Flanges are a very solid, hard, and rigid fitting present on either end of a connection and can give the best service in terms of creating a strong unison with other fittings. They provide support in case of pressure or temperature and enhances the force requirement by making a strong connection with another object. These are used in many railways, pipe connections, refineries, and any other assembly which requires reinforcement.
Major features to consider while choosing the right flanges
The key features you should consider while choosing the flanges are:
● While considering the suitable Flange types, you must know all details to inquire.
● The size of the pipe flanges must be defined and suitable for corresponding pipes.
● You ought to be careful while choosing and must examine the flange and pipe thoroughly, so there should not stand any chance of a hole or leakage in the upcoming service.
● Do not compromise over the quality of the pipe flanges. The pressure rating of the flange should usually be the same as the material of the connecting assembly.
● Choose only those flanges that have suitable specifications for your system.
● You should also read and understand all the terms and conditions for flange use – once installed and utilized, they cannot be returned as they are no longer considered new.
● Check the flange material composition. Choose metallic for pressure vessel applications. Non-metallic, fibrous, and other elastomeric materials are suitable for other services. These are appropriate kinds of materials for different services.
● You should test the flange’s quality and performance before installing. Also, make sure to protect the tooling to install, and safely reach the site where you want to place it.
Characteristics of good flanges
Suitable flanges are usually very simple and efficient in their operation. They are convenient and cost-effective in every situation, and the quality of our flanges is excellent. While choosing flanges, make sure they have high-pressure ratings with the capacity to bear extreme temperatures and resist corrosion if necessary.
Good flanges are usually made up of copper, carbon, stainless, and other alloys. The quality of these materials should be acceptable according to the actual standards of these alloys.
Performance of good flanges
There are many factors that are responsible for good or bad performance in a flange assembly. A suitable performance flange is very necessary to make the work efficient and easy, so make sure to choose the best flange that meets ASTM standards. The performance of flanges is dependent upon factors like durability, weight, and elasticity of the flange. Moreover, buyers should be more conscious about the weight and material of the flange when this is a factor.
The assembly of a suitable flange to a connection is a factor in their performance, and these are best suitable with the correct pipes, bolting, and torque data.
Commonly used basic flanges
The most common and best flange types widely used for many purposes and in many sites are welding neck, slip-on, socket weld, lap joint, threaded, and blind flange.
These Flanges are very simple and easy to manage compared to proprietary connections. Their workability is superior, and they are the best design for high-stress service. The welding neck covers the thickness of a wall typically and pipes adjoining with them. The structure of these flanges is explicitly made to work with high pressure and elevated temperature. Some designs contribute a significant part in the smooth transition of pipes’ pressure, depending upon the welding neck flange’s integrity relative to the application.
A small projection of the neck from the base is an obvious characteristic in their structure which helps in the strong bonding with the joint, and ultimately pressure of the liquid will flow smoothly according to the design. Certain things like the quality of the weld connection help a lot, and there is no restriction in transmission when done correctly. Weld neck style connections help decrease corrosion and reduce the risk of the fundamental issue of turbulence in the assembly.
The estimated pressure of the specific type is almost two-third as compared to the welding neck in practicality, but is still rated for pressurized service per ASME/ANSI specifications. An outside, as well as inside weld connection with the pipe, is usually necessary in this case for installation. The whole process of binding/adjusting space is essential while connecting with the other pipeline and making sure not to damage this unit’s face.
It would be best if you recommend this for medium pressure and smaller nominal pipe sizes. They are compared with slip-on flanges due to their hub size but have a socket for a connection. Joints are assembled with the pipes according to the size and shape of the piping is custom.
These are included in conjunction with other flange types with all the qualities of previously mentioned flanges, but without the raised face like the others. These are usually used in connections with stub ends to allow for rotation. The one issue of lap joint flange is that their pressure holding capacity can be considered lower compared to the other ones.
Much like the other basic flange type designs of slip-on and socket weld, but with an NPT connection in the center, to be defined in size by the user. Other thread connection types are available as custom to mate with the male threaded pipe. These can come with or without hubs.
If you still have any questions in your planning to buy and install industrial flanges, contact Texas Flange today!