Using Flanges for the First Time? All You Should Know

Pipe flange fittings are mechanical devices used for putting together two pipes. They are available as weld neck flange or buttweld fittings joined to a pipe by welding.

Threaded flanges are also available, which require to be screwed onto a flange with the use of a companion pipe. These are also known as flange collars. Other methods exist, like lap joints essential for connections utilizing slip-on and socket weld connections or stub ends.

Using Steel Pipe Flanges the Right Way

If you are using alloy steel flanges for the first time, here are some things you need to know:

• Use of Slip On Pipe Flanges For Low-Pressure applications

Since you are a first-time user, you should go for slip-on flanges since they are generally easier to handle and use. Apart from this, they also require minimal installation time and are cost-effective. Moreover, they find applications in low-pressure and non-critical services like cooling water, firewater, and other complex piping.

Experts at Doshi Impex India, the leading flange fitting supplier suggest customers dealing with pipe flanges for the first time and wish to check the integrity of slip-on flanges, a visual test or liquid penetrant testing (PT) test will be useful.

• Use of Socket weld Flanges For High-Pressure Applications

On the other hand, anyone looking for pipe flanges types to do some high-pressure work needs to go for socket weld flanges since these are compact and a good option if space is a constraint. Experts at the leading pipe fittings manufacturers suggest using a socket weld flange. A better welding flange is vital for a strong connection, as a radiographic test on a fillet weld is not easy to execute.

However, if the visual examination or critical tests are not enough, one can perform particle penetration or magnetic failure test to check joint strength.

• Use Lap Joint Flange For Expensive Work 

Finally, we came to the lap joint flange. Now, this is a kind of flange that is common in use among more expensive pipelines. These are pipelines made of costly materials involving stainless steel and other nickel alloys. Using lap joint flanges reduces the cost involved in building these connections. 

For instance, one can connect a stainless steel stub with a lap joint fitting a carbon steel flange. It would result in an effective welded connection, and yet at a cost that is more affordable. 

This is a method that is becoming increasingly common today with the rising of steel prices day by day. 

• Connecting Weld Neck Flanges and Buttweld Flanges for better performance

Weld neck flanges usually come with a hub that is more tapered with ends that have a decent finish. 

As a result, they can easily be connected to buttweld flanges. One can easily examine the quality of this connection either by visual tests or ultrasound radiography tests. Using a welding neck flange offers greater mechanical stress performance and fatigue. 

• Seek professional help

Experts at the leading stainless steel pipe fittings manufacturers in India, Doshi Impex India, suggest professional assistance when dealing with flange welding and sealing. It can prevent leakages and system failure. However, a user working with flange joints must be an expert with all the required skills. 

Without this much-needed training, executing the process of connection can be hard and can also lead to mistakes in the process. 

Final Words

Steel pipe flanges are one of the best solutions when working with pipe assemblies, especially those that require multiple stages. 

However, one needs to be careful regarding the choices made here by way of the material. This is mainly because steel pipe flanges come in different material grades. 

One of the best options you can have here is stainless steel. It is because it can withstand corrosion, which means it is durable, easy to handle, and will last much longer. This makes them especially useful in industries like oil and gas, where the use of mere carbon steel fittings couldn’t suffice for the kind of care you need to take and the protection you need. 

If you are looking for a high-quality flange fittings supplier, consult Doshi Impex India today.