Glass components are connected with one another by flanged joints. All the glass nozzles have special ends known as buttress ends to fix up a backing flange behind the end and connect the two opposite flanges by bolting with each other.
The collar is backed by an asbestos rope, a metal split ring and a metal backing flange. This type of joint is very strong and has flexibility in case of slight misalignment. The overall dimensions of this type of end are kept same as those of tapered end. Hence it is easy top interchange these types of ends; and even fixing tapered end with collared end is possible.
The couplings used with glass equipments are important from three main points of view
- They must ensure the effective seal of joints.
- They should not have any undue stress on the glass.
- They must be reliable in all service condition.
PTFE bellows are available for normal & vacuum application together with flanges to connect them to glass or non – glass equipments.
