What Are The Most Common Stainless Steel Flange Types?

09 Dec.,2024

 

What Are The Most Common Stainless Steel Flange Types?

Stainless Steel Flange is a key element, which has strength, and integrity for connecting industrial equipment, pipes and can be used in wheels of car, trucks, buses, two wheelers. This flange can also be used in more industries. It is also known as SS flanges. This flange consists of different grade such as F316/l, A STM a182 and F304/l. When it comes to piping systems, stainless steel flanges play a crucial role in ensuring the safe and efficient transfer of fluids and gases. With their durability, corrosion resistance, and versatility, stainless steel flanges are widely used across various industries, including chemical processing, pharmaceuticals, power generation, and food processing.

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However, with the numerous types of stainless steel flanges available, it can be overwhelming to navigate the options and choose the right one for your specific application. In this article, we will delve into the most common stainless steel flange types, exploring their characteristics, advantages, and typical uses. By understanding the differences between these popular flange types, you&#;ll be better equipped to select the optimal solution for your piping system, ensuring reliability, performance, and cost-effectiveness.   

Most Common Types of Stainless Steel Flange

The following are the most common types of stainless steel flanges, but it&#;s worth noting that there may be others depending on the specific application and industry requirements.

1. Weld Neck Flange

Weld neck flange is a type of flange, which reduces the stress of the pipe. It is also known as a high-hub or tapered hub flange. There are two types of weld neck flange design first is used with wipes and second is not used in wipes but second is not used with pipe but used in big plants. These are of two types:

(a) Long Weld Neck Flange

A Long Weld Neck Flange (LWNF) is a type of pipe flange that is used to connect pipes or fittings in a piping system. It is characterized by a long, tapered neck that extends from the flange face to the pipe or fitting, allowing for easy welding and providing a secure connection. The long neck also provides additional structural support to the flange, making it suitable for high-pressure applications. Long Weld Neck Flanges are commonly used in power generation, oil and gas, and chemical processing industries where reliable connections are critical. They are available in various materials, including carbon steel, stainless steel, and alloy steel, and are designed to meet specific industry standards such as ASME, ANSI, and DIN.

(b) N W Long  Neck Flange

The NW Long Neck Flange is a type of flange designed to provide a secure and leak-tight connection between two pipes or fittings. It features a long neck that extends beyond the flange face, allowing for easy installation and alignment of the flange with the mating part. The NW Long Neck Flange is commonly used in industrial applications, such as piping systems, chemical processing, and power generation, where a high degree of flange sealing is required. Its long neck design provides additional flexibility and ease of installation, making it a popular choice among engineers and technicians.

2. Lap Joint Flanges

It is a type of flange, which is used with a sob end fitting. This flange is used in piping and duct system design. It is also known as loos hub flanges, backup flanges, van stone flanges and loose ring flanges. It is suitable for piping systems due to its distinctive design, which can also be used in residential plumbing or HVAC systems to ensure a reliable connection and beneficial attributes. 

They are used in many industries such as food and beverage, and chemical processing.  Due to its adaptability and flexibility, it is good for diversity in the piping system. From its versatility, it expands and modifies the piping system without any problem.    

3. Threaded Flanges

Threaded flanges also known as companion flanges, screw flanges and n t p flanges. For joining the male N T P threaded piping, it contains a female N T P thread in the centre.  It is used in many industries such as oil and gas, food, chemicals etc. This flange is also used in pressure vessel, valves, tanks and in other equipment. 

These threaded flanges are welded by using some welding techniques such as arc welding, oxy-acetylene welding(OAW),  (MIG/ TIG), brazing and soldering. Due to its high-quality result, the most popular welding process for threaded flanges is ITG (Inert Tungsten Gas).  

4. Socket Weld Flanges

Socket Weld Flange is a type of flange. It is used in for fitting the pipes. This flange is made from stainless steel and carbon steel, so it forms a sturdy connection between two pipes. Socket Weld Flanges are of two types Standard(SW) and Reducing( SRW).  The main work of the socket weld flanges is to combine the two pieces of pipes. It works very easily in any condition and temperature. 

5. Ring-type Joint Flanges

Ring-Type Joint Flanges are also known as RTJ flanges. These flanges work very easily in high temperatures. It compresses easily on bind flanges, weld neck flanges and slip-on flanges because it has a groove, which helps to control the leakage. Ring-type joint flanges are of three types such as raised face (RTJRF), Flat face (RTJFF) and groove face (RTJ groove). It is used in power plants, and factories which produce steam in high temperatures and is mainly used in petrochemical processes such as gas processing and oil refining.       

Which Stainless Steel Flange Should You Choose?

Some stainless steel flanges is good for us such as ring-type joint flanges, threaded flanges, weld neck flanges, socket weld flanges and lap joint flanges because of their corrosion resistance, ductility, durability and so on. These steel flanges is good for controlling the leakage and joining the pipes. It works very easily in any pressure and temperature.   

Conclusion 

Stainless steel flanges are a crucial component in various industries, providing a secure and reliable connection between pipes and equipment. With their high resistance to corrosion and durability, stainless steel flanges have become a popular choice for applications that require high performance and reliability. In this article, we have explored the most common types of stainless steel flanges, including slip-on flanges, welding neck flanges, blind flanges, and lap joint flanges.

Each type of flange has its unique features and advantages, making them suitable for different applications. From the ease of installation and maintenance of slip-on flanges to the high-pressure resistance of welding neck flanges, there is a stainless steel flange type that can cater to specific needs.

Flange Basics: Functions, Designs, and Other Considerations

Making the Connection: Flange Facing Types

Flange design is only the start when considering the ideal flange for your piping system. Face types are another characteristic that will have a major impact on the final performance and service life of your flanges.

Facing types determine both the gaskets needed to install the flange and characteristics related to the seal created.

Common face types include:

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  • Flat Face (FF): As the name suggests, flat face flanges feature a flat, even surface combined with a full face gasket that contacts most of the flange surface.
  • Raised Face (RF): These flanges feature a small raised section around the bore with an inside bore circle gasket.
  • Ring Joint Face (RTJ): Used in high-pressure and high-temperature processes, this face type features a groove in which a metal gasket sits to maintain the seal.
  • Tongue and Groove (T&G): These flanges feature matching grooves and raised sections. This aids in installation as the design helps the flanges to self-align and provides a reservoir for gasket adhesive.
  • Male & Female (M&F): Similar to tongue and groove flanges, these flanges use a matching pair of grooves and raised sections to secure the gasket. However, unlike tongue and groove flanges, these retain the gasket on the female face, providing more accurate placement and increased gasket material options.

Many face types also offer one of two finishes: serrated or smooth.

Choosing between the options is important as they will determine the optimal gasket for a reliable seal.

In general, smooth faces work best with metallic gaskets while serrated faces help to create stronger seals with soft material gaskets.

The Proper Fit: A Look at Flange Dimensions

Apart from the functional design of a flange, flange dimensions are the most likely factor to impact flange choices when designing, maintaining, or updating a piping system.

However, you must consider how the flange interfaces with the pipe and the gaskets in use to ensure proper sizing.

Common considerations include:

  • Outside diameter: The distance between two opposing edges of the flange face
  • Thickness: A measure of the thickness of the outer attaching rim
  • Bolt circle diameter: The distance between opposing bolt holes when measured from centre to centre
  • Pipe size: A designation of the pipe size with which the flange corresponds
  • Nominal bore size: A measurement of the flange connectors inner diameter

Flange Classification & Service Ratings

Each of the above characteristics will have an influence on how the flange performs across a range of processes and environments.

So how can you tell which flanges are up to the task and which are not?

Flanges are often classified based on their ability to withstand temperatures and pressures.

This is designated using a number and either the &#;#&#;, &#;lb&#;, or &#;class&#; suffix. These suffixes are interchangeable but will differ based on the region or vendor.

Common classifications include:

  • 150#
  • 300#
  • 600#
  • 900#
  • #
  • #

Exact pressure and temperature tolerances will vary by materials used, flange design, and flange size. The only constant is that in all cases, pressure ratings decrease as temperatures rise.

Flange Standards and Markings

To help make comparison easier, flanges fall under global standards established by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) -- ASME B16.5 & B16.47.

If you&#;re attempting to replace or verify existing parts, all flanges must include markers -- typically on their outer perimeter -- to aid in the process.

These markers also follow a strict order:

  • Manufacturer logo or code
  • ASTM material code
  • Material Grade
  • Service rating (Pressure-temperature Class)
  • Size
  • Thickness (Schedule)
  • Heat Number
  • Special designations, if any -- for example, QT for Quenched and tempered or W for repair by welding

This guide offers a solid foundation of the basics of flange design and how to choose the ideal flange for your piping system. However, with a wide range of stainless steel flanges and other flange materials available, it is impossible to list every configuration, detail, or consideration.

Should you have questions, the Technical Sales Experts at Unified Alloys are ready to help. Serving industries and businesses across North America and Canada for more than 40 years, we understand the complexities of alloy piping and the needs of your industry. Call us today for additional information and to find the ideal flange, piping, and components for your next project.

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