Flanges are an essential component in any piping system, and they play a crucial role in connecting pumps, valves, and other equipment to form a pipework system. They are available in various types, shapes, and sizes, and they are made of different materials such as carbon steel and alloy steel.
A pipe flange is a disc, collar, or ring that attaches to a pipe to provide increased support, block off a pipeline, or implement the attachment of more items. Flanges are piping components used for connecting pipes to other piping components like valves, specialties, instrument items like orifice, flow meters, etc. They facilitate the dismantling and periodic maintenance of piping components, pumps, and equipment, etc.
Flanges provide easy access for cleaning, inspection, or modification in a piping system. They form semi-permanent connections to join parts that are light enough to be moved with available equipment or that cannot be welded due to heat sensitivity or replacement needs. They are usually welded or screwed into such systems and then joined with bolts.
The main components of a flanged joint are the flanges, gaskets, and fasteners.
Gaskets are normally inserted between the two mating flanges to provide a tighter seal. There are numerous types of flanges available in the market, and the type and material of a flange to be used are dependent on the service duty of the line.
Flanges are either custom-built with dimensions provided by the customer or manufactured according to a specification as per various national and international standards. Flanges of different standards are normally not interchangeable, and hence are not usually joined. If necessary to do so, they are to be checked to ensure the compatibility of the connection.
The various types of flanges available in the market are:
1. Weld Neck Flange
This is the most common type of flange used in the industry. The Weld Neck Flange has a long tapered hub, which gradually reduces in thickness towards the butt weld end. This flange is used for critical applications in high-pressure systems.
2. Slip-On Flange
The Slip-On Flange has a slightly larger diameter than the pipe, making it easier to slide over the pipe end. This flange is used in low-pressure systems.
3. Socket Weld Flange
The Socket Weld Flange has a socket for welding onto a pipe-end, and the female socket is welded to the pipe-end. This flange is used for a high-pressure system.
4. Lap Joint Flange
The Lap Joint Flange is used with a Lap Joint Stub end. It is a two-piece flange consisting of a flat ring and a loose flange. This flange is suitable for use in low-pressure systems.
5. Blind Flange
The Blind Flange is primarily used to close the end of a pipe connection. This flange is not designed for pressure applications, and it is used in low-pressure systems only.
6. Threaded Flange
The Threaded Flange has a male thread on the inside of the flange, which threads onto the outside of the pipe. This flange is used in low-pressure systems.
7. Orifice Flange
The Orifice Flange is designed to measure the flow rate of a liquid or gas in a pipeline. This flange is generally used in the oil and gas industry.
In conclusion, the importance of flanges in any piping system cannot be overstated. The type of flange used is dependent on the service duty of the line, and the material of the flange should match the pipe and fluid being transported. Choosing the right type of flange for your applications is essential to ensure the efficient functioning of your piping system.