Where should flanges be installed in a piping system?

The correct answer highlights the importance of accessibility and ease of maintenance in a piping system. Installing flanges wherever it may be necessary to open the joint for service or replacement of components ensures that different sections of the pipeline can be effectively managed. This approach allows for quick disassembly and repair, thereby minimizing downtime and ensuring that the system can be serviced efficiently without needing to dismantle extensive portions of the pipeline.

Flanges are crucial in enabling the connection of pipe segments, but strategically placing them only where maintenance access is required also helps in maintaining the system’s integrity while facilitating routine inspections and repairs when necessary. This practice aligns with good design principles which prioritize both functionality and serviceability, as it allows operators to isolate specific sections of the piping for maintenance without compromising the entire system.

While installing flanges at the end of every section of pipe could create a rigid, cumbersome system that complicates maintenance and may not be necessary for less critical areas, focusing on necessary access points balances functionality with practical maintenance considerations.