Flange Fittings All You Need to Know

Pipeline construction requires flange fittings, which connect pipe sections to other fluid-control devices like pumps and valves. These pipe-fitting flanges are often known as elements aiding in fluid transport via metal and plastic hydraulic pipes. 

Flange Fittings definition

Flange fittings facilitate mechanical, welded, or threaded joints. These may also be chemically bonded to other elements as per pipe material. They are available in square, round, or rectangular forms. A few flange shapes also involve a plate or ring essential to make a rim towards the pipe end.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Flanges for Your Project

Selecting the right flange for a particular application is prominent. The flange must fit appropriately into the pipe joints for efficient functioning. If you pick the flange incorrectly, it might impact the application and cost you a lot of money. For maximum usability, one must take into account the flange selection considerations for different applications.

Following are the factors to consider for the right flange types:

1. Size

Various factors influence the flange size. These involve correct pressure class, the standards employed, and the proper flange measurement. The number and diameter of bolt holes and the inner and outer diameters.

• Types

It’s typically simple to tell the sort of flange if you look at it. Socket welds, lap joints, solder collar necks, threaded bores, and flat faces are all types of flanges. Determining which one to use is the first step in the design process.

• Thickness

Flanges are known for their ability to withstand high pressure. Thickness is also an important consideration since thicker flanges have a better ability to handle high pressures in different applications.

• Pressure class 

A product’s pressure class specifies the maximum pressure it can withstand or sustain. There are a variety of pressure groups available for each flange standard, ranging from very high-pressure tolerance to very low-pressure tolerance. Flanges made of stainless steel and carbon are available in pressure classes ranging from 2500#, 600#, 300#, 900#, and more.

• Materials 

A flange’s material requires careful selection Copper-nickel, stainless steel, steel, and carbon steel are all common building materials. All types of stainless steel flanges are supported by flange bolts, gaskets, and rings.

Features and advantages of flange fittings

Although certain cases only require flanges and flange fittings, flanges offer advantages to the pipe system regular hydraulic fittings do not. Following are the benefits of flange fittings:

• They facilitate simple installation at places where one cannot install typical fittings with a tool.
• Some small places require greater flexibility. Hence, flange fittings eliminate requirements of hose lines or pipes, adapters, and more. 
• Traditional large hydraulic fittings are subject to damage by high pressure, shock, pressure surges, and vibration in pipe, tube, or extended hose connections. Hence, flange fittings are perfect in such places over typical hydraulic fittings.
• It allows simple maintenance of stiff lines like metal tubes and pipes. Flanges also reduce the risk of loosening hydraulic components in harsh environments.

When can one use a flange fitting?

Larger flange connectors provide simpler installation in high-pressure situations rather than overusing massive fittings. Moreover, flange fittings feature a zero-clearance design and assembly. They also facilitate easy disconnection and reinstalling, maintaining manifold, hose, and tube connections intact. Hence, rather than attempting to get the necessary torque for a big fitting, these fittings are both quicker and more precise in providing torque to bolts.

When the clamping force is distributed evenly throughout the flange head, flange fitting connections are significantly less prone to come undone than those of a normal hydraulic fitting. They are also a better option for connecting hose-ends with bends. 

Flanges have a variety of applications in the following industries:

• Oil & Gas
• Petrochemical Refineries
• Pipeline Transmission
• Pulp And Paper Manufacturing
• Research & Development
• Plumbing
• Submarines

Conclusion

Doshi Impex India is a leading pipe fittings exporter offering different types of flange fittings. They offer flanges in different sizes, standards, materials, and specifications. These pipe fittings find applications on multiple industries. The stainless steel pipe fittings manufacturers, suppliers, and exporters offer high-quality products compatible with global applications.

Contact Doshi Impex India today if you’re looking for a flange fittings supplier near you!