient mechanical strength to withstand the pressure and mechanical loads in the pipeline system but also ensures the sealing performance of the flange connection.

[0026] In the novel flange connection structure described in the above embodiments of this utility model, the working principle of the novel flange connection structure is as follows:

[0027] In the initial stage of flange connection, the first flange ring 1 and the second flange ring 2 are connected by bolts 5 passing through the circumferentially spaced connecting holes 4. At this time, the special geometry of the brass sealing layer 31, such as the shallow conical protrusion structure or the lip-shaped cross-section structure, begins to play its role. During the diagonal tightening of the bolts 5, the brass sealing layer 31 first undergoes elastic compression deformation, generating elastic lateral force and radial extrusion force, automatically forming a sealing preload, filling the tiny gaps between the flange connection surfaces, and achieving initial sealing. Subsequently, as the tightening force of the bolts 5 further increases, the special cross-sectional structure (shallow conical protrusion structure or lip-shaped cross-section structure) of the brass sealing layer 31 continues to undergo elastic flexure, forming a tight extrusion fit with the opposite flange or sleeve, further enhancing the sealing effect. The nickel-based alloy gradient transition layer 32 plays a key role in this process. With its continuous gradual change in composition and properties, the nickel-based alloy gradient transition layer 32 balances the mechanical differences between stainless steel (Fe-based) and brass (Cu-based), evenly dispersing contact stress and avoiding tiny gaps at the interface due to abrupt changes in material properties, thereby improving the reliability and stability of the seal.

[0028] When the flange connection is put into use and the internal pressure of the medium begins to rise, the contact pressure of the brass sealing layer 31 will self-reinforce. This is because when the force dimension of the sealing ring is smaller than in the free state, the contact pressure will increase with the increase of internal pressure. At the same time, the trapezoidal or conical contact structure at the flange end face intensifies the lateral clamping force under the action of internal pressure, realizing the self-tightening effect of "the higher the pressure, the tighter the seal". The nickel-based alloy gradient transition layer 32, through its gradual composition and properties, further ensures the efficient realization of this self-reinforcing mechanism, effectively preventing leakage problems caused by pressure rise, and significantly improving the sealing performance and reliability of the flange connection under high pressure conditions.

[0029] The above-described embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, and should all be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A novel flange connection structure, characterized by, It includes a first flange ring (1), a second flange ring (2), and a sealing element (3) disposed between the first flange ring (1) and the second flange ring (2); the sealing element (3) includes a brass sealing layer (31) and a nickel-based alloy gradient transition layer (32), the brass sealing layer (31) is disposed on the end face of the first flange ring (1) facing the second flange ring (2); the nickel-based alloy gradient transition layer (32) is disposed on the end face of the second flange ring (2) facing the first flange ring (1).

2. The novel flange connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the first flange ring (1) and the second flange ring (2) are made of stainless steel alloy.

3. The novel flange connection structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The upper surface of the brass sealing layer (31) is provided with a shallow conical protrusion structure or a lip-shaped cross-section structure so that the first flange ring (1) and the second flange ring (2) are reserved with elastic deformation space when in contact.

4. The novel flange connection structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The end face of the second flange ring (2) is provided with a pressure response structure (21), which includes a trapezoidal response structure or a conical response structure.

5. The novel flange connection structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first flange ring (1) and the second flange ring (2) are provided with connecting through holes (4) evenly spaced along the upper circumference. The novel flange connection structure also includes bolts (5). The bolts (5) pass through the upper connecting through holes (4) of the first flange ring (1) and the second flange ring (2) in sequence, thereby connecting the first flange ring (1) and the second flange ring (2).

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