What are Flanges? Different Types of Flanges Explained
A flange is a strategy for associating or connecting pipes, valves, pumps and other equipment to frame a piping system. It additionally gives simple access to cleaning, examination or adjustment. Flanges are normally welded or screwed. Flanged joints are made by bolting together two flanges with a gasket between them to give a seal.
A flange is a forged or thrown ring of steel designed to interface sections of pipe or join pipe to a pressure weight Vessel, pump or whatever other fundamental flanges get together.
Flanges are joined to each other by darting and joined to the piping framework by welding or threading.
The fundamental types of flanges are; Slip on, Blind, Weld Neck, Threaded, Socket Weld, Lap Joint and Orifice.
Flanges are designed to the following pressure ratings; 150lb, 300lb, 400lb, 600lb, 900lb, 1500lb and 2500lb.
The most widely recognized facings machined on flanges are:
(a) Raised face, 1/16 inch for 150lb and 300lb, ¼ inch for 400lb and heavier.
(b) Flat face, for 150lb and 300lb just, other might be flat face on ask.
(c) Ring type joint, might be applied to all pressure weight ratings.
We at Sandco Metal Industries is one of the largest flanges manufacturer and supplier in India. As a leading distributor and manufacturer of flanges, we supply forged and also plate flanges everywhere throughout the world. We manage flanges produced using different evaluations and grades of materials; in any case, the most normally utilized materials are stainless steel, alloy steel, carbon steel, and nickel alloys combinations. We stock flanges in standard sizes as expansive as 48 in. We can likewise custom make flanges according to client's particulars. You can get in touch with us for some other type of flanges, as we would custom be able to make those for you as needs be.
Below are the different types of Flanges
1) Groove Flange / Tongue Flange - Groove flange is constantly accompanied with tongue flange. In this combine, one flange has a machined raised ring (called as tongue) and different has machined groove depression (called groove). These two mating flanges fit precisely in each other. The best favorable position of this flange is that they self-adjust or align and go about as a adhesive as well.
2) Slip on Flanges / SORF Flanges - These pipe flanges, as the name says, slip over pipe and is settled by welding at top and base side of the flange. This aides in avoiding spillage or leakage and giving quality strength to the connection. The internal measurement of Slip on Flange is little bigger than the pipe's OD. Slip on Flanges are constantly favored over weld neck flanges, as less accuracy is required with nearly same outcome result.
3) Blind Flange / BLRF Flange - A blind flange, otherwise called blanking flange, is utilized as a part of fixing or sealing an end of the piping framework. This is mostly utilized as a part of high pressure weight applications to stop the stream of gases or fluids from one end. Blind flange is a helpful alternative to close an end of a pipe in larger applications when compared with others because of its simple entry and easy access.
4) High Hub Blind Flange - A high hub flange is similar to normal flanges. It looks like a simple round plate but without any centre hold. This type of flange I generally used in applications wherein close tolerance is of high importance. It provides positive closer on the ends of the applications.
5) Expander Flanges - Expander flange is a combination of weld neck pipe flange and a reducer. The non-flanged end of this flange is larger when compared to the flanged end. This is mainly used where you need to change the size of pipe run. These flanges are cost-effective, as they replaces welding neck flange and reducer combination.
6) Weld Neck / WNRF Flanges - As the name suggests, this flange is attached to the pipe by welding neck of flange. This helps in transferring stress from the flange to the pipe, making it suitable for high pressure applications. The inner diameter of this pipe flange is made according to the pipe’s size.
7) Threaded Flanges - Threaded flanges are more common with low pressure applications. As the name implies, these flanges are fixed to the pipes only with threads. One can use threaded flanges on pipes with external threads. They are not suitable in high pressure applications as no welding is used.
8) Socket Weld / SWRF Flanges - Socket weld flanges are generally used with smaller pipes in high pressure applications. Pipes are inserted into the sockets of these flanges and then welded around the top portion for smooth flow. An additional internal weld might be used in certain extreme stressful applications. It is similar to slip on flange.
9) Weldo Flanges / Nipo Flanges - A Nipo flange is a combination of weld neck flange and a nipolets. These flanges are best used in applications wherein you need both of them. You can anytime prefer Nipo Flange over using both the fittings, as this helps in holding the pressure.
10) Reducing Flanges - Reducing flanges are specially designed to use in applications with different piping diameters. It is available in different types such as slip-on, weld neck, flat face, raised face, threaded, and FTJ flanges. The best advantage of this flange is that it is very easy to bolt up when compared to non-reducing flanges.
11) Square Flanges - Square flange is similar to other flanges, the difference is that it is square in shape. The square shape provides long lasting and dependable isolation point. The length and diameter of square flange is similar to standard flanges.
12) Spectacle Blind Flanges - A spectacle flange or a spectacle blind flange is made from two discs that are attached with the help of a small metal section. These are commonly made from different grades of steel such as stainless steel, alloy steel, and carbon steel.
13) Orifice Flanges - Orifice flange normally goes with orifice metering system for gauging the flow rate of liquids and gases. Pairs of pressure tapping are machined in to the flanges for this purpose. This makes extra separate carriers or tapping unnecessary in the pipe wall.
14) Ring Type Joint / RTJ Flanges - Ring Type Joint Flange (RTJ) is basically a metal ring compressed to a flange to form a seal. The ring is generally of hexagonal groove on the face. These types of flange assure leak proof connections, and are suitable at high pressure applications. This flange can be combined with blind, weld neck or slip-on flanges.
