A flange is a connector for pipes, valves, pumps and other essential equipment useful in the piping system. It is the only reason behind smooth flow of fluid or gas in the pipes. Flanges promote easy access for inspection, maintenance, repairs, testing, modification etc in the area. These are joined through screws or welded together followed by bolts to develop a reliable sealing. Flanges serve a several function in a area once after installment which are as follows:
Maintenance: Flanges allow an easy assembly and disassembly in the system. Thus, it makes the process simple to clean, easy to replace, inspect, maintain and repair the area.
Customization: Flanges serve a feature of customization to fit in a particular area according to your needs. This feature makes it a versatile option for applications in various areas.
Connection: It is typically used for connection of the different components useful in industrial areas. It includes pumps, pipes, valves, equipment and more.
Pressure containment: Flanges are able to tolerate the pressure within itself if gained from the surrounding environment. Hence, it is crucial to maintain the integrity of the system.
Flanges are available in many different types. Each of the types is designed to meet specific requirements of an area.
These have a significantly tapered end in design which makes it ideal for high pressure applications. These flanges are further welded together with a pipe. It is joined to the pipe with welding to get a secured sealing.
Socket weld flanges are used in small areas yet facing high pressure applications. It is welded on the outer portion of the pipe. The pipe is fitted into the socket to set a reliable seal.
These are very easy to install because of effortless design which allows the flange to slip on the pipe. Further this step is welded together to make an enhanced sealing in the system.
Flanges are screwed with the pipe from the outer side with threads. It is best to apply for low pressure and non critical areas.
It is paired with stub end to make a secured connection in between pipe and flange. Lap joint flanges are particularly installed in the system which demands frequent assembly and disassembly.
It is particularly used to close the end of the pipe to obstruct the flow in the system. These are usually applied when a system needs repairs ,maintenance or testing.
Flanges have following specifications which makes the process of frequent assembly and disassembly, maintenance, repair, enhanced sealing and easier task.
Flanges are commonly composed of materials like stainless steel, carbon steel, alloy steel, aluminum, cast iron, bronze, plastic and lots more. Choosing a particular material of flange depends upon certain factors like pressure capacity, temperature range, corrosion resistance etc.
There are several international standards which help in defining specification of the flange. These credentials make the process of selecting and manufacturing the flange easier.
ASME B16.5: it shows the chart size of flanges and flange fittings. According to this, the size generally ranges from NPS ½” TILL 24”.
ASME B16.47: It basically deals with higher sizes ranging from 26” till 60”.
En 1092-1: It shows the European standard for dealing with steel flanges.
MSS SP-44: This particular flange notifies about steep pipeline flanges.
API 605: it is referred to when large diameter carbon steel flanges are selected for the process of installation.
BS 10 Table : It basically deals with British standard like Table D, Table E, Table H, Table K etc
Raised face [RF]: raised face flanges are selected when the priority is to improve the sealing capacity in connection between flanges and pipe. It is mainly used in industries for dealing with high pressure and temperature conditions in operating systems.
Flat face [FF]: It is installed where a connection has to only face low pressure in the sector. Flat face flanges are combined with the cast iron fittings to get an enhanced output.
Ring type joints [RTJ]: It is also referred to as metal to metal sealing process. Therefore, it is applicable in high pressure and high temperature environmental conditions.
Flanges once manufactured are passed through several tests. It is done to check the compatibility of flanges with particular standards. It is very crucial to make a quality assurance for minimizing leaks, easier maintenance, repairs, inspection procedure and lots more. These are some of the testing followed to ensure the proper quality of flanges.
Flanges are coated with galvanization or epoxy like materials. It works to increase durability and resistance to some corrosive fluids flowing via pipe.
Mainly there are following types of the machining process used to create various flange parts.
Cutting: Raw materials used for composition of the flange are cut into desired size and shape.
Forging: Material selected for manufacturing of the flange is heated and shaped as per requirement of area of installation.
Facing: Surface is machined after shaping to ensure a smooth, flat finish.
Milling and drilling: Holes are made in the circumference of the flange plate when drilled.
Inspection: Once after manufacturing flanges are inspected to ensure it matches with dimensions and quality specified according to standards.
Flanges imparts several benefits to the piping system making it an essential choice for different industries. Explore some of the key benefits of installing flanges.
Flanges makes the process of assembly, disassembly at ease in pipe sections, equipment and various fittings. It mainly makes the process of maintenance and repairs easier. Flanges offers this feature due to its ability to be easily replaced, accessed without any need of welding or cutting of pipes.
Flanges offer an easy reconfiguration or addition in the existing piping system in a particular part. Hence, it aids in providing flexibility in outer layout. This process enables the custom configurations which ultimately allows to meet the specific needs of a particular area.
Flanges when combined with appropriate size of gasket and bolting credentials, helps in creating a leak proof, secure sealing. This seal could easily withstand high pressure and temperature conditions which make it ideal to install especially in critical application areas. It mainly includes industrial areas like oil and gas, petrochemicals, water processing and more.
Flanges are available for industrial applications in different shapes and sizes. Each type of flange is designed for specific use in industrial areas.
Flanges are composed of materials like carbon steel, stainless steel, alloys and more. These strong connections can help to tolerate high pressure and temperature conditions, corrosive environments and more.
Flanges have the capacity to minimize the vibrations. It is because of bolts which are connected to create a stable, firm junction which can handle stress from any type of external force. These credentials will ultimately protect the pipeline system from any wear and tear.
Once invested an initial amount for installment of flanges, it is definitely a worthwhile option for a long time. It is because flanges reduce the risk of leaks, maintenance and all other issues which might demand any costly repairs.
Flanges are a very essential component especially used in industries to connect pumps, pipes, values etc. There is wide application of the flanges in the industrial sector.
Flanges are a vital component in industries which allow an easy sort of assembly and disassembly of pipes in the system. It is mainly useful for maintenance and repair purposes in industries.
For industrial applications, flanges are typically designed to withstand pressure and temperature, preventing any sort of leaks in the system. Thus, it ensures a safe and reliable transport of fluids flowing through pipes.
Flanges are easily unbolted whenever needed to provide an ease to access cleaning, inspection, maintenance and other modification in the system without disrupting the entire setup.
Flanges are an appropriate option when it comes to modular connection. It means the process of assembly or repair of the faulty parts becomes easier. Also, this process takes place without dismantling a large portion of the system.
Understanding of flange specification and standard is very crucial to optimize your area in various industries. Flanges are beneficial in every manner starting from customization, pressure controls till maintaining operational efficiency and safety of the system. Incorporate the right size flange made with suitable material, manufactured with specific standards in your industrial sector. After this, your business will indeed achieve a significant improvement in profits and workflow with minimizing cost and downtime of the piping system.
1. What are the standards for selection of flange?
Flanges are selected, manufactured and installed with use of specific standards defined. It mainly includes standards like DIN, ANSI B16.47, ANSI B16.5 , BS 10 , IS1538 and more.
2. How to measure the size of a particular flange?
Use a measuring tape and start from one side of the internal hole running across the center till the opposite side of the hole. It allows you to know the perfect size of flange which would later be matched with standard specification charts. Simply you can get idea baout flange form its inner diameter.
3. How are different flanges specified?
A particular flange is specified based on their nominal pipe size or dimension of equipment. Further, flanges are also selected according to their pressure and temperature class.
4. How to choose a particular flange type?
There are several factors to consider while selection of a particular flange type for an area. This includes material compatibility, size and dimensions, operational conditions like temperature and pressure ratings, flange standards, cost effectiveness etc.
5. What is an Indian standard to measure flanges?
IS 6392 , IS1538 are Indian standards used to measure the flanges. It basically covers all requirement measurements needed for selection of the flange.
A seasoned Electronics and Communications engineer, Amitkumar Miyani brings over 12 years of experience in Pipe Fitting Manufacturing to KMS. He plays a pivotal role in overseeing the Purchase, Sales, and Finance departments, ensuring operational efficiency and financial stability.
