Flanges are cast round components essential for connecting pipe sections, valves, etc. to the equipment. The connecting joints are available in extensive material grades like stainless steel or carbon steel. These hydraulic pipe fittings also come in different sizes, standards, diameters, and forms. Flange selection requires careful consideration as a wrong flange can weaken the system, leading to damage.
Reasons to Opt for Stainless Steel Flanges
Among different flange materials, stainless steel is the most sought-after for its versatile qualities. Stainless steel flange fittings provide the ultimate return on investment. Following are the reasons why one must select stainless steel flanges:
- Corrosion resistance
Corrosion is a prominent consideration in different metal applications. Metals often react to chemicals, rust, and other environmental conditions. It is advisable to choose flange material that can withstand severe environmental conditions, ultimately avoiding corrosion. Stainless steel is the top material for flanges with high corrosion applications.
2. High-temperature conditions
Flanges find application in industries with extreme temperature conditions. Hence, it is essential to select stainless steel threaded pipe fittings like flanges that can withstand extensive temperatures and do not warp or deform, ultimately protecting against system failure.
3. Durability
Materials like stainless steel are durable. They can also withstand different pressure conditions. Stainless steel is known to withstand high stress, therefore stainless steel flanges find application in high-pressure systems.
Types of stainless steel flanges
S.S. flanges are categorized into eight categories to simplify their selection. These types of flanges are easily available at any stainless steel pipe fittings supplier in UAE. Following are the types of stainless steel flanges available on the market:
- Weld Neck Flanges: They have long and protruding weld necks and find use in high-pressure applications.
- Slip-on Flanges: They are slightly bigger than the pipe and find usage in low-budget applications.
- Threaded Flanges: They have external threads and find use in applications requiring quick assembly and disassembly.
- Lap Joint Flanges: They require stub-end fittings and are similar to slip-on flanges and find use in applications requiring regular maintenance.
- Ring-Type Joint Flanges: These flanges come with a groove for easy compression on slip-on, weld neck, or blind flanges. These flanges find use in high temperature and pressure applications.
- Socket Weld Flanges: They have internal welds and find use in applications in high-pressure systems and chemical processing plants.
- Blind Pipe Flanges: They do not have a bore. These flanges find applications in systems requiring constant inspection.
- Orifice Flanges: They find applications in systems requiring constant modification and inspection.
Tips for selecting stainless steel flanges
Given the extensive benefits of stainless steel flange fittings, one can opt for these pipe fittings for different industrial and commercial applications. Following are the tips to choose the right stainless steel pipe fittings flange for your application:
- Integrity
A pipeline carrying toxic chemicals or fluids needs flanges that ensure leakage-free connections. Selecting the wrong types of flange type can lead to environmental contamination and health hazards. Hence, one must choose strong and tight stainless steel flanges.
- Type of fluid
The fluid flowing through the system plays a prominent role in the system’s functioning and flange selection. It is essential to consider fluid pressure and temperature to select the right flange fitting for your system from a reputed flange and stainless steel pipe fittings supplier in Mumbai like Doshi Impex India, guaranteeing longer project life.
- Contamination risks
Pipelines carrying toxic or sensitive chemicals used in pharmaceutical applications must opt for high-grade stainless steel flanges, ensuring zero contamination.
- Project design considerations
Stainless steel flanges are available in multiple grades. Their selection must depend on the project specifications and budget.
High-quality stainless steel grades are sturdy and costly. One can select SS 304L and SS 316L flanges for high-corrosion applications since these grades are made from high corrosion-resistant alloys (up to 95 %). SS 304 and SS 316 fall in the chromium-nickel categories. These grades can withstand normal corrosion.
Final thoughts
Piping systems require careful considerations in terms of design and material selection. Hence, one must select the right stainless steel flange per project requirements.
Doshi Impex India is a leading stainless steel flange supplier in India. The company offers high-quality products that are durable and withstand corrosion and deformation.