Introduction
Steel flanges are essential parts of many industrial applications and pipe systems. They are flat, circular disks with uniformly spaced holes that are used to join pipes, valves, pumps, and other pieces of machinery. Flanges offer a way to attach or seal various pipe system parts, making assembly, disassembly, and maintenance simple. They are crucial in maintaining the reliability and security of these systems.
Uses of Steel Flanges
- Connecting Pipes: Flanges are commonly used to connect two pipes or pipe sections. They are bolted together, creating a secure and leak-tight connection.
- Valve and Pump Connections: Flanges are used to connect valves and pumps to pipelines, allowing for easy installation, maintenance, and replacement.
- Pressure Vessels: They are used in the construction of pressure vessels such as boilers, tanks, and reactors to provide access points for inspection, cleaning, and repairs.
- Instrumentation and Control Devices: Flanges are used to mount instrumentation and control devices like pressure gauges, thermometers, and flow meters on pipelines.
- Heat Exchangers: In heat exchanger systems, flanges are used to connect the heat exchanger tubes to the main piping system.
- Pipe Supports: Flanges can be used to attach pipe supports, hangers, and brackets to the piping system, helping to maintain its stability.
Types of Steel Flanges
Weld Neck Flange: These flanges have a long tapered neck that is welded to the pipe. They are commonly used in high-pressure and high-temperature applications due to their strength and reliability.
Slip-On Flange: Slip-on flanges are slipped over the pipe and then welded in place. They are easy to install and suitable for low-pressure application
Socket Weld Flange: These flanges have a socket at the bore to fit the pipe, and they are then welded around the perimeter. They are used in high-pressure and high-temperature applications
Threaded Flange: Threaded flanges have internal threads that match the pipe’s external threads. They are used for low-pressure applications and where disassembly may be required.
Blind Flange: Blind flanges are solid disks with no bore and are used to close the end of a pipe, vessel, or valve. They are often used for maintenance or in systems that may require future expansion.
Lap Joint Flange: These flanges consist of two parts: a stub end and a loose backing flange. They allow for easy alignment and rotation of the stub end, making them suitable for systems requiring frequent disassembly.
Orifice Flange: Orifice flanges are designed specifically for orifice flow meters. They have concentric or eccentric holes to measure flow rates accurately.
Ring-Type Joint (RTJ) Flange: RTJ flanges are commonly used in high-pressure and high-temperature applications. They have a metal ring gasket to provide a reliable seal.
Expander Flange: Expander flanges are used to increase the pipe’s diameter at the flange connection point. They are commonly used in pipelines transitioning to larger diameters.
Reducing Flange: Reducing flanges have different-sized bores on each side, allowing for the connection of pipes with different diameters.
These are a few of the most popular steel flange types used in different sectors. The particular requirements of the application, such as pressure, temperature, and the necessity for disassembly or maintenance, will determine the type of flange to choose.
