A steel flange is a flat, circular disc with evenly spaced bolt holes, used to connect pipes, valves, pumps, or equipment in a piping system. It provides a secure, leak-proof joint by bolting two flanges together with a gasket in between. Steel flanges are made from materials like carbon steel, stainless steel, or alloy steel, chosen for their strength and durability.
The primary function of a steel flange is to facilitate the connection of pipeline systems, provide sealing performance to prevent leakage of fluids or gases, and allow for the disassembly of pipeline systems when necessary. They are also used to provide a convenient interface for installing and maintaining pipeline equipment. Steel flanges are known for their strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion, making them suitable for high-pressure and industrial applications.
Flange Standard | ASTM A182, ASTM A105, ASTM A234 WPB, A860, A694, AWWA C207 |
Flange Material | Carbon Steel Flange, Alloy Steel Flange, Stainless Steel Flange |
Flange Sizes | 1/2”-60” NPS (DN15-DN3000), SCH10, STD, SCH40, SCH60, XS, SCH80, SCH120, SCH160,XXS |
Flange Class | Class150-Class2500 |
Flange Facing | RF/ FM/ M/ T G/ RF / FF / RTJ |
Flange Types | Socket Weld Flange, Slip On Flange, Blind, Screwed Flange, Ring Joint Flange, Weld Neck Flange, Long Weld Neck Flange |
Standard | Types of Flanges | Pressure Ratings | Applications |
ASME/ANSI B16.5 ASME B16.47 | Weld neck, slip-on, blind, threaded | Class 150 to 2500 | Used in oil and gas, petrochemical, and power generation industries in the USA and globally. |
EN 1092-1 | Plate, loose, weld neck, blind | PN 6 to 160 | industrial and commercial piping systems. |
DIN 2527, DIN 2566, DIN 2573, DIN 2576, DIN 2641, DIN 2642, DIN 2655, and DIN 2656 | Weld neck, blind, slip-on, threaded | PN 6 to 100 | especially in chemical and water treatment plants. |
JIS B2220 | Weld neck, slip-on, blind, threaded | 5K to 63K | Used in Japanese industrial and commercial piping systems. |
BS 4504/BS 10 | Weld neck, slip-on, blind, threaded | PN 6 to 100 | Common in the UK and Commonwealth countries for industrial and commercial applications |
GOST 12820, GOST 12821, and GOST 12822 | Flat face, raised face, RTJ | PN 6 to 160 | Widely used in Russia and CIS countries for oil, gas, and industrial piping systems. |
ISO 7005-1 Flanges | Combines ASME, EN, JIS | PN and Class ratings | Global industrial systems |
AWWA C207 | Ring, blind, hub | Class B to F | Specifically designed for waterworks and wastewater treatment systems. |
MSS SP-44/75 | Weld neck, blind | Class 150 to 900 | Used in pipeline and industrial systems, especially for large-diameter flanges |
1. Weld Neck Flange
A weld neck flange is designed with a long neck that is welded to the pipe. This design provides excellent strength and durability, making it suitable for high-pressure and high-temperature applications. The long neck also helps to distribute stress evenly, reducing the risk of failure. It is commonly used in critical industrial applications where reliability is paramount.
2. Blind Flange
A blind flange is a solid flange used to block off the end of a pipe or vessel. It has no openings, effectively sealing off the pipeline to prevent the flow of fluids or gases. Blind flanges are often used during maintenance to isolate sections of the pipeline, ensuring safety and preventing contamination.
3. Slip On Flange
A slip-on flange is designed to slide over the end of a pipe and is secured by welding. This type of flange is easy to install and provides a strong connection. It is suitable for a wide range of applications and is often used in systems where frequent disassembly is not required.
4. Threaded Flange
A threaded flange features internal threads that allow it to be screwed onto a pipe with matching external threads. This type of flange is easy to install and disassemble, making it ideal for applications where maintenance and adjustments are frequent. It is commonly used in low to medium-pressure systems.
5. Plate/Plain Flange
A plate or plain flange is a simple, flat flange with bolt holes but no raised face or neck. It is typically used in applications where a basic, straightforward connection is needed. Plate flanges are often used in conjunction with gaskets to create a seal.
6. Socket Weld Flange
A socket weld flange is designed with a socket that allows the pipe to be inserted and then welded in place. This type of flange provides a strong, secure connection and is often used in high-pressure systems. The socket design helps to distribute stress evenly, reducing the risk of failure.
7. Lap Joint Flange
A lap joint flange is used in conjunction with a stub end to create a connection. The flange itself does not come into direct contact with the fluid, making it easier to clean and maintain. Lap joint flanges are often used in applications where frequent disassembly is required.
8. Orifice Flange
An orifice flange is designed to accommodate an orifice plate, which is used to measure fluid flow. These flanges have additional bolt holes to secure the orifice plate and are commonly used in flow measurement applications. They provide a precise and reliable method for monitoring fluid flow rates.
9. LWN Flange
A LWN (Long Weld Neck) flange is similar to a standard weld neck flange but with a longer neck. This extended neck provides additional strength and stability, making it suitable for high-pressure and high-temperature applications. LWN flanges are often used in critical industrial systems.
10. Spectacle Flange
A spectacle flange, also known as a blind flange with a spectacle, is a type of flange that can be used to either open or close a pipeline. It consists of two flanges connected by a short section of pipe, allowing for easy switching between open and closed positions. This design is useful for maintenance and isolation purposes.
11. Reducing Flange
A reducing flange is used to connect pipes of different diameters. It has a smaller diameter on one side and a larger diameter on the other, allowing for a smooth transition between the two pipe sizes. Reducing flanges are commonly used in systems where the flow needs to be adjusted or where different pipe sizes are connected.
1. Carbon Steel Flanges
Description: Made from carbon steel, these flanges are strong and durable.
Applications: Widely used in oil and gas, petrochemical, and industrial pipelines.
2. Stainless Steel Flanges
Description: Made from stainless steel, these flanges offer excellent corrosion resistance.
Applications: Used in food processing, pharmaceutical, chemical, and marine industries.
3. Alloy Steel Flanges
Description: Made from alloy steels, which include elements like chromium, molybdenum, and nickel for enhanced properties.
Applications: Used in high-temperature and high-pressure environments, such as power plants and refineries.
4. Duplex and Super Duplex Steel Flanges
Description: Made from duplex or super duplex stainless steel, which has a mixed microstructure of austenite and ferrite.
Applications: Used in offshore oil and gas, chemical processing, and marine environments.
Flanges securely join pipes, valves, pumps, and other components, ensuring leak-proof connections.
Used in oil and gas, petrochemical, and power plants to handle extreme operating conditions.
Flanges allow easy disassembly for cleaning, repairs, or inspections without cutting pipes.
Enable the addition of new sections or equipment to existing piping systems.
Blind flanges seal off pipeline sections for pressure testing, maintenance, or future use.
Orifice flanges facilitate flow rate measurement using orifice plates in process control systems.
Applied in water treatment, HVAC, chemical processing, and marine systems for fluid handling.
Provide strong, durable connections to prevent leaks and ensure safe operation in critical systems.