A flange is a protruding rim or edge on a pipe, shaft, or other
object, designed to increase strength, provide support, or
facilitate attachment to another object. Flanges are commonly used
in piping systems to connect pipes, valves, and other equipment
together. They can also be found in various industrial applications
such as in automotive, aerospace, and construction industries.
Flanges come in different shapes, sizes, and materials to suit
different requirements and applications.
Flange face is the surface of a flange that comes into contact with
the mating flange surface during assembly. It is important for the
flange face to be smooth and flat to ensure a proper seal and
prevent leaks. Flange faces can have different types of finishes,
such as raised face, flat face, ring joint face, and tongue and
groove face, depending on the specific requirements of the
application.
- 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.
Flanges can be made from a variety of materials, each offering
unique properties and advantages. Some common materials used for
flanges include:
1. Carbon steel: Carbon steel flanges are commonly used in
industrial applications due to their high strength and durability.
They are suitable for high-pressure and high-temperature
environments.
2. Stainless steel: Stainless steel flanges are corrosion-resistant
and offer excellent strength and durability. They are often used in
applications where cleanliness and hygiene are important, such as
in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
3. Alloy steel: Alloy steel flanges are made from a combination of
different metals to enhance their strength, toughness, and
corrosion resistance. They are commonly used in high-temperature
and high-pressure applications.
4. Brass: Brass flanges are often used in plumbing and water supply
systems due to their corrosion resistance and ability to withstand
high temperatures.
5. Copper: Copper flanges are known for their excellent
conductivity and corrosion resistance. They are often used in
electrical and plumbing applications.
6. Titanium: Titanium flanges are lightweight, strong, and
corrosion-resistant, making them suitable for use in aerospace,
marine, and chemical processing industries.
8. Aluminum: Aluminum flanges are lightweight, corrosion-resistant,
and easy to work with. They are often used in automotive and
aerospace applications.