Software interfaces. See also: application binary interface and application programming interface. A software interface may refer to a wide range of different types of interface at different levels: an operating system may interface with pieces of hardware.
The products used to seal these pipe joints are known as gaskets. A flange gasket is the particular style of gasket utilized to create a seal when two flanged pipe ends are bolted together. The most common use for gaskets is in the services industry, where water pipes need to be sufficiently sealed to prevent water leaks, loss of pressure, or external foreign contaminants entering the pipe.
Flange gaskets, regardless their manufacturing material and type, fill the spaces and the irregularities existing on the faces of the mated flanges when they are bolted and tightened together. Gaskets generate a very strong seal that prevents fluids and gases from leaking out of the flanged connection. The installation of gaskets between flanges is a mandatory requirement, i.e. it is not possible and safe to tighten flanges without using gaskets inbetween. There are several types of flange gaskets.