An Overview of Piping Accessories and Components

Posted: May 26, 2022 | Category: Piping Accessories

Piping systems require a variety of components and parts to work properly. Understanding each component and the function they perform is crucial for detecting problems with your piping system before they cause costly damage to your facility or an injury to a nearby employee. As a leading provider of high-quality piping accessories, the team at Flextech Industries knows how complex piping systems can be. That is why we have provided an overview of piping accessories and components to help you understand their function and why they are required for each system.

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Essential Piping Accessories and Components

The following components are crucial parts of every piping system:

Guides

Guides work to allow certain axial movements in pipes while restraining both lateral and angular movement. The amount and location of the piping guides required in your piping system will depend on the natural flexibility of the pipe and the pressure rating of the system.

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Anchors

Anchors are installed at each end of the piping system and must be stronger than the force needed to compress the joint. In some cases, this force can be equal to thousands of pounds.

Pipe Supports

Also known as pipe hangers, pipe supports are specifically designed to transfer the load of the pipe—including the weight of the pipe, the pipe contents, the piping accessories, and the pipe covering—from the pipe to the supporting structures. While the basic function of piping system supports is to anchor, guide, absorb shock, and support a specified load, the overall design configuration for each pipe support assembly depends on the loading and operating conditions it will be used for. In some instances, pipe supports may also need to contain insulation materials.

Flanges

Flanges are a method of connecting pipes, valves, pumps, and other equipment to form a complete piping system while providing easy access for cleaning, inspection, or modification. Flanged joints are usually welded or screwed into place and constructed from two flanges bolted together with a gasket to create a tight seal.

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Gaskets

Gaskets are a crucial element in piping systems that use flanges. Gaskets need to be placed between flanges to create a strong seal, stopping leaks and providing greater reliability for the system. As with all other types of piping accessories, selecting the correct type of gasket and ensuring that it is installed correctly plays a significant role in the overall performance and life expectancy of a piping system.

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To learn more about our selection of piping accessories, flexible hoses, and other products, get in touch with the experts at Flextech Industries. We can be reached through our online contact form and will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our products or your operation.