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Top 5 Tips To Choose the best Stainless Steel Flanges

Stainless steel flange or SS flange is made of stainless steel. Common Grades and material standards are ASTM A182 Grade F316/L and F304/L, with pressure ratings from Class 600, 300, 150, etc.

It is more useful in industries than carbon steel as stainless steel possesses better resistant performances in a corrosion environment.

Stainless Steel Flange

5 Tips to Choose the Best Stainless Steel Flanges

A stainless-steel flange is an instrument through which you form a piping system by connecting valves, pipes, and other hardware. It is easy to modify or reach the purposes.

Usually, the flanges are screwed or soldered to the whole piping system. The flange joints are created by fastening two flanges simultaneously with a gasket to give it a proper seal.

Here will discuss the type of flanges used in the pipe size.

Threaded Flanges

Threaded flanges come with other names but are also commonly known as screwed flanges. They are threaded from inside on the flange bore that corresponds well to the thread on the pipe.

The flanges are threaded inside the flange bore, which corresponds to the thread on the pipe. It helps to make sure that both fit properly. The attachment method is simple and quick but, unfortunately, not ideal for pressure and temperature applications. One can find the screwed flanges used primarily in the installations like water and air services.

Slip-on flanges

The slip-on flanges come with an external hole from which you can fit a pipe and match it with the diameter. The flange is mounted on the pipe and soldered thoroughly, giving the tube a firm seal. For low-pressure and temperature conditions, the slip-on flange is highly suitable

. The flanges come in various sizes and can be used in large dimensions. You can attach large-scale pipeline systems to the storage tank nozzles. These flanges are made from a metal sheet and do not often come with a base.

Lap-joint flanges

The lap flange has two essential components: a loose flange and a rod end in the back. The end of the stub is joined by butting and welding it to the shaft, and the flange part can move more freely all around the pipe. You can construct the rear flange from a range of materials other than the stub material.

The most common material is carbon steel, and you can minimize the production cost. However, when repeated replacement and removal are involved and have limited space, the lap flange becomes quite useful.

Socket-weld flange

The flange type has a female connector in the socket where you can mount the tube. From outside the pipe, filet soldering can be performed to give it a strong seal.

You can commonly use small pipeline systems, which can only be useful in low temperatures and pressure.

Weld neck flanges

The most commonly used flange type in the piping system is weld neck flanges. This is because the effect of the butt-soldered tube is that it delivers the best quality of joint integrity.

‘Therefore, weld neck flanges are highly preferred when applying high temperatures and pressure. However, Weld neck flanges, in respect of other flanges, are expensive and bulky. Thus, they are only useful in heavy-duty piping systems.

Conclusion

Stainless steel flanges connect with the fittings and pipes that form a piping system. It delivers oil, natural gas, water, air, and steam in plumbing applications, dairy, and food processing. In addition, the flange provides easy access to modify, inspect, and clean.

Flange type includes threaded, sock weld, slip-on, and lap-joint and are available in various shapes and sizes. Stainless steel resists corrosion from caustic chemicals and is durable.

You can contact Texas Flange if you have any questions or want to know more about the stainless steel flanges.

 

 

 

 

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5 Important Questions to Ask About Pipe Flange

Most people need to learn what long weld neck flanges are and their use. Some people work in specific industries that encounter the flanges each day. Here you will understand everything you need to know about the basic flanges, including the long weld neck flanges.

Weld-neck flanges

 

Where do you use flanges the most?

A flange comes disc-shaped, and we use them mostly when building pipelines. According to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, 1,382,569 million miles of pipelines deliver oil and gas daily. Long weld necks and other kinds of flanges are a part of pipeline engineering. Flanges are one of the essential parts of pipeline engineering. We use them to connect pipes together and ensure the proper seal.

What is the function of flanges?

Flanges are useful to connect pipes and can also help connect chuck valves, T, and other pipeline parts. Therefore, we consider them a mechanical way to connect pipelines and their parts.

You can weld flanges sometimes, and in other cases, you can hold them together with the fasteners. It all depends on the pipeline engineering and where you can use the flange to determine how well you can connect them.

What are the different flange types?

There are many flanges designed for different purposes. For example, there are high hub flanges, expander flanges, long weld neck flanges, anchor flanges, blind flanges, and more. Within each kind of flange category, there are subcategories.

The metal material may vary, the sizes vary, and how the flange is attached may vary. You can get a lot to learn about the flanges. A proper flange is essential to get off the right seal. A too-large or too-small flange will throw the entire design off.

What is the height of the face in the raised face flange?

The height of the flange face should not be random but, instead, based on the flange ratings. For example, for 300# & 150#, the height of the raised face is 1/16”, which is approximately 1.6 mm, and above 300#, it is 1/4”, which is 6.35 mm.

What is the serration on the flange face, and what type is used on flange faces?

Flange faces could be serrated and smooth type. The flange face with small grooves is known as serration.

The serration is critical as it helps prevent leakages from the flange. Even small damage to the face may lead to the plant shutdown. Thus, if you are working with a flange, ensure to take measures and protect the flange while handling it.

Serration could be concentric or spiral rings. When we talk about concentric ring-type finishing, it is when the fluid used is of very low density. If you use the spiral-type finish with lower-density fluid, it may find a leakage path through the spiral cavity.

Conclusion

The above questions clearly define the pipe flange. The right source, like Texas Flange, will likely offer you a wide variety of high-quality flanges that will fit the project’s needs. Texas Flange will also be able to answer questions and make suggestions to ensure you get the right flange for your project. Call Texas Flange to learn more about our quality flange and how they enhance pipeline projects worldwide.

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4 Key Factors While Selecting Flanges for Industrial Piping Systems

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration under the US Department of Transportation estimate that approximately 160,521 miles of liquid petroleum pipeline and around 1,585,672 miles of natural gas pipeline are across the nation. In 2019, the gas-integrated transportation networks delivered over 28.3 trillion cubic feet of natural gas to consumers.
Custom Pipe Flange Fittings

Flanges play a critical role in the gas and oil piping systems, connecting valves with other equipment. Pipe flanges are the second-most commonly used joining mechanism after welding. Flanges provide added flexibility that allows the disassembly and assembly of pipe systems. They provide easy access during the inspection, repairs, and cleaning of the gas and oil pipes.

But the point is, how to find suitable flanges for your company? Here are four factors to keep in mind during the flange selection process.

Flange types

Flanges come in many kinds for industrial use. You may need to choose an ideal flange design that fits your piping systems. The most common types of flanges used in the petrochemical industry are:

  • Slip-on flange
  • Welding neck flange
  • Socket weld flange
  • Blind flange
  • Lap joint flange

Other special flanges commonly used in the gas and oil industry include:

  • Nipoflange
  • Reducing flange
  • Expander flange
  • Orifice flange
  • Long weld neck flanges

The flange design and face types may significantly impact the final performance of the last system.

Material

Forged carbon steel pipe flanges are the top common type in the market. Additionally, you may find the flanges manufactured from bronze, cast iron, aluminum, and stainless steel. You may also find flanges with specialty metals like Monel, Inconel, and chrome-moly. The kind of materials depends on the piping systems and industrial application. It ensures that they are durable and robust enough in the long run. However, in most instances, the flange comes with the same material as the pipes.

Size

It would be best to look into the flange dimensions and size for the right fit. You may need to be keen on how the flange interfaces with the pipes and gaskets to ensure an ideal size. A few standard dimensions considerations include:

  • Pipe size
  • Thickness
  • Bolt circle diameter
  • Inner diameter
  • Nominal bore size
  • Outside diameter

These dimensional factors may come in handy when updating or maintaining piping systems.

Classifications

All the flanges fall under different categories specified by ASTM or ASME standards. A specific flange kind has characteristics that may significantly impact its performance across different industrial environments. Steel pipes are available in a lot of pressure and style classes. The metal flanges are classified from 1500 to 200# rating. A few standard classifications used in the petrochemical industries are:

  • 150#
  • 300#
  • 600#
  • 900#
  • 1500#
  • 2500#

The categories vary depending on the temperature and pressure tolerances, flange size, design, or material used. The pressure ratings usually decrease when the temperature tends to rise.

There’s virtually an endless list of configurations for the pipe flanges that you can choose from the piping systems. If you have any queries regarding the complexities of gas and oil piping, visit our website today. You can get in touch with us today!

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Variety of Flanges Available at Texas Flange

The type of flange used for a piping application usually depends on the required strength for the flanged joint. Flanges are used to weld connections. In addition, it helps to facilitate maintenance operations.

Let’s dive in to show the key types of flanges with pictures.

Forged Flanges

Welding neck flange

A welding neck flange features a long tapered hub that helps weld the pipe. The flange type is normally used in high/low temperatures and high-pressure applications requiring unrestricted flow if the piping system conveys the fluid.

The absence of pressure drops prevents the adverse effects of erosion/corrosion and turbulence of the metals in the flanged joint proximity.

Long welding neck

Long weld neck flanges are quite similar to weld neck flanges. However, it comes with the exception that the neck is extended and acts like a boring extension.

Long weld neck flanges are usually used on barrels, columns, or vessels.

Slip-on flange

You can connect the slip-on flange to the pipe or the fittings by the two fillet welds, one outside and one executed inside the flange cavity.

The bore size of the slip-on flange is large than the outside diameter for pipe connection, as the pipe has to slide inside the flange that you can connect by the execution of the fillet weld.

Threaded flanges

Threaded flanges are joined to the pipes by screwing the pipe onto the flange without the seam welds. Threaded flanges are available in sizes for up to four inches and multiple pressure ratings; however, they are used mostly in low-temperature applications and small-size piping in low-pressure-like air and water utility services.

Socket weld flange

You can connect socket weld flanges to pipes with the use of a single fillet weld executed on the outer flange side.

As per the ASME B31.1, to execute the flanged connection with a socket weld, the pipe must first insert the flange’s socket until it reaches the bottom of the flange. It then needs to be lifted by 1.6 mm and welded finally.

Lap joint flange

The lap joint flange features a flat face and is always useful in conjunction with the stub end. Lap joint flanges usually resemble the shape of slip-on flanges, except for the radius at the flange face crossing and the bore to accommodate the flanged portion of the stub end.

When we talk about the lap joint flange, it can slip over the pipe and seats on the back of the stub end, and you can keep the two together by the pressure of the bolts.

Blind flanges

Contrary to all the flange types above, blind flanges do not have a center hole. Therefore, you can use the seal or blind in a pipeline or a pressure/valve vessel to block the fluid of the liquid.

Blind flanges need to withstand remarkable mechanical stress due to the system pressure and required bolting forces.

You can easily access the blind flanges to the pipeline, as they can be easily unbolted to let the operator execute the activities while inside the terminal end of the pipe.

Interestingly, while this flange type is easy to manufacture, it is sold at the average premium cost per kg compared to the other flange types.

Special types of flanges

The special types of flanges include:

1. Nipoflange

2. Weldoflange

3. Latroflange or Elboflange

4. Swivel flange

5. Expanding flange

6. Reducing flange

Conclusion

The flanges mentioned above are usually the top flanges available to us. However, you can get in touch with Texas flange if you are looking for top-quality flanges. You can also contact us for any queries regarding the flange function.

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How to Use Long Weld Neck Flanges in Industrial Applications

Today in the US, hundreds of billions of tons of liquid petroleum products and trillions of tons of cubic feet of natural gas are crisscrossing the nation in the pipe that needs to be connected. For the majority of connections, the long weld neck flange is the one that does the job.

Weld-neck flanges

Weld neck pipe comes in two different neck sizes: long weld neck flange and standard weld neck flange. This blog will discuss the long weld neck flange and its use in industrial applications.

Meaning of a long weld neck flange

Long weld neck flanges (known as LWN) comes with an extended neck that acts as a boring extension. It is also longer compared to the standard weld neck flange.

Welded neck flanges are easy to recognize because they have a long tapered hub that reduces the size from the pipe to the fitting. Industrial long weld neck flanges are also useful in high-pressure industrial applications and high-temperature situations.

Long weld neck flanges are often useful in the petrochemical, gas, and oil industries. They come with nozzles and are useful in replacing the pipes. While a standard weld neck flange’s tip has a weld prep at its neck, long weld neck flanges come in a variety of lengths, with the most common being 9 inches, 12 inches, and 16 inches.

Unfortunately, lengths are based on the parts for every application, so there’s no universal standard length existence for these industrial-long neck flanges.

Long weld neck flanges come with the beveled flange to fit right with the pipe for added strength. Long weld neck flange connections help to improve the pipe flow. Additionally, piping systems are safer when reinforced with long weld neck flanges. It is the type of flange that helps balance the temperature and pressure changes in the liquid that flows in the pipeline.

Long weld neck flanges are often found as anchors in the water mains. The reason is that they can withstand higher pressures; you can connect larger networks of pipes, like those in a factory. You can also use long weld neck flanges in the expansion bends or to reduce or extend pipe sizes.

Why choose long weld neck flanges?

Industrial long weld neck flanges offer additional reinforcement that standard weld neck flanges do not. The long neck guides the pipe into the flange, giving them extra strength.

The extra assurance helps to ensure the safety of the structure, environment, and people when high-pressure fluids and high-temperature are involved. The structure reinforcement provided by an industrial-long weld neck flange is crucial to the stability and safety of industrial and high-pressure commercial systems.

The function of long weld neck flanges

The long weld neck flanges are useful in the following places:

Large pipe networks

Industrial long weld neck flanges are the safest and best choice, whether it is a water main, gas main, or another large piping network. Large networks need high pressure to keep everything in the pipes moving. It results in the strain on smaller pipes and may end up damaging if not accounted for correctly, and this is where industrial long weld neck flanges help.

Office complexes and apartment buildings

Like with any other large pipe network, high pressures are required to keep everything on the move. For that reason, you will commonly find long weld neck flanges that lead into these buildings.

Volatile or hazardous fluids

Wild temperature swings from sub-zero to near-boiling and high pressures may wear on the pipes and fittings used to transport the fluid. Long weld neck flanges may help cut costs by reinforcing the pipes used in high-pressure, high-temperature situations.

Conclusion

Industrial long weld neck flanges are game-changers for high-temperature, high-pressure, or otherwise dangerous amounts of fluid that need transportation. The added strength lent by these pieces helps to ensure the stability, security, and safety of the piping and structures that industrialists depend on daily.

Our team at Texas Flange is experienced, knowledgeable, and ready to assist you with any questions about the best products for your project. Give us a call today!

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What is the Function of Flanges and How Do They Work?

The flange industry is wide, and it offers customers a reliable way to connect pipe systems with the various valves, equipment, and other components of virtually any processing system. Flanges are the second most used joining method after welding.

Custom Pipe Flange Fittings

If you use flanges, it adds flexibility when you need to maintain piping systems. It also allows for easy disassembly and improved access to system components.

A typical flanged connection is comprised of three parts:

  • Bolting
  • Gasket
  • Pipe flanges

In many cases, specific bolting and gasket materials are made from the same or approved materials as the piping components you wish to connect. For example, stainless steel flanges are the top choice among some of the most common flanges. However, flanges are available in a wide range of materials, so matching them with your needs is crucial.

Other common flange materials include Chrome Moly, Inconel, Monel, and many others, depending on the application.

The best option for your needs depends on the system in which you intend to use the flange and your specific requirements.

Common flange types and characteristics

Flanges are not a one-type-fits-all kind of solution. If we keep the sizing aside, matching the ideal flange design to your piping system and intended usage will help to ensure optimal pricing, a long service life, and reliable operation.

Here are the most commonly available flange types:

Threaded flanges

It is also known as a screwed flange and has a style with thread inside. The flange bore fits with the matching male thread on the fitting or pipe. The threaded connections mean you can avoid welding in many use cases. If you simply match the threading o the pipes, you wish to connect.

Socket-weld flanges

Ideal for small pipe diameters in low-pressure and low-temperature scenarios, socket-weld flanges feature a connection where you place the pipe into the flange and then secure the connection with a single multi-pass fillet weld. As a result, it makes the style simpler to install compared to other welded flange types while avoiding the limitations associated with the threaded ends.

Slip-on flanges

Slip-on flanges are quite common and are available in large-size ranges. It can accommodate systems with high flow rates and throughput. You intend to connect if you match the flange to the outer pipe diameter. Installation is slightly more as you will need to fillet the weld on both sides to secure the pipe flange.

Lap joint flanges

Lap joint flanges require butt welding of the stub end to the fitting or pipe with a backing flange to create a flanged connection. The design makes this style popular for use in systems with physical systems or space that requires frequent maintenance and dismantling.

Weld neck flanges

Weld neck flanges need butt welding for installation. However, its performance, integrity in the systems with multiple repeat bends, and the ability to use them at high temperatures and high pressure make them a top choice for processing piping.

Blind flanges

Useful for isolation or terminating piping systems, blind flanges are essentially boltable blank discs. When you install them properly and combine them with the correct gaskets, it can achieve an outstanding seal that is easy to remove when needed.

Specialty flanges

The flanges types listed above are quite common. However, various specialized flange types are available to suit various environments and uses. Other options include reducing flanges, orifice, expanding flanges, weld flanges, and nipo flanges.

Flange Facing Types: Making the connection

The design is just a start when you consider the ideal flange for your piping system. Face types are another characteristic that greatly impacts your flanges’ service life and final performance.

Facing types determine the gaskets required to install the characteristics and the flange related to the seal created.

Common face types include:

  • Flat Face (FF)
  • Raised Face (RF)
  • Ring Joint Face (RTJ)
  • Tongue and Groove (T&G)
  • Male & Female (M&F)

Most face types offer one of the two finishes: smooth or serrated. Choosing between the options is crucial as it will determine the optimal gasket for a reliable seal. In general, smooth faces work best with metallic gaskets, while serrated faces help create stronger seals with soft material gaskets.

Flanges Dimensions: The Proper Fit

Apart from the functional flange design, flange dimensions are the most likely factor that impacts the flange choices when updating, maintaining, or designing a piping system. First, however, you must consider how the flange interfaces with the pipe and the gaskets in use to ensure proper sizing.

Common considerations include:

  • Nominal bore size
  • Pipe size
  • Bolt circle diameter
  • Thickness
  • Outside diameter

Flange classification and service ratings

The above characteristics will influence how the flange performs across various environments and processes.

Flanges are often classified based on their ability to withstand pressures and temperatures. It is designated using a number and either ‘class,’ ‘lb,’ or ‘#’ suffix. These suffixes are interchangeable but will differ based on the vendor or region.

Common classifications include:

  • 150#
  • 300#
  • 600#
  • 900#
  • 1500#
  • 2500#

Flange markings and standards

To make the comparison easy, flanges fall under global standards established by the ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) – ASME B16.5 & B16.47.

If you are attempting to verify or replace the existing parts, all flanges must include the markers, typically on their outer perimeter, to aid in the process.

Conclusion

The above guide offers you a solid foundation of the basics of flange design and how to choose the ideal flange for your piping system. However, with a wide range of stainless steel flanges or other available flange materials, it is impossible to list every consideration, detail, or configuration.

You can contact Texas flange if you want the best quality flanges or have any queries regarding the flange function.

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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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Most Used Flange Types in Petro and Chemical Industry

A flange is a mechanism by which pumps, valves, tubing, and other machinery are linked to create a piping structure. It also makes alteration, review, or washing easy to access. Typically, the flanges are screwed or welded. The flanged joints are designed to provide a bond by bolting two flanges together with a gasket between them.

flange types

The construction of all types of pipe flanges uses materials like rubber, bronze, silver, copper, cast iron, steel, etc. However, the most commonly used type of machined surfaces and carbon steel manufacturing. When choosing the pipe, the flange design is set; in most situations, a flange is the same as the plug.

There has been a boom in private petrochemical entrants, putting extreme pressure on the demand for pipe fitters. Ongoing production line project growth needs a high degree of fluid parts and automotive pneumatic fittings. Manufacturing flanges and using fittings from a particular metal has become one of the standard procedures in the industry.

The fittings may be helpful in research laboratories, factories, pilot plants, and pipelines. As the compounds under analysis are highly corrosive, providing the right products for the laboratory poses a major challenge.

It is fair to say that a vast network of pipelines helps carry different liquids and chemicals. It is the most important component of transportation in the developed world. There is another name for such pipelines; the ‘flow piping’ applies to the whole pipeline network and holds fluids such as gasoline, additives, water, steam, air, etc., around and within an industrial infrastructure.

It functions in the production of power generation, services, or goods. The extreme temperature and pressure temperatures trigger the connection to leak. Hence, the major requirement is to protect the joint adequately with flanges and fittings for heat-resistant tubing and corrosion.

The flange forms that are most useful in the chemical and petro industries include:

Weld-neck flanges

These flanges are common and useful to taper the center in high-pressure environments. In normal bending conditions, the weld-neck flanges are useful.

Slip-on flanges

A flange slips over the pipe, welded out, and in to avoid leakage and improve the pressure. A preference among engineers as opposed to the weld-neck because of its low cost.

Lap joint flanges

Apart from the slip-on, the flanges are slid over the valve but not fastened. It is used in combination with the bottom of a lap joint stub. Instead, the flange is held in place by the pressure exerted by the flange friction over the pipe’s chest back towards the gasket.

Threaded flanges

If you use it under special circumstances, the threaded flange is useful to attach to the tubing without being welded. These are usually placed on deep-wall thickness tubes, which is useful to create the inner string.

Blind flanges

Most flanges are made without a screw and are useful in the pressure vessels to blank off pipe openings, doors, and ends. These also suit best for high-pressure activities.

Applications of flanges in the petrochemical industries

Pipe fittings used in the petrochemical, oil, and gas industries must be made of high-quality alloy or steel. It must be accurate and traceable. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are constantly upgrading their equipment to help raise production across the vertical sector.

The chemical plant requires special pipe fittings to tolerate the impacts of continuous and batch manufacturing, fluid movement, mass and heat transfer, etc. Since most processes are ongoing, there’s a need for changes to be made as swiftly as possible. It not only minimizes the harm but also ends up increasing the injury risks.

Carbon steel and duplex are some of the most favored alloys for petrochemical, and pipe fittings flange productions. In addition to the consistency of the products, ingenuity plays a crucial role in ensuring productivity in the pipe fittings. The fittings are reversible

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Different Types of Flanges for Piping

A flange is a device that is useful for connecting two pipes. It can also help connect the pipe to a choke, valve, tee, or other equipment to form a piping system.

The flanges are pipeline elements that allow the assembly of the parts. It is an element supplied as a separate part or a part attached from the factory to an element such as a pump, valve, or another.

The flange is a type of coupling that can join two lines together with the help of gaskets and bolts in between them. The flange is not something that will individually make the joint. Instead, it can be described as the combination of two flanges or the bolting of two flanges. There would be a gasket in between these flanges.

The gasket between the flanges would give the bolts and seal a force required to seat the gasket and hold the joint together. The flange provides the surface for the gasket to seal and carry the applied force around the gasket. The joint may allow easy reassembly and removal or piping of components.

Flange characteristics

There are a few characteristics of flanges. These include:

# Holes are drilled accurately in the flange for easy assembly.

# The spot facing would ensure the seating of the fasteners

# To obtain maximum strength, the grain flow is controlled

# Unrestricted flow is obtained by accurate and smooth bore

# Good welding is facilitated by machined land and bevel

# To ensure true alignments, all faces are machined within tolerances

Uses of flanges

The need for flanges is increasing every day. Flanges are used for many industrial applications and are one of the best coupling methods to join two pipes. A flange would work properly if the components of the flange function in the right manner.

Flanged joints are useful for the ease of maintenance. Flanges are used when the joints need to dismantle. Specific pipeline maintenance needs it frequently, so the breakout flanges are useful at definite intervals on pipelines.

Need for a gasket in the valve and pipeline

A malleable gasket that could be hard or soft is inserted between the flanges to prevent leaks. Pressure is applied to the gasket by bolting or using a clamp to compress the gasket firmly at a place. The gaskets are made with different materials and can be selected per the process’s temperature and characteristics.

Gaskets are used in a valve to help prevent leakage in the closure mechanism. It also helps to prevent the leakage of fluid into the atmosphere. It is useful in the valves that allow the function of internal mechanisms. It depends on the separate fluid chambers like the pressure balance trim.

Types of flanges

There are different types of flanges for piping. These include:

flanges for piping

Weld neck flanges

The flange type is attached to the pipe by butt welding. These flanges are used for critical services. It is suitable to handle extreme temperatures and pressure because of these features. The flanges are useful mostly for refinery and petrochemical plants. The bores of both the flange and pipe match and it would reduce the erosion and turbulence inside the pipeline.

Slip-on flange

The flange is slipped over the pipe and gets a fillet welded. There will be two kinds of fillet welds, and these welds are at the outside and inside of the flange. The flange connection type is quite fragile compared to the weld neck flange.

Socket weld flange

It is the type of flange bored only at one side. These flanges are helpful for only small-bore lines. The bore of the pipe and bore are the same. Thus it possesses a good flow characteristic. The flange type will be welded to the ID of the pipe and counter board slightly larger than the OD of the pipe. It allows the pipe to be welded and inserted in place.

Threaded flanges

These flanges are made of steel and are useful for special applications. The main advantage of this flange is that you can connect it to the pipe without welding. However, in specific cases, a seal weld is useful in conjunction with the threaded connection.

Blind flanges

These flanges are useful to close the ends that need reopening later. In addition, the flanges are used to blank off the ends of pressure vessel openings, valves, and piping.

The construction of these flanges is done without a bore, from the standpoint of bolt loading and internal pressure. The blind flanges, which come in a larger size, are the most highly stressed flange types.

Lap joint flanges

The type of flange useful in the stub ends when piping costs much. The flanges are cost-effective; the stub must match the flange and pipe in an expensive pipe like stainless steel. The flange can be made of cheap carbon steel material.

Long weld neck flange

The type of flange is similar to the weld neck flanges, and one difference is that their neck is extended and acts as a boring extension. The flange is mostly used on barrels, columns, and vessels.

Orifice flanges

The flanges are useful when an orifice plate or flow nozzle needs an installation. Pairs of pressure tapings are machined into the orifice flanges. Thus it makes separate tappings or carriers in the pipe walls.

Whether you need weld neck flanges, blind flanges, or any other more specialized option, finding something that works well for you must not be tough. At Texas Flange, you get to take a look at different options here.

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Factors to Consider When Choosing Flanges for Your Project

Gas and oil plants are complex, large environments with thousands of miles of interconnected piping. For any flange or product to perform correctly, choosing the right type of flange for the job is fundamental. The flange must fit perfectly into the pipe joint to conduct its functions properly. A minor mistake during the flange selection may affect an application resulting in an expensive error.

Flanges

This blog will discuss the factors associated with selecting the correct flange for the proper application to ensure maximum usability.

Types

It is often easy to spot the flange type by the way it looks. First, you must classify the top of the flange by deciding whether the flange has a socket weld, flat flange, lap joint, threaded bore, welded neck, groove, and tongue flange. Next, the bottoms are identified with the evaluation of whether they have a flat face, which is entirely flat, or a raised face which is a slightly raised section on the face of the flange.

All of this information is usually defined by the stamping on the outside diameter of the flange, provided this has not been completely painted over. It is important to keep an archive of your assembly components for future reference and maintenance.

Size

The flange size consists of factors that include the standard used (: JIS – Japanese International Standard, ANSI – American National Standards Institute, and DIN – Deutsches Institut für Normung / European), the pressure level needed, and the actual overall outside diameter and thickness of the flange. Other factors in determining the full call-out include the number of bolt holes, outer diameter, inner diameter, bolt circle, and bolt hole diameter, but the nominal pipe size is typically universal.

Thickness

Depending on the flange thickness, it can be determined how high a pressure flange can handle, in any application thicker flanges can resist high pressures.

Bolt holes

Bolt holes help to measure the flange size and pressure class. The actual size of the bolt holes, the pitch circle diameter, and the number of bolt holes on the flange are three factors that need to be addressed. If the bolt is stronger and thicker, it can often correlate with higher pressure capabilities.

Standards

There are a lot of industry-defined standards from which you can choose the flanges. So the flanges help to choose based on the standard and application of the product. You can connect it to the three primary standards previously mentioned, including DIN, ANSI, and JIS.

Pressure class

Pressure class signifies the marginal pressure level under which the flange can safely function and sustain. Each standard comes with several pressure levels available, from high-pressure to low-pressure tolerance. The pressure levels of products connected to the flanges must be the same as those of valves and pipes in service. The most common industry pressure class is the modern ASME 150# per B16 spec.

Materials

It is crucial to choose a suitable material for a flange depending on the understanding and application the elements will encounter in an application that the piping system is using. The most common materials include chrome, nickel, carbon steel, duplex steel, stainless steel, etc.

Here are a few common ways to choose the flanges:

Define your specification and standard

Pipe flanges come in with standard blind, threaded, weld neck configurations. As fittings come into standard, oilfield dimensions become necessary for functional interchangeability.

Standard dimensions are the same for all materials used. However, the specifications are regularly updated, broadened, and revised.

Figure out the flange facing

Defining the facing of your flange is one of the first steps to order the industrial pipe fittings. The flange face is the sealing surface. The most common types of flange faces include:

. Full face
. Flat face
. Ring-type face
. Large female and male
. Lap joint
. Raised face

Pick put the correct pressure class

The pressure class of the flange standard determines its dimensions. The pressure class ratings may fall within 125 to 900 psi. The four factors which influence the pressure limits of the flange within the oil and gas industry include:

. Flange sizes
. Materials used
. External and internal temperatures
. Size of bolts, number, thickness, and dimensions

Conclusion

You may need to consult the fitting distributor to determine your project’s right flange pressure class. For more information on sourcing suitable flanges for your project, you can reach out to Texas Flange.