Flange

SurreyFlange

Flanschverbindung Gasleitung

Australian National Railways wheel straight off wheel lathe (profile)

Flanged wheel

pdr-cbr-flange

Flange is a term used in various engineering fields to describe a protruding rim, edge, collar, or ring, typically forged, cast, or cut from a solid piece of material. The primary purpose of a flange is to provide strength, support, or attachment points, often facilitating the connection of pipes, tubes, or other components in a system. Flanges are integral components in a wide range of applications, including plumbing, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), and mechanical engineering. They are also found in structural applications, where they may be used to connect beams or other structural elements.

Types of Flanges[edit | edit source]

There are several types of flanges, each designed for specific applications and connection methods. Some of the most common include:

Weld Neck Flanges: Characterized by their long tapered hub, weld neck flanges are designed to be butt-welded to the pipe. The taper provides important reinforcement to the flange and reduces stress concentration at the base of the hub. These are commonly used in high-pressure applications.

Slip-On Flanges: These flanges are slipped over the pipe and then welded in place. They are easier to align than weld neck flanges, making them a popular choice for lower pressure applications.

Blind Flanges: Used to seal the end of piping systems or pressure vessel openings, blind flanges are typically round plates with no center hole and are bolted in place.

Threaded Flanges: These flanges are threaded in the bore to match an external thread on the pipe. This allows for a connection without welding, suitable for applications where welding is hazardous.

Socket-Weld Flanges: Similar to slip-on flanges, these are designed for smaller pipe diameters. The pipe is inserted into the flange before welding, providing a smooth bore and better fluid or gas flow.

Lap Joint Flanges: Consisting of two components, a stub end, and a loose backing flange, lap joint flanges are great for systems that require frequent dismantling for inspection and cleaning.

Materials[edit | edit source]

Flanges are made from a variety of materials, depending on their intended use. Common materials include:

Carbon Steel: Widely used due to its strength and durability, suitable for high-temperature and high-pressure applications.

Stainless Steel: Offers excellent resistance to corrosion and is used in applications where rust and corrosion are a concern.

Alloy Steel: Used for special applications that require additional strength or corrosion resistance.

Plastic: Suitable for low-pressure applications and highly corrosive environments.

Copper: Often used in plumbing applications due to its corrosion resistance and malleability.

Standards[edit | edit source]

Flanges are manufactured according to various standards that specify dimensions, material types, pressure ratings, and other critical factors. Some of the most recognized standards include:

Applications[edit | edit source]

Flanges find applications in numerous industries, including:

Oil and Gas Industry: For piping systems that transport oil, gas, and other fluids.
Chemical Processing: In systems that handle corrosive substances.
Water Treatment: In piping systems for water purification and distribution.
Construction: For structural connections in buildings and infrastructure.
Automotive Industry: In exhaust systems and other components.

Installation and Maintenance[edit | edit source]

Proper installation and maintenance of flanges are crucial to prevent leaks and ensure the longevity of the system. This includes selecting the appropriate type of flange and material for the application, ensuring proper alignment and spacing, and applying the correct torque to bolts.

Flange Resources
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