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Top 5 Reasons to be Using Flange Fittings

Flanges are critical components used across industrial sectors involving diverse processes.

However, flanges are particularly rampant in piping systems. Flanges are widespread in piping systems connecting pipes, valves, and other relevant components.

Flange Fittings

These circular discs comprising protruding rims or collars help connect piping components, such as valves, pipes, and pumps, thus forming a reliable and secure joint.

Flanges come in various sizes, shapes, and materials to meet specific industrial needs effectively.

The materials used to manufacture flanges can vary. It varies depending on individual applications and the specific requirements of any particular system.

Some materials used for flanges include:

Carbon steel is popular for flanges owing to its durability, strength, and affordability.

Stainless steel is extensive in applications where corrosion resistance is imperative, such as in chemical or food processing plants.

Alloy steel is sturdy and durable and used in high-pressure and high-temperature applications.

Copper-nickel is often used in marine applications, as it is corrosion-resistant. Hence, it is favorable in saltwater environments.

Titanium is a strong, lightweight material often used in high-performance applications, such as aerospace or defense.

Flange dimensions can vary depending on the application and the standard used.

Some common standards for flange dimensions include:

ANSI/ASME is used in the United States and specifies dimensions for flanges in sizes from 1/2 inch to 24 inches.

DIN: It is a European standard. It specifies dimensions for flanges in sizes from DN10 to DN4000.

JIS: It is a Japanese standard. It specifies dimensions for flanges in sizes from 10A to 1500A.

Overall, flanges provide a steady and trustworthy connection between piping components and are available in different materials and dimensions to suit a wide range of applications.

Using Flange Fittings – Know the benefits.

Here are the five benefits of using flanges in industrial applications.

Enhanced Structural Integrity:

One of the primary benefits of using flanges is their ability to improve the structural integrity of piping systems. Internal corrosion is an issue in oil pipelines due to the liquid and gas flow.

As a result, the oil and gas industry experiences significant economic losses yearly, amounting to roughly $9 billion due to this problem. However, stainless steel is a highly corrosion-resistant material compared to other metals. Consequently, it is a preferred option for pipe fittings and flanges in the industry.

Flanges provide secure and reliable joints, thus helping prevent leakages, reduce vibration, and minimize stress concentration. In addition, flanges ensure that the piping components stay connected, even when exposed to high pressure, temperature, or corrosive fluids.

By preventing leaks and reducing stress, flanges can help extend the service life of piping systems and minimize maintenance costs.

Versatility and Flexibility:

Flanges come in varying sizes, materials, and designs, making them suitable for multiple industrial applications.

Flanges, such as slip-on, threaded, socket weld, and lap joint flanges, offer various advantages in different piping systems. Stainless steel possesses a remarkable degree of versatility owing to its inherent properties.

Certain materials such as nickel, molybdenum, or nitrogen can be added to enhance the impressive characteristics of stainless steel. In addition, stainless steel flanges are available in various standard dimensions and specifications that cater to diverse environments.

Flanges are compatible with various pipe materials, including steel, PVC, and copper. In addition, they allow for easy alignment as Flanges can be rotated slightly to ensure that pipes are properly aligned, which is significant for preventing damage and improving flow.

This versatility and flexibility make Flange Joint Fittings a popular choice in many industries, such as oil and gas, chemical processing, and water treatment.

The availability of these options ensures that the pipe flanges fit a wide range of applications indoors and outdoors.

Easy Installation and Maintenance:

Another benefit of flanges is their ease of installation and maintenance. They are easy to install and remove as they can be easily bolted together or unbolted for maintenance or repairs.

Flanges can be easily bolted or welded to the piping components, making the installation process quick and straightforward. In addition, flanges can be removed easily for maintenance or repair without requiring the significant dismantling of the piping system.

This facilitation allows components to be easily removed and replaced, which is helpful when maintenance or repairs are needed. This ease of installation and maintenance saves time and reduces labor costs, making flanges an attractive option for many industrial applications.

Using pipe flanges that connect valves and equipment offers a convenient access point for maintenance and cleaning. Utilizing flanges made of stainless steel can prove to be beneficial.

Stainless steel is known for its durability and resistance to rust and corrosion. Hence, inspection, modification, or cleaning procedures of the stainless steel-made flanges can be conveniently carried out.

This approach can lead to significant time and cost savings in the long run.

Cost-Effective:

Flanges are cost-effective components that offer significant long-term benefits. Flanges help save money in the long run by preventing leaks and reducing maintenance costs.

Additionally, the ability to reuse flanges in different piping systems makes them a cost-effective solution. Flanges are also readily available in the market, making them an affordable option for various industrial applications.

Stainless steel flange fittings possess a naturally lustrous and sophisticated appearance. As they are resistant to corrosion, applying a coating or lining to safeguard them may not be necessary.

This quality makes stainless steel a more environmentally-conscious option in the long haul. Furthermore, if you choose to replace your bolts and flanges, this material is 100% recyclable.

Nearly half of the country’s stainless-steel production is derived from recycled scrap metal, indicating that employing these flange fittings can aid in diminishing your project’s carbon footprint.

Safety Flanges:

They play a significant role in ensuring the safety of workers and the environment in industrial processes. Flanges create a tight seal between pipes, providing a robust and leak-proof connection.

Hence, it helps prevent leakages and ensures the system remains secure. Flanges prevent leaks and reduce the risk of accidents caused by spills or leakages.

Additionally, flanges can withstand high pressure and temperature, making them suitable for several hazardous applications. Flanges help ensure secure and efficient industrial processes, thus establishing safe and reliable joints.

Conclusion

Flanges are widespread in several industrial processes providing enhanced structural integrity, versatility, flexibility, ease of installation and maintenance, cost-effectiveness, and safety.

These pluses make flanges extensive across industries, such as oil and gas, chemical processing, and water treatment. Consider the specific industrial application and choose the appropriate size, material, and design to ensure optimal performance and reliability.

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Define The Various Carbon Steel Flange Grades

The major component in the manufacturing of carbon steel flange is carbon and iron steel. These forged carbon steel flanges help make valve connections, pumps, or other equipment. Grade of steel changes as per the material and its carbon content.

Carbon Steel Flanges

The different grades of carbon steel flanges are ASTM A516, ASTM A694, ASTM A350, ASTM A182, and ASTM A105. The carbon weight in the carbon steel flanges is 1% to 2%. An increase in the carbon content in the elements makes steel stiffer and sturdier, making things less ductile. High carbon may reduce weldability if it is not treated with high temperatures.

Carbon Steel A105 Flanges

Carbon steel A105 flanges are the forged steel piping components useful for fittings, flanges, and valves in pressure systems at high temperatures. You can operate it on the carbon steel flanges between 0 to 550 degrees.

It is suitable for marine and hydrocarbon engineering processes. In addition, it is useful in gas, oil, and nuclear power plant equipment, pump manufacturing plants, petrochemical plants, valve manufacturing, and many other places.

Carbon steel A350 LF2 Low-Temperature Flanges

For low temperatures, carbon steel A350 LF2 flanges are made with forged fittings, low alloy steel forged valves, and ring-rolled carbon flanges. These flanges come in extensive pressure resistance, strength, and extensive durability.

The type of carbon steel flanges provides machinability when it is forged and hardened. It provides moderate strength and usually is high in demand due to its higher hardness.

Carbon Steel Low Alloy A182 Flanges

The carbon steel grade is helpful in stainless steel pipe valves, flanges, and other high-temperature services. The steel type is usually suitable for low-corrosion applications. In addition, these flanges only wear out slowly. These flanges are quite wide and are used mainly in industries that deal with petroleum, paper, and chemical.

The feature of these flange types suits mostly in many industries. The reason is that it stays longer and does not need any repair after the installation. So if you have a paper industry and are considering buying this flange, you make the right choice. You can purchase it from the right place, like Texas Flanges, and you’ll get longer durability than any other company.

Carbon Steel A694 Flanges

It is the most carbon stress-reliant material of the steel flange. It is suitable mostly during the high-pressure transmission of oil and gas piping. In addition, the products made with steel are used in high-yield services.

This steel manufacturer needs to build steel that can easily withstand cryogenic, high temperatures. An increase in carbon content with heat treatment makes it less ductile. A lack of heat treatment may also reduce its ability to weld.

Forged carbon steel flanges

There are different ways to manufacture the flanges. The most prominent way is to cast and forge. Flanges are plate-like devices that you can add at the end of the pipe, valve fitting, to help put up a piping system altogether.

The manufacturers develop flanges that are useful in the fittings and pipes. Forged steel comes with the great mechanical property that any other product possesses. It also has great use for industrial purposes. You can use it with an attachment of a valve at the pipe end. The functionality of this pipe is for the outlets and inlets.

Different grades of carbon steel flanges are for different industries. If you want to purchase a high-quality flange, Texas Flange is there for you. All you need to do is to contact us, and we will help you get the right flange you need.

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What Are Forged Stainless Steel Flanges Used For?

Forged steel flanges are the connection fitting useful to connect larger pipes. The flanges are made of alloys and stainless steel to give strength to the extension pipe.

These forged stainless steel flanges are useful in plumbing and mechanical industries. The flanges are round, making it easy to combine the piping systems quite effortlessly.

Forged Flanges

Forged stainless steel flanges for Mechanical industries

The forged stainless steel flanges give reliable quality, high performance, and connecting operations. The relevant components are valuably designed with the right dimension in size.

Thus, it will be the right choice to hire new projects for engineering in industries. These forged stainless steel flanges are manufactured with corrosion resistance. It can also withstand temperature and heat as per atmospheric conditions.

Standard dimension

The forged steel flanges come in different standards, including in countries like Korea, Australia, Europe, and the USA. Each stand is used in all the everyday worlds. So the fitting size may vary per the dimension size of the pipes worldwide.

As per the pipe size, the standard code dimension is ASME B16. So the flanges of inch ¼ to 24 inches with standard Class 150 to 2500.

There are high chances of flanges being forged or otherwise in a cast. It is based on the type of work done by engineers. These flanges easily defect the issues caused by the industrial pipes. They are pretty much more substantial when compared to cast iron. The industries choose the type of forged steel flanges to complete the work simply.

Options for stainless steel manufacturing

Once you choose the optimal steel structure and grade to manufacture the process, you may need to compare the manufacturing options. Whether you choose stainless steel machining, casting, or forging plays a critical role in the work pieces’ reliability, affordability, and precision.

These include:

  • Forging
  • Casting
  • Machining

Why choose forged stainless steel flanges?

The forged stainless steel flanges come in with high performance, giving reliable quality with connecting operations. The relevant components are valuably designed with proper dimensions in size.

These steel flanges are manufactured with corrosion resistance. It can also withstand temperature and heat as per atmospheric conditions. The stand is used in all everyday worlds, so the fitting size may vary per the pipes’ dimension size.

Stainless steel bar suppliers for pipe fitting

The suppliers of the stainless steel flange industry are quite high. It gives sufficient fitting material to the customers. They supply products all over the different mechanical industries.

They are the standard stainless steel bar suppliers in manufacturing the right product in the world. They were exporting more stainless steel bars and carbon steel flanges to the sites.

These include:

  • Supplying the different carbon flanges with high quality.
  • Experts in the manufacturing of steel bars.
  • More corrosion-resistant materials.
  • Provides sufficient forged stainless steel flanges to the clients.
  • The leading manufacturer in stainless steel bars suppliers.

Advantages of stainless steel forging

The forging process is highly refined and needs multiple steps. From tool creation and raw material procurement to the final inspection and heat treating, it takes the necessary time to create a product that lasts longer and performs better.

Here are the advantages of stainless steel forging:

  • Improved heat resistance
  • Increased corrosion resistance
  • Oxide layer protection

Conclusion

If you choose the forged stainless steel flanges, hiring new engineers in the industries is right. The suppliers come with industry professionals who give suitable fitting materials to the sites. Prominently they are engaged in manufacturing compact designs in stainless steel flanges for clients.

The supply of carbon steel flanges is adequate, so the engineering works and the plan’s execution are done. The manufacture of all the appropriate materials is combined and gives the clients feasible advantages.

You can contact Texas flange if you want the best quality forged steel flanges. We will help your brand outgrow with reasonable prices even during a crisis.

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Define the Various Grades of Carbon Steel Flanges

Carbon steel flange and end flange connectors are made of carbon steel. Common standards include ASTM A694, ASTM A105N (SA105N), MSS SP-44, DIN 2533. When you accompany, pressure ratings are from class 150 to 2500.

Carbon Steel flange

Carbon steel has a carbon content of up to 2.1% by weight. AISI defines it as:

  • No alloy element (minimum content) is required, as of Va, Ti, Ni, Mo, Cr, etc.
  • The specified minimum of Cu shall not exceed 0.04%.
  • Maximum Mn 1.65%, Si 0.06%.

As the carbon element content increases, the steel becomes more robust and complex after the heat treatment. On the contrary, it becomes less ductile. When without any heat treatment, higher carbon reduces weldability.

Carbon steel may include alloy steel in case it is not helpful as stainless steel.

Different grades of carbon steel flanges

The main component in manufacturing carbon steel flanges is carbon and iron steel. The forged carbon steel flanges help connect pumps, valves, or other equipment—the grade of steel changes on the material and its carbon content.

The different grades of carbon steel flanges are ASTM A350, ASTM A516, ASTM A694, ASTM A182, and ASTM A105. About 1% to 2% is the weight of the carbon in the carbon steel flanges.

The increase in carbon content in the element makes steel stiffer and sturdier. It also makes things less ductile. Higher carbon may reduce weldability if not treated with high heat.

Carbon steel A105 Flanges

Carbon steel A105 flanges are forged steel piping components that are useful for flanges, fittings, and valves in pressure systems at higher temperatures. You can operate on carbon steel flanges between 0 degrees to 550 degrees.

It is suitable for marine engineering and hydrocarbon processes. It has been helpful in gas, oil, and nuclear power plants equipment, valves manufacturing, petrochemical plants, pump manufacturing plants, and other places.

Carbon steel A350 LF2 Low-temperature flanges

Carbon steel A350 LF2 flanges are made with ring-rolled carbon flanges, forged fittings, low alloy steel forged, and valves for low temperatures. These flanges come with extensive pressure resistance, strength, and durability.

The type of carbon steel flange provides machinability when it is forged and hardened. It offers moderate strength. It is mainly in high demand because of its high hardness.

Carbon steel low Alloy A182 Flanges

The carbon steel grade is helpful for stainless steel pipe flanges, valves, and other high-temperature services. The type of steel suits the low corrosion applications. These flanges do not wear out quickly. These flanges are widely used, mainly in the petroleum, paper, and chemical industries.

The features of these flange types suit the most as it stays for a more extended period. It does not require repair after the installation. If you purchase these products from the right place, it will help you ensure their durability.

Carbon Steel A694 flanges

It is the most carbon stress-reliant steel flange material. It suits the high-pressure transmission of oil and gas piping. The products made with this steel are usable in the high-yield service.

The manufacturers of this steel need to build steel that can withstand cryogenic, high temperatures. The high carbon content with heat treatment makes it less ductile. If there’s a lack of heat treatment, it may reduce its ability to weld.

Forged carbon steel flanges

There are different ways you can manufacture flanges. The most prominent way is to forge and cast it. Flanges are plate-like devices that can be added at the end of the pipe; a valve and fitting can put a piping system altogether.

Conclusion

The manufacturers develop flanges that are useful in fittings and pipes. Forged steel has the best mechanical properties than any other product. It has excellent use for industrial purposes. It is often used with an attachment of a valve at the pipe end. It also functions for outlets and inlets.

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The Most Common Flanges in Pipe Welding: A Comprehensive Guide

The most used flange types per the ASME B16.5 are Blind, threaded, lap joint, socket weld, slip-on, and welding neck flange. Here you will find a short description and definition of each type.

common flanges

Welding neck flange

The easily recognizable long tapered hub of a welding neck flange provides an essential reinforcement of the joint. It is helpful for elevated, sub-zero, or high pressures applications.

The taper on this flange type offers a smooth relocation/transition of stress from flange thickness to pipe or fitting wall thickness. It is crucial under repeated bending conditions caused by the line expansion or other variable forces.

Slip-on flange

If we compare the slip-on flange with the welding flange, likely, it is not as durable. However, it has two-thirds less calculated strength under internal pressure and around one-third of the life span.

They come at easy installation and low material cost, best suited for low-pressure applications with little risk of leaking.

A few other advantages of the slip-on flanges are that it doesn’t require a sizeable longitudinal space in the line to be mounted. Also, they are less aligned with a wide variety of diameters available and do not require accurate cuts in the pipe.

Socket weld flanges

Socket weld flanges were initially developed for high-pressure, small piping. The static strength of the socket weld flange is equal to the slip-on flanges, but their fatigue strength is 50% high compared to the double-welded slip-on flanges.

Before welding, a space between 1/16” and 1/8” needs a creation between the fitting or flange and pipe. It allows you to expand the pipe on the inner side of the weld and reduces the residual stress, helping to prevent the crack weld on the fitting.

Lap joint flange

Lap joint flanges share the same features as the other flanges. However, it does not have a raised face. They are connected to a lap joint stub end.

These flanges are nearly identical to the slip-on flange, except for a curved radius as the bore. It helps accommodate the flanged portion of the stub end, and you can slide it over the pipe. The pipe is usually welded to the stub end, allowing free movement of the lap joint flange.

The strength is similar to the slip-on flange as they have a fatigue life of around one-tenth compared to the welding neck flanges.

Stub end

As a backing flange, a stub end will be used with lap joint flange applications. However, they are also helpful with slip-on flanges.

Stub ends are available in almost all pipe diameters. There are three different kinds available A, B, and C.

  • Type A is something you can machine to fit the standard lap joint support flange.
  • Type B is designed to be used with a standard slip-on flange.
  • Type C is useful with either a slip-on or lap joint flange.

Threaded flange

The top advantage of the threaded flange is that no welding is required in connection to the pipe. It is done using corresponding threads. However, a seal weld is sometimes applicable in conjunction with the flange’s threaded connection.

Threaded fittings are used exclusively in smaller pipe sizes up to around 4”; however, most pressure ratings and sizes are still available.

A threaded fitting or flange only suits applications that use a thicker wall thickness due to the presence of the thread.

Conclusion

This guide offers a solid foundation of the common top flanges in welding, however, with the wide range of stainless steel flanges and other flange materials available.

You can contact us if you want assistance choosing the right welding equipment for your welding project.

 

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What are Carbon Steel Flanges and Their Applications?

A flange is one of the internal or external edges, or a rim (lip), for power like the iron plate flange such as T-beam or I-beam; for the attachment to another component like the flange that is at the steam lever, end of the screw, etc. or a camera lens mount, railcar flange or tram wheel flange.

Carbon Steel flange

Hence, the flanged wheels are the wheels at one side with the flange to prevent the wheels from slipping off the tracks. The word ‘flange’ is used for the flange shapes for a type of device. Flanged pipes may be quickly disassembled and installed.

Types of carbon steel flanges

The flanges are popular for the long conical collar. With the accompanying wire, the end is welded to the bottom. The tube’s inner diameter is the same as that of the flange. The feature of wp11 fittings is a stable segment conduit with less chance of creating friction in the liquids or gases that flow through it. The smooth transformation and long arm of the same thickness produce these flanges. It is useful in extreme jobs where heavy stresses are applied.

Sliding flanges (slip-on)

The tube penetrates the cube in the same as in the flange form without touching the place of the touch face to which it is connected through external and internal welding seams.

Owing to the low accuracy of the tube duration and better place flexibility, it can be regarded as easier compared to the neck flange. Its mechanical conditions are usually fine for exhaustion and resistance but weaker than the neck flanges.

Blind flanges

Due to various operating pressures, it is designed to cover the ends of tube openings, valves, or tubing. The form of WPHY 42 Fitting is, from a technological point of view, something that can endure the most extreme working conditions. In the terminals where the temperature is a vector or function element or cyclic movements, it is advisable to render the closures by blind flanges and coupling necks.

Threaded flanges

Welding characteristics do not bear for making fast and simple assembly. It is used for specific applications (for instance, in pipelines with atmospheric temperatures and elevated pressures). Using them in ducts where there’s a large temperature difference is not feasible.

Use of Carbon Steel

Carbon steel or medium carbon steel is a metal element. It is a mixture of carbon and iron components. Many components are too small to influence their properties in amounts. In pure carbon steel, the other permitted elements are copper (0.60 percent max), silicon (0.60 percent max), and manganese (1.65 percent max).

With more carbon content, the carbon steel flanges achieve toughness and strength but are less tough and ductile to weld. Higher carbon content may decrease the flange’s melting point and its total temperature tolerance.

Carbon Steel Flange Function

Forged flanges are less carbon-free compared to molten flanges. The reason is that they do not oxidize quickly. They are flat, the construction is lightweight, and the molten flange comes with superior mechanical properties. Improper methods of forging may often result in irregular and broad grains. It is required to harden the forging and cracking than the casting flange.

As per the manufacturing cycle, the forging flange has few operational theories in the carbon steel flanges. However, the usage and production method of the carbon steel flange provide a specific operation theory. Its basic philosophy is to use the insulation efficiency of the carbon steel flange isolating gasket.

Insulation with the high-duty carbon steel flange, carbon steel flanges on both sides of the electrical insulation flange of the plant. Many galvanized and iron tubing, which are heavier than concrete, are used (canned) than steel.

Conclusion

Carbon steel flanges are corrosion resistant and have a wide variety of uses. At Texas Flange, we have a variety of slip-on flanges, weld neck flanges, threaded flanges, and carbon steel flanges to your specifications.

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How are Flanges Categorized Based on Their Faces?

As contact surfaces for seating the sealing gasket material, various flange faces are useful. ASME B16.47 and B16.5 describe many types of flanges, such as raised face, male, and female face flanges, and matching facings are made with identical dimensions to give a large contact surface.

The small and big tongue-and-groove flange facings, as well as the ring joint face designed for ring joint-type metal gaskets, are also covered by these standards.

Flanges

Raised Face (RF)

The raised face flange, also known as a standard type used in process plant applications, is easy to identify. It is referred to mainly as the raised face because the gasket surfaces are raised above the bolting circle face. The face type allows wide combinations of gasket designs, including flat ring sheet metallic composites and double jacketed and spiral wound types.

The purpose of the RF flange is to concentrate more pressure on the smaller gasket area. It thereby helps to increase the pressure containment capability of the joint. Height and diameter are in the ASME B16.5, defined by diameter and pressure class. Flange pressure ratings determine the height of the raised face.

The typical flange face finish for the ASME B16.5 RF flange is 125 to 250 µin Ra (3 to 6 µm Ra).

Raised face height

If we talk about the height measures which is H and B of all described flange dimensions, if we keep in mind the exception of the Lap Joint flange, it is crucial to remember the following things:

. In pressure classes 150 and 300, the height of the raised face is approximately 1.6 mm (1/16 inch). In the two pressure classes, almost all the flanges suppliers are shown in the brochure and catalog; the H and B dimensions include the raised face height.

. In pressure classes of 400, 600, 900, 1500, and 2500, the raised face flange height is approximately 6.4 mm (1/4 inch). Many suppliers show the H and B dimensions in these p

Flat Face

The flat face flange’s gasket surface is in the same plane as the bolting circular face. Flat face flanges are widely used in applications where the flanged fitting or mating flange is constructed of a casting. Bolting flat face flanges to raised face flanges is never a good idea.

According to the ASME B31.1, when connecting flat face cast iron flanges to carbon steel flanges, remember to remove the full-face gasket. It prevents the thin, fragile cast iron flange from being sucked into the gap created by the carbon steel flange’s elevated face.

Ring type joint

At high pressures, ring-type joint flanges are used. They have grooves carved into their faces, and steel ring gaskets are included. The flanges seal with the tightening of bolts to compress the gasket between the flanges into the grooves. This process will deform the gasket to make intimate contact inside the grooves and create metal to metal seal.

A ring-type joint flange may come with a raised face with a ring groove machined into it. However, the raised face does not serve any part in the sealing mechanism itself.

Ring-type joint gaskets

Ring-type joint gaskets are metallic sealing rings that suit high-temperature applications and high pressures. They are always applicable to special, accompanying flanges, which ensure good, reliable sealing with the right material and profiles.

Ring-type joint gaskets are designed to seal by “initial line contact” or welding action between the mating flange and gasket. Then, with the pressure on the seal interface through bolt force, the ‘softer’ metal of the gasket flows into the microfine structure of the more complex flange material and creates an efficient and tight seal.

Tongue-and-groove (T&G)

The Tongue and Groove faces of the flanges need to match properly. One flange face has a raised ring (Tongue) machined onto the flange face, while the mating flange has a matching depression (Groove) machine into the face.

Tongue-and-groove facings are standardized in both small and large types. They differ from males and females in the inside diameter of the tongue, and the groove does not extend into the flange base. This helps in retaining the gasket on its outer and inner diameter.

Male-and-female (M&F)

A flange must match this flange category. For example, one flange face comes with an area that extends beyond the normal flange face (Male). However, the other flange or mating flange comes with a matching depression (Female) machined into its face.

Conclusion

The above description clearly shows the flange characterization based on their faces. If you want to learn more about flanges, can contact Texas Flange today!

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Stainless Steel VS. Carbon Steel Pipe Fittings: Which is right for Application

The choice between stainless steel or carbon steel is a question many designers, engineers, plants, and industry workers face at some point. Carbon steel and stainless steel pipes are both good choices to use in various things. However, if we get down to the basics of various steel alloys and their uses, you must better determine the type of steel that fits your application’s needs.

As we all know, most steel variants have many uses. However, even if you work with steel every day for non-pressurized or corrosion sensitive purposes, you may have never stopped considering what the difference is between regular mild steel and stainless steel. Here in this blog, we will discuss steel and how carbon steel pipe and fittings are different from stainless steel pipe and fittings.

carbon steel pipe
Meaning of steel

Steel is a type of metal known as a basic alloy. An alloy is two or more natural metal elements that meld together to make a unique metal. When we talk about steel, we talk about the kind of metal alloy that is a mixture of iron or at least one other kind of metal. Most types of steel have several metals in the mix, though their amount may differ.

Carbon steel

Carbon steel is basic steel that comes in a combination of carbon and iron. It may contain other substances in unmeasured amounts or traces. Carbon steel is classified by the amount of carbon content mixed with iron. Low-to-mid carbon steel is likely to have less than 0.3% carbon, while a high carbon may contain up to 2%. The differences in content percentage are often selected based on weldability. Carbon is known for its ability to withstand high temperatures and strength/stress.

Stainless steel

Stainless steel is created by adding chromium to the alloy. While basic carbon steel may only contain up to 2% carbon, stainless steel has a focus on general corrosion with at least a content of 10% chromium. Other elements may be present in stainless steel in immeasurable amounts with carbon steel.

The most significant characteristic of stainless steel is that it doesn’t corrode or rust as easily. Avoiding corrosion is a unique property for steel, as most mild steel is mainly made of iron, and iron tends to rust quite quickly when exposed to a regular oxygenated atmosphere.

Considerations for steel pipes

If it is becoming hard for you to decide between the carbon and stainless steel options for your pipes, here are several factors you can consider:

Substance

The first deal-breaking factor when you need to decide on the metal is to find out if it can carry out some corrosive media such as saltwater or processing chemicals. If so, you will want a metal that will not react as readily. It is probably preferable choose a stainless steel pipe, but double-check the properties of the materials you will be working with to check if they react.

Temperature

Carbon steel pipes are known for their ability to withstand high heat and are great for steam pipes. However, if you are trying to work with extreme climates (for example, transporting cryogenic liquids) a different grade of pipes is essential.

Cost

Fortunately, both carbon steel and stainless steel can be very affordable in comparison to nickel alloys. Carbon steel pipes are frequently ranked as the least expensive steel for piping, but stainless steel is also usually right behind. It allows you to choose the right material that fits the best to project without having to make significant considerations regarding costs.

Appearance

If your pipes will be visible and appearance is in the list of considerations, knowing the finish of these steels will help. Stainless steel usually has a shine that can hold up if exposed to the weather and other elements. On the other hand, carbon steel is darker and usually has a matte finish once painted. Unfortunately, it may also rust if exposed, deteriorating in appearance. Galvanization is also an option.

Conclusion

Carbon steel pipes are a popular choice for a great variety of uses. Vent and steam pipes, municipal pipes, and sewage pipes are often made of carbon steel. It would help if you considered the extra properties you might need in chemicals or temperatures. The above details can help you decide the correct steel for you.

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Carbon Steel Flanges: Types and Functions

Flanges are useful to connect valves, pumps, and pipes for the piping system. There are different types of flanges like welded, lap joints, blinds, and many others. The use of carbon steel flanges is widely high in demand. The reason is its excellent features like excellent durability, corrosion resistance, and finishing.

It is useful in various industries. These include agriculture, power, chemical, petrochemical, and others. The flange is an internal or external edge, or a rim (lip), for power like an iron plate flange, such as a T-beam or I-beam; or attachment to another component like a flange at the end of the screw, a steam lever, etc.

Type of carbon steel flanges

There are mainly 6 types of carbon steel flanges available for use. These are the 4 most common:

Welding neck flange

Welding neck flanges are popular for their long tapered neck, with the accompanying connection, and their end is welded to the bottom. The internal diameter of the pipe is the same as the flange. It is useful in extreme jobs where there is a requirement of high stress.

Sliding flanges (slip on)

Slip on Flanges

The tube penetrates the cube of the same as in the form of carbon steel flanges. You do not need to touch the plane to the face to which it is connected with the use of external and internal welding seams. Due to the lower accuracy of the tube life and better positioning flexibility, we can consider it simpler than the neck flange. The mechanical condition of the sliding flange is usually good for exhaustion and strength, but much weaker than the neck-straps.

Blind Flanges

The design is such that it covers the ends of the tube openings, valves, or tubing due to various operating pressures. It is a form of ASME fitting that from a technological point of view is capable to withstand the most extreme working conditions.

Threaded Flanges

Although they do not possess any welding characteristics, they make assembly easy and quick. It is useful for specific applications (e.g., in pipes with high atmospheric temperatures and pressures) where male NPT threaded pipes are utilized.

Characteristics of carbon steel flanges

There are different diameters of Carbon steel flanges that are popular. One of the main reasons is its easy installation and cheap cost. Another advantage of carbon steel flanges is that they can be used as connecting flanges when they work with Type B and Type C ends.

Unlike weld-neck flanges, they do not have a neck to rest on the pipe and, therefore, require double welding. The characteristics of carbon steel flanges include:

. Available in a wide range of diameters

. They take minimal vertical flange space.

. Easy installation and assembly

. Low cost

Reason to use Carbon Steel Flanges

Carbon steel or medium carbon steel is an element of metal. It is a mixture of carbon and iron components. Many components are too small to influence their properties in amounts. In pure carbon steel, the only other elements permitted are: copper (0.60% max), silicon (0.60% max), and manganese (1.65% max).

With more carbon content, the carbon steel flanges achieve toughness and strength. These are less tough and ductile to weld. Higher carbon content decreases the flange melting point and its tolerance to temperature.

The function of the carbon steel flanges

Forged flanges are less carbon-free than molten flanges. They do not oxidize quickly. These flanges are also flat, and the construction of these flanges is fairly lightweight. It also has superior mechanical properties. Improper forging may result in irregular or broad grains. It is higher to harden forging and cracking than the casting flange.

According to the manufacturing cycle, the forging flange comes in a few operational theories in the carbon steel flanges. The usage and production method of the carbon steel flange provide an operating theory. Its basic philosophy is using the insulation efficiency of the carbon steel flange isolating gasket.

Conclusion

Choosing a carbon steel flange means getting the best flange for industrial operations. The types and functions of the carbon steel flanges determine that the flange material is best to use. At Texas Flange, we offer all types of flanges for various systems. Our specialists can help you to identify the right flange for your equipment. If you want more information, contact us today!

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Difference Between Alloy Steel Flanges v/s Carbon Steel Flanges

Carbon steel and alloy steel are different kinds of material grades for flanges, although both are extremely common. Alloy steel comes with a variety of elements depending upon future applications.

Carbon steel is also known as iron-carbon alloy contains less than 2% carbon WC. It usually contains small amounts of carbon, phosphorus, sulfur, manganese, and silicon in the mix.

In the case of alloy steel, elements like molybdenum, manganese, chromium, nickel, vanadium, silicon, and boron are used to form a different chemical composition. Generally, alloy steels are of the higher nickel variety and the term is used to distinguish them from regular stainless or low chrome materials.

Alloy steel

Alloying improves the mechanical properties of steel. The variety of elements used helps to improve future applications. Every steel is an alloy but not all steel is referred to alloy steel.

However, the term alloy steel is the standard term that refers to steel with other elements added deliberately in addition to vanadium, silicon, boron, molybdenum, manganese, chromium, nickel, and other elements.

The less common alloy elements include aluminum, cobalt, copper, cerium, niobium, titanium, tungsten, tin, zinc, lead, and zirconium, etc. The alloyed steels have improved properties, like strength, hardness, toughness, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, hot hardness, and hardenability.

Uses and application of Alloy steel

Alloy steels flanges come in a broad range of applications.  Low alloy steel has applications in a wide range of industries due to its cost-effectiveness. It has applications in military vehicles, construction equipment, ships, pipelines, pressure vessels, and oil drilling platforms.

High alloy steels are widely applied in various applications due to their structural components, automotive applications, chemical processing equipment, corrosion resistance, and superior hardness.

Advantages of Alloy steel

Here are some advantages of alloy steel

1. Corrosion resistance

2. Powerful parts

3. Efficient at high temperature

4. Heat dissipation properties

5. Durable

6. Tough

7. Lightweight

8. High tensile strength

Carbon steel

Carbon steel is a special type of steel with a higher concentration of carbon compared to regular iron. Carbon steel with carbon components less than 0.30% is categorized as low or mild carbon steel, carbon steel with carbon components between 0.30% to 0.60% is considered medium carbon steel, and carbon steel with high carbon components more than 0.60% is known as high carbon steel.

The use of high-carbon steel is usually for tools and knives. Though low carbon steel is more common compared to high-carbon steel because of its greater ductility, easy use, and low production cost.

Uses and application of Carbon steel

Carbon steel flanges are one of the most preferable materials used in fields where higher strength is required. Many types of carbon steel pipes come with a wide range of applications in various industries. Low-carbon steel has applications like automobile components, pipes, construction components, bridge components, containers/cans, etc.

Medium carbon steel is usually useful in machinery parts, gears, railway tracks, train wheels, and crankshafts that require higher strength and toughness. High carbon steel has applications in shear blades, cold setts, punches, rock drills, hand tools, cold chisels, band saws, anvil faces, hammers, wrenches, car bumpers, small forgings, cable wire, large dies for cold presses, cutting tools, high strength wires, and springs.

Advantages of carbon steel

Here are some advantages of carbon steel

1. Good strength

2. Good ductility

3. Durable

4. Safe to process

5. Economical / Budget friendly

6. Healthy and long-lasting for cookware

7. Environment friendly

Conclusion

There are many types of steel within the groups of alloy steel and carbon steel. As the name shows, alloy steel is the category of steel formed by adding various other elements to the steel through metallurgy and heat treatment. On the other hand, carbon steel is steel with carbon as the accompanying component. It also usually does not require any minimum percentage of other elements.

Carbon steel is the type of steel predominantly used in the US for most basic applications when compared to alloy steel, which is found in more chemically sensitive and temperature-elevated services.

In the above comparison, we hope you’ve understood the difference between carbon steel and alloy steel and their uses. This guide will help you identify the key things if you are stuck between selecting the two flanges. To learn more about flange basics, visit https://www.texasflange.com/flange-basics/