A flange is another part that can be described as an important element in joining pipes, valves, pumps and other apparatus of mechanical systems. These offer a powerful, firmly-fixed means of conveying pressurized fluids or gases, and guarantee safe transport of these media.
A flange is a flat or annular raised edge on a cylindrical pipe or valve, which is used to join two similar pipes, valves etc. These connections are normally fixed by a number of bolts, gaskets or welding so as to prevent leakage between connected service pipes. It is also easy to replace, because where flanges attach, parts can be unbolted without damaging the joints or attachments.
How Many Types of Flange Are There?
1. Weld Neck Flange
This type has a long narrow neck which is dovetailed into the body of the pipe and welded to it. The stress polarization makes weld neck flanges perfect for applications that involve high pressure & high temperatures.
2. Slip-On Flange
These flanges can be installed just like putting on a slip over the pipe cross-section & then welding it. These are cost-effective & commonly used in low-pressure systems.
3. Blind Flange
Blind flanges are used to close the end of a piping system. They are invaluable when shutting down sections of a pipeline for maintenance or inspection.
4. Socket Weld Flange
Therefore socket weld flanges are ideal for small diameter & high pressure pipeline network. The pipe is then fitted into a socket and joined with the help of fillet weld so that there is no way it will come off.
5. Lap Joint Flange
These flanges seal with stub end fittings and are not welded to the pipe. They are desirable where there is lots of system disassembly and reassembly because they allow for easy attachment & detachment.
6. Threaded Flange
Threaded flanges have built-in threads that allow them to be screwed onto pipes. These are usually preferred where welding is not possible normally found in low stress applications.
7. Orifice Flange
Used for flow measurement, these flanges feature orifice plates and are equipped with holes for pressure taps.
How Flanges Are Made
1. Material Selection
Flanges are typically made from stainless steel, carbon steel, alloy steel, or copper alloys. The material choice depends on factors like pressure, temperature, and corrosive resistance.
2. Forging or Casting
Forging involves shaping metal under high heat and pressure, making flanges stronger and more suitable for high-stress environments. Casting involves pouring molten metal into molds to achieve the desired shape, suitable for standard-pressure applications.
3. Machining
After forging or casting, the raw flange undergoes precision machining to achieve the required dimensions and surface smoothness.
4. Holes Drilling
According to some specific pattern, bolt holes are drilled in the flange for compatibility with other connection parts.
5. Final Quality Inspection
Each flange undergoes rigorous inspections for defects, checking dimensions, surface finish, & compliance with international standards.
What is a Flange Used For?
1. Connecting Components
Flanges serve as connecting points between pipes, valves, or pumps for building complex piping systems.
2. Sealing Systems
By using gaskets, flanges create a secure seal, preventing leaks in systems under high pressure or temperature.
3. Ease of Maintenance
Flanges allow for quick disassembly of piping systems during maintenance or inspection without cutting or damaging the pipes.
4. Handling High Pressure
Flanges are designed to handle extreme pressure, making them essential in systems like oil refineries and hydraulic machinery.
5. Redirecting Flow
They enable attaching valves to control or redirect the flow of fluids or gases.
6. Emergency Shutdowns
Blind flanges are used to seal off pipes temporarily during shutdowns, ensuring safety and system integrity.
7. Supporting Pipe Stability
Flanges assist in maintaining alignment and structural stability in pipelines.
Final Thoughts
Flanges may seem like small connectors, but their importance in industrial and mechanical systems cannot be overstated. Knowing the types of flanges, how flanges are made, and what they are used for can help you select the right flange for your application. Whether you’re working on piping systems, valves, or equipment connections, flanges ensure reliable performance, easy maintenance, & system longevity.