Flange is one of the most widely used equipment in the field of connections and piping and fluid transmission industry, which is used in many networks today. This type of equipment is used to change pipes or change their size in piping networks.
What is a flange?
There are different types of flanges and all of them are used in different industries depending on the conditions, type of need and efficiency. In order to create a suitable and efficient connection by flanges in different fields of industry, we must be fully familiar with its different types.
Simple FF or flat face flange
In this model, the connection is made when the surface of the two flanges is smooth. Plain surface flanges are used in valve connections, cast iron fittings and low pressure lines. Due to the presence of leakage, this type of flange is used in connections where leaking is not very important. They are made of cast iron and steel flanges that are used in low pressures. Simple flange is the first flange in the market in terms of price and availability.
Male and female flange
These flanges are mounted on each other in the form of male and female puzzles, and one of them has a raised surface and the other has a recessed surface. Male and female flanges are used in the piping and petrochemical industry, piping, oil, gas and water supply.
Welding Neck Flange
This type of flanges have a cone that is placed between them or in the term, their neck and is connected to the center. This flange model is also called “neck welding”. These flanges are usually used for high pressure flows, whose temperatures reach below zero. The method of neck welding flange connections is done with a gentle slope technique, from the side of the wall and using special connections.
Raised Face RF raised flange
These types of flanges have one layer on the surface. This layer creates a ridge on the surface of the flange, which, according to all standards, is determined by 1.6 mm in all conventional classifications from 150 to 300 times, and 6.4 mm in higher classifications.
Blind flange
This flange is like a plate and it is used to block the paths in piping. This model is installed at the end of the pipe path and works unlike other flanges, which are used in the continuation of the pipe to change or connect another to continue the path; in such a way that it blinds the end of the pipe and closes the passage. In these flanges, there is no cross-section for fluids to pass.
Socket Weld flange
This type of flange has a chamber in which the pipe is placed. Welding is also used to connect the outside and inside of this flange. Due to the use of welding from the inside, the connection shows more resistance. These types of flanges are used in high pressure connections due to their stability and resistance.
This type of connection has a problem in itself, which is the formation of an expansion gap. This defect causes them not to be used in stainless steel piping systems due to corrosion.
Flange flange or lap joint
While lap joint flanges are very similar to regular flanges, the end is flat. These flanges are often used for connections that require frequent opening and closing.
Threaded flange
These models, which are the gear flanges, have a working thread inside them, which is considered one of its important advantages, because they do not need welding at all. Threaded flange is very useful against high pressure and temperature.
Facing flange
These types of flanges are also widely used connections, which are used for connections with high tolerance and flexibility against pressure. It is also very easy to install this flange in piping systems, however, they show less resistance than the rotating flange.
Flange uses
Flanges are usually used in fluid transmission, petrochemical, oil and gas industries. These equipments are also used in the mechanism of telecommunication towers. Also, these connections play a prominent role in firefighting equipment and nuclear facilities. The important role of flanges in reducing or increasing the size is so important that two types of reducers, conversions and increases are also installed for them.
Flanges are disc-shaped plates, which have holes on them and usually connect equipment together in pairs using bolts and gaskets. These parts are among the most widely used equipment in the field of piping and valve connections. The flanges are always paired with each other as disc-shaped pieces, and their connection is formed by bolts and nuts, and then they can be easily opened.
Another application of flanges is in irrigation systems, which is associated with intermittent pressure changes. These parts are very efficient in connecting piping systems that greatly reduce or increase pressure. Of course, flanges usually have a gap at the time of connection, which is closed by another tool called “gasket” and sealed in the term. A flanged connection has three parts and consists of flange, gasket and screws. Along with pipes, precision instruments, valves and other equipment, flanges are placed in the category of fittings.
Due to the ease of opening and closing, these connections are used in a set that has a continuous pressure change. Flanges are usually made of materials such as steel, alloy, cast iron, steel, etc. Flanges have unique features and play a special role in the selection of connections. The use of flanges among other connections, such as pumps and shock absorbers, etc., are exactly related to these features in flanges.
Separation: The ability to separate and connect easily is one of the most important features that make flanges more practical than other connection methods. This feature means that if we want to completely disassemble or re-install the joint, we can easily unscrew and reassemble the bolts attached to the structure. This is if we need to cut the welded joints first and then we have to weld them together again if we want to install them again.
Types of flanges
There are different types of flanges and all of them are used in different industries depending on the conditions, type of need and efficiency. In order to create a suitable and efficient connection by flanges in different fields of industry, we must be fully familiar with its different types.
Simple FF or flat face flange
In this model, the connection is made when the surface of the two flanges is smooth. Plain surface flanges are used in valve connections, cast iron fittings and low pressure lines. Due to the presence of leakage, this type of flange is used in connections where leaking is not very important. They are made of cast iron and steel flanges that are used in low pressures. Simple flange is the first flange in the market in terms of price and availability.
Male and female flange
These flanges are mounted on each other in the form of male and female puzzles, and one of them has a raised surface and the other has a recessed surface. Male and female flanges are used in the piping and petrochemical industry, piping, oil, gas and water supply.
Welding Neck Flange
This type of flanges have a cone that is placed between them or in the term, their neck and is connected to the center. This flange model is also called “neck welding”. These flanges are usually used for high pressure flows, whose temperatures reach below zero. The method of neck welding flange connections is done with a gentle slope technique, from the side of the wall and using special connections.
Raised Face RF raised flange
These types of flanges have one layer on the surface. This layer creates a ridge on the surface of the flange, which, according to all standards, is determined by 1.6 mm in all conventional classifications from 150 to 300 times, and 6.4 mm in higher classifications.
Blind flange
This flange is like a plate and it is used to block the paths in piping. This model is installed at the end of the pipe path and works unlike other flanges, which are used in the continuation of the pipe to change or connect another to continue the path; in such a way that it blinds the end of the pipe and closes the passage. In these flanges, there is no cross-section for fluids to pass.
Socket Weld flange
This type of flange has a chamber in which the pipe is placed. Welding is also used to connect the outside and inside of this flange. Due to the use of welding from the inside, the connection shows more resistance. These types of flanges are used in high pressure connections due to their stability and resistance.
This type of connection has a problem in itself, which is the formation of an expansion gap. This defect causes them not to be used in stainless steel piping systems due to corrosion.
Flange flange or lap joint
While lap joint flanges are very similar to regular flanges, the end is flat. These flanges are often used for connections that require frequent opening and closing.
Threaded flange
These models, which are the gear flanges, have a working thread inside them, which is considered one of its important advantages, because they do not need welding at all. Threaded flange is very useful against high pressure and temperature.
Facing flange
These types of flanges are also widely used connections, which are used for connections with high tolerance and flexibility against pressure. It is also very easy to install this flange in piping systems, however, they show less resistance than the rotating flange.
Flange uses
Flanges are usually used in fluid transmission, petrochemical, oil and gas industries. These equipments are also used in the mechanism of telecommunication towers. Also, these connections play a prominent role in firefighting equipment and nuclear facilities. The important role of flanges in reducing or increasing the size is so important that two types of reducers, conversions and increases are also installed for them.