Different types of flanges and their uses are designed to address specific needs in piping systems. Among the various types, weld neck flanges are known for their high strength, making them ideal for high-pressure or extreme temperature conditions.
Slip-on flanges, another type, are favored for their ease of installation and are suitable for lower pressure applications. Blind flanges are used to seal or close the end of a piping system, while lap joint flanges are commonly utilized in systems that require frequent dismantling for inspection or cleaning. Threaded flanges, another of the different types of flanges, are designed for use in systems where welding is impractical.
Each of these different types of flanges and their uses is selected based on considerations such as pressure, temperature, and the requirement for easy assembly or disassembly.
Different Types Of Flanges And Their Uses About Classification Based On Structure And Design
Flange Type | Description | Applications | Advantages | Limitations |
A flange with a long tapered hub that is butt welded to the pipe. This provides reinforcement in high-stress areas and ensures smooth flow. | Suitable for high-pressure and high-temperature applications, such as oil, gas, chemical, and power industries. | High strength and resistance to fatigue, suitable for severe service conditions, and reduces turbulence. | More expensive and complex installation due to the need for welding. | |
Slip-On Flange | A flat flange that slides over the pipe and is welded in place. It has a low-profile and easy assembly process. | Typically used in low-pressure applications like water, fire-fighting, and HVAC systems. | Simple design and easy installation, lower cost compared to weld neck flanges. | Lower strength and less durability in high-pressure situations. |
A solid disk-shaped flange with no opening, used to close the end of pipes or valves. | Commonly used in pipelines to stop the flow or allow future expansion. Suitable for testing pressure in pipelines. | Provides a strong seal, easy to install and remove for maintenance. | Not suitable for applications where the system cannot afford to be completely shut down. | |
Lap Joint Flange | A flange used with a stub-end that allows for rotation around the pipe. It’s not directly welded to the pipe. | Ideal for applications where frequent dismantling is required, such as piping systems requiring inspection or cleaning. | Allows easy alignment and assembly of bolts, reducing installation costs in certain systems. | Less robust compared to welded flanges and not suitable for high-pressure applications. |
A flange with a socket where the pipe is inserted and then welded at the top for a strong seal. | Used in small-diameter piping systems that deal with high pressure, such as hydraulic and steam lines. | Provides strong mechanical strength and prevents leakage. Suitable for high-pressure services. | Limited to smaller sizes and requires accurate fitting, making it more difficult to install. | |
Threaded Flange | A flange with internal threads that allow it to be screwed onto a pipe without welding. | Suitable for low-pressure and low-temperature applications, commonly found in water systems and utilities. | Easy to install without welding, ideal for temporary systems or areas where welding isn’t possible. | Limited to low-pressure applications and prone to leakage under high-stress situations. |
Orifice Flange | Designed to measure the flow rate of fluids through a pipe, orifice flanges are used in conjunction with orifice plates. | Used in industries where flow monitoring and control are necessary, such as chemical processing plants and oil refineries. | Accurate flow measurement, easy to remove for inspection. | Requires precise calibration and installation, often more complex. |
Different Types Of Flanges And Their Uses About Material Option Of Different Flange Types
Flange Type | Compatible Materials | Common Material Grades | Corrosion Resistance | Typical Environments |
Weld Neck Flange | Carbon steel, stainless steel, alloy steel, duplex steel | ASTM A105 (carbon steel), ASTM A182 F304/316 (stainless steel) | Excellent when made from stainless or duplex steel | Suitable for corrosive environments, high-pressure systems |
Slip-On Flange | Carbon steel, stainless steel, copper, PVC | ASTM A105 (carbon steel), ASTM A182 F304/316 (stainless steel) | Moderate to excellent, depending on material | Industrial piping systems, non-corrosive fluids |
Blind Flange | Carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum | ASTM A182 F316 (stainless), ASTM A350 LF2 (low-temp carbon steel) | Excellent with stainless and aluminum | High-pressure vessels, storage tanks |
Lap Joint Flange | Stainless steel, nickel alloys, carbon steel | ASTM A182 F316 (stainless steel), ASTM B564 (nickel alloys) | Excellent for corrosion resistance | Food processing, sanitary piping, pharmaceutical |
Threaded Flange | Carbon steel, stainless steel, brass | ASTM A105 (carbon steel), ASTM A182 F304 (stainless steel) | Moderate for brass, good for stainless steel | Natural gas, petroleum, and explosive environments |
Socket Weld Flange | Stainless steel, alloy steel, carbon steel | ASTM A182 F316L (stainless steel), ASTM A350 LF2 | Excellent with stainless steel, moderate with carbon steel | High-temperature and high-pressure applications |
Reducing Flange | Carbon steel, stainless steel, alloy steel | ASTM A105 (carbon steel), ASTM A182 F316 (stainless steel) | Moderate to high, depending on material | Systems with size transitions, process pipelines |
Different Types Of Flanges And Their Uses About Common Industries And Typical Uses For Flanges
Flange Type | Industry Application | Common Equipment/Piping Systems | Example Projects |
Weld Neck Flange | Oil & Gas, Chemical Processing, Power Generation | High-pressure pipelines, heat exchangers, refineries | Offshore oil platforms, petrochemical refineries |
Slip-On Flange | Water Treatment, HVAC Systems, General Industrial | Water distribution, HVAC ductwork, steam piping systems | Municipal water treatment plants, HVAC installations |
Blind Flange | Oil & Gas, Energy, Water Treatment | Storage tanks, pipeline termination, pressure vessels | Pipeline maintenance shutdowns, power plant operations |
Lap Joint Flange | Food & Beverage, Pharmaceuticals, Sanitary Piping | Sanitary piping systems, clean-in-place (CIP) systems | Brewery piping systems, pharmaceutical production plants |
Threaded Flange | Natural Gas, Petroleum, Explosive Environments | Low-pressure gas pipelines, non-welded piping systems | Natural gas pipeline connections, hazardous material storage tanks |
Socket Weld Flange | Steam Piping, High-Temperature Systems | Hydraulic lines, steam lines, smaller diameter high-pressure systems | Steam power plants, hydraulic control systems |
Reducing Flange | Process Industries, Chemical Plants | Piping systems requiring diameter transitions, reactors, condensers | Chemical manufacturing plants, oil refineries |
Expander Flange | Energy, Mechanical Systems | Pump and valve connections, compressor inlets | Power generation facilities, pump stations |
Different types of flanges and their uses provide distinct benefits based on their design, material, and specific applications. Sectors such as the oil and gas industry, chemical processing, and power generation, and water treatment depend significantly on these different types of flanges to maintain the integrity, strength, and adaptability of their piping systems. The selection of different types of flanges and their uses is influenced by factors such as pressure class, corrosion resistance, and ease of installation, emphasizing the significance of selecting the right type for the intended application.
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Company:
Elite Piping Manufacture Co., Ltd.
Factory Address：
Office # 805, Building No. 6 Poly Metropolitan, Yongshum Town, Tongzhou District, Beijing, China.
Contact Person：
Michael
Contact Numbers：
+86 186 1829 1381
Email:
elite@elitepiping.com
