Pipe Flanges

Flanges are used to connect pipes, tubes, hoses, and similar structures. These protruding rims, edges, ribs, or collars are used to strengthen the conduit while holding it in place and attaching it to another object. Flanges attach to pipes, wheels, and shafts by welds, bolts, or adhesives. They have a flush or flat surface that is perpendicular to the pipe, wheel, or shaft and can be mated with a similar or complementary surface. These two mated surfaces are then bolted together or joined with collars for a strong connection. Materials of construction for flanges vary by industry and application.

There are many different types of flanges. Examples include pipe flanges, stainless steel flanges, and weld neck flanges. Pipe flanges, as their name suggests, are designed to connect metal pipes. Stainless steel flanges are used in a variety of applications, but typically in environments that require corrosion resistance. Other steels that are used with flanges include alloy steel, carbon steel, and chrome steel. Welding neck flanges are machined so that the wall thickness of the flange matches that of the pipe. As a rule, lighter pipes have larger bores. Threaded flanges are specialized devices that do not require welding. These flanges are used mainly in high-pressure applications where post-weld heat treatment is difficult.

Threaded flanges, slip on flanges, raised face flanges, blind flanges, lap joint flanges, sock weld flanges, and forged flanges are commonly available. Threaded flanges do not require welding, but are subject to leakage because of heating or stress. Slip on flanges are bored to a size that is slightly large than the outer diameter (OD) of the matching pipe. Raised-face flanges, as their name suggests, have a raised surface. Blind flanges do not have a bore and are used to close the ends of piping systems. Lap joint flanges resemble slip on flanges, but have a curved radius at the bore. Socket weld flanges are also similar to slip on flanges, but have a bore and counter bore.

Flanges differ in terms of specifications, special features, and applications. DIN flanges, API flanges, ANSI flanges, and ISO flanges are commonly available. Sometimes, the material of construction is listed as a special feature. Choices include plastics such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene (PE), as well as metals such as brass and titanium. Applications for flanges include steam pipes, water pipes, and chemical plants; building and construction products; and shower rods and toilets. In addition to toilet flanges, specialty flanges include duct flanges, closed flanges, and mounting flanges.

• Methods for checking/Auditing Pipe Flanges, Pressurized Connections and Other Critical Fastened Joints
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• Plastics for the long haul
  Polymer selection helps automotive fuel-system components survive for the life of the vehicle. Ticona, the technical polymers business of Celanese AG The tank flange (left) and pump (right) from...
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• Flowforming of Zirconium and Titanium Pipe (.pdf)
  Flowforming in an advanced, cold forming process for manufacturing dimensionally precise, axially symmetrical, hollow components. The final shapes can be cylindrical, conical, ogival and contoured....
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Part Numbers for Pipe Flanges