Basic knowledge of flanges

A flange is a method of connecting pipes, valves, pumps and other equipment to form a piping system. Flanged connections are used as an alternative to welding because they can be easily disassembled for shipping, routine inspection, maintenance, or replacement. Flange ends are preferred over threaded connections because threading large bore pipe is not an economical or reliable operation. The flange is an important component of any piping system.

Flanges are usually welded or screwed. Flanged joints are made by bolting together two flanges with a gasket between them to provide a seal. Pipe flanges are manufactured in all the different materials. Some flanges are made of cast and ductile iron, but the most used material is forged carbon steel and has machined surfaces by duplex steel fittings manufacturers. The most common materials used in flanges produced is carbon steel, stainless steel, cast iron, aluminums, brass, bronze, plastic etc..In addition, flanges, like fittings and pipes, for specific purposes sometimes internally equipped with layers of materials of a completely different quality as the flanges themselves, which are "lined flanges". The material of a flange, is basically set during the choice of the pipe, in most cases, a flange is of the same material as the pipe. All flanges from duplex steel flange supplies, discussed on this website fall under the ASME en ASTM standards, unless otherwise indicated. ASME B16.5 describes dimensions, dimensional tolerances etc. and ASTM the different material qualities.

Generally speaking, the flange is a ring-shaped device designed to be used as an alternative to welding or threading various piping system components used throughout the piping system. It also provides easy access for cleaning, inspection or modification. Stainless steel forged flanges Wholesale