Buying Guide to Stainless Steel Flanges
Buying Guide to Stainless Steel Flanges
Buying Guide to Stainless Steel Flanges
A flange is a cast ring that is designed to connect sections of a pipe or any other machinery that requires a connecting joint. Before buying flanges, it is important to note that these flanges come in different materials, types/forms, sizes, diameters, and measurements.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Cencho.
Different types of Flanges are available for different types of applications. All you need to do is choose your product based on the project. When it comes to which materials should be used in your applications the following factors come into play and therefore, some important aspects that need to be considered while buying stainless steel flanges are discussed in this article:
How to choose the correct Stainless Steel Flanges
Firstly it is important to note the diameter of the pipes to which the flanges will be connected. Also, knowing whether these pipes are seamless, welded, ERW, etc. would help to choose the required flanges. As for stainless steel pipe flanges, discs, and rings that attach to pipe in order to increase support or strength. These are generally screwed or welded to the pipe end. These pipes flanges are designed according to specifications and could be customized by manufacturers.
Choose Flanges Based On Design of the Project
SS Flanges are accessible in numerous grades. The client&#;s selection of products should rely upon your budget and project need. Although top-quality products may be costly, they are indeed extremely sturdy. Both SS 304L Flanges and SS 316L Flanges are iron alloys having a very high, around 95 percent of alloy composition. SS 304 and SS 316 belong to the chromium-nickel category and are grades that withstand standard corrosion, are sturdy, resist most chemicals, and hold greater resistance to numerous types of deterioration. Stainless steel 317 Flanges are hardened matching, low carbon with high additions of chromium and nickel. Stainless steel 347 Flanges should be considered for applications requiring intermittent heating between 800 degrees F (427 degrees C) and degrees F (899 degrees C).
Selection of Various Types of SS Flanges Available In Market:
SS Slip-on Flanges
The bore size of a slip-on flange is larger than the outside diameter of the connecting pipe, as the pipe has to slide inside the flange to be connected by the execution of a fillet weld. Applied in applications engaging in low pressure. When cost or space is an issue, this type is used instead of a weld neck.
SS Weld Neck Flanges
SS Weld Neck Flanges is used in high-pressure and high/low temperatures applications that require an unrestricted flow of the fluid conveyed by the piping system (the bore of the flange matches with the bore of the pipe).
SS Blind Flanges
Ideal for the piping system, requiring regular inspection. Handling high stress caused due to internal pressure and pressure of the liquid flowing through the pipe. Used to &#;blank off&#; pipelines, valves, etc.
SS Threaded Flanges
Assembled without welding and hence, can be removed easily. Not necessarily used for applications where bending stresses, involve high temperature or pressure. A seal weld is used in conjunction with times. To make it cost-effective, this could be supplied without a hub, or in treated coated carbon steel.
SS Lap Joint Flanges
A type of slip-on flange. Helps in the maintenance of low alloy steel/ carbon pipes. These flanges are seen to be very similar to slip-on flanges but are characterized by the rounded interior edge of the flange face.
SS Socket -Weld Flanges
Smaller diameter handling applications with high pressure such as steam lines. Possess internal welds, ensuring durability. The bore of the pipe and the flange match thus providing, a good flow connection.
SS Orifice Flanges
To provide access to a line for metering liquids or gases. The range of SS orifice flanges covers all standard sizes and ranges and is common to all flange materials.
SS Forged Flanges
Helps combine two machinery parts together making objects stronger, providing easy access for cleaning, inspecting, and modifying. Types vary according to their use. Used mainly in high-pressure applications.
Guide to Stainless Steel Flanges and Fittings
When high durability and corrosion resistance are required, stainless steel flanges and fittings are often suitable choices. Stainless steel offers improved longevity over hot dip galvanized steel as it&#;s stronger and more corrosion-resistant. When selecting the appropriate stainless steel flanges and fittings, consider the specific manufacturing technique used to produce the stainless steel&#;the most common options are forged, cast, or cut. You&#;ll also choose the grade that suits your intended application.
Benefits of Stainless Steel Flanges and Fittings
Stainless steel is corrosion-resistant due to the addition of chromium, the source of the thin oxide layer at the material&#;s surface. This passive layer protects the material, but corrosion and rust still may occur if the protective layer is damaged. Stainless steel is incredibly durable and easy to maintain&#;and it&#;s self-healing. The protective chromium barrier at the material&#;s surface can re-form to repair limited surface damage.
Appropriate flange and fitting maintenance aids in the continued prevention of rust and surface damage. Corrosion may still occur with exposure to salt, such as in coastal atmospheres or when vulnerable to road salt. To keep stainless steel components performing their best, choose the correct grade for your intended application and remove corrosive substances and rust by using appropriate solvents as part of regular maintenance.
It&#;s a versatile option for piping systems, as well. Stainless steel components can be modified or fabricated to your exact specifications to create custom flange or fitting solutions.
What Applications Are Stainless Steel Flanges Used For?
Stainless steel flanges and fittings are used in residential, commercial, and industrial piping systems. The strength, corrosion resistance, and ability to withstand high temperature, pressure, and flow make stainless steel a common choice for the transport of gasses or liquids, for chemical processing, in maritime applications, for sanitary use, and where corrosion resistance is required. Refer to the appropriate standards or contact us if you need assistance choosing the correct stainless steel grade and flange type for your intended application.
Common Stainless Steel Flange Types
Stainless steel flanges are available to meet a variety of standards, including AWWA, DIN or metric, and ANSI-class rated. Within these standards, you can find the most common flange types&#;and custom machining is available to tailor flanges to your individual needs and intended application.
The most common stainless steel flange types include:
Weld-Neck
Slip-On or Ring
Socket Weld
Lap Joint
Blind
In addition to flanges, threaded couplings, nipples, braided pump connectors, elbows, and other piping system components are available in stainless steel. Refer to the standards for your intended application to determine the appropriate stainless steel piping system components.
Which Standards Apply to Stainless Steel Flanges and Fittings?
A variety of standards establish the required chemical composition, dimensions, pressure ratings, and other requirements of flange and fitting materials for piping systems. The standards most often applied to stainless steel include:
AWWA C228 sets the minimum material requirements and dimensions for stainless steel flanges used in stainless steel piping systems
ASTM A182 covers forged or rolled piping system components intended for high-temperature service
ASME B16.5 is a dimensional standard applied to pipe flanges and flange fittings, including stainless steel
ASME B16.34 is a pressure/temperature rating applied to threaded and welded valves used to connect flanges
ASME B16.47 is specific to large-diameter steel and stainless steel flanges
Choosing Stainless Steel Grade for Flanges
When choosing stainless steel flanges, fittings, and accessories, you&#;ll need the appropriate grade to suit your intended application. The most common options are 304 and 316 stainless steel, which are preferred for strength even under heavy stress. However, the correct grade of stainless steel is necessary to ensure it can withstand the intended use. Using an incorrect grade at high temperatures may result in warping or otherwise compromise the piping system. Choosing the appropriate grade to suit the intended application helps prevent piping system damage or early failure.
What&#;s the Difference Between 304 and 316 Stainless Steel?
While both 304 and 316 stainless steel are corrosion-resistant, 316 stainless steel includes nickel and molybdenum for better performance at higher temperatures and improved corrosion resistance. Because it offers better resistance to pitting corrosion from saltwater, 316 stainless steel is preferred for marine environments over 304 stainless steel.
What Does the L Mean in Stainless Steel?
Stainless steel is available 304 and 304L and 316 and 316L. The L designates stainless steel with a lower carbon content than the standard 304 or 316, so it is softer and offers improved weldability. Each of these options&#;304, 304L, 316, and 316L&#;offers corrosion resistance and high tensile strength, but 304L and 316L are more corrosion-resistant than 304 or 316. Stainless steel with high carbon content is designated with an H, as in 304H or 316H, and is preferred for improved tensile strength at higher temperatures.
Dual grade 304/304L or 316/316L stainless steel material meets more than one standard. For example, 304/304L stainless steel&#;s chemical composition meets the certification requirements for 304L stainless steel and the requirements for 304 stainless steel. Dual grade stainless steel conforms to AWWA C228 specifications.
Stainless Steel Piping Systems for Saltwater Exposure
When choosing components for your piping system, determine the temperature range and tensile stress expected, how much saltwater exposure the piping system will get, and what other elements to which the components may be exposed. In areas with saline environments&#;applications with high saltwater exposure such as for maritime use or in splash zones&#;316, 316L, or dual 316/316L stainless steel may be the best option due to its increased corrosion resistance.
Stainless steel flanges are durable, corrosion-resistant piping system components. Contact us for more information about which stainless steel piping system components meet your specifications.
A guide to flanges
A guide to flanges
What is a flange?
A flange is the protruding rim that enable pipes, valves and other equipment to form a connection. Flanges also increase strength at the joint. They enable you to create a piping system while also allowing for fast disassembly. By providing access points, inspections or modifications can be carried out with relative ease.
How you make a pipe-flange connection varies. It depends on the type and the requirements of your piping system. Some are weld-on pipe flange, while others can be screwed on. The type of flange you choose will also depend on issues such as pressure capacity and application. But first, let&#;s look at common flange types.
Different types of pipe flanges
While specialty pipe flanges are available, there are six main types. Here they are, along with how to secure the flange on a pipe.
Threaded flanges
They&#;re used in low-pressure systems on smaller pipes with thick walls. They also make it easy to connect and disconnect pipe systems without disrupting the entire system for maintenance or to make adjustments. To attach the flange on a pipe, the bore&#;s female thread is screwed onto the pipe&#;s external threads. These flanges are not welded on.
Typical use:
Flammable, hazardous or explosive applications where welding is dangerous
Ideal in restricted spaces where welding flange to pipe can&#;t be carried out
Socket weld flanges
The simple design is intended for small-size and high-pressure piping that do not transfer highly corrosive fluids. Socket weld flanges are attached by inserting the pipe into the socket and applying one fillet weld around the outside of the flange. First, the pipe is inserted in the socket of the flange. When it reaches the
bottom of the flange, the pipe is lifted out slightly by 1/16" (1.5mm) and welded. This gap allows for thermal expansion created by welding, minimizing the probability that the weld will crack. Not suitable for highly erosive or corrosive applications, as the gap is vulnerable to corrosion between the pipe end and the socket&#;s shoulder.
Typical use:
Hydraulic pipes
Lap joint flanges
Slides over the pipe and used with a stub end. Also known as loose-ring flanges, and back-up flanges. These flanges are used on piping fitted with lapped pipe or with lap joint stub ends. With the stub end, the lap joint flange is typically used in systems requiring frequent dismantling for inspection and cleaning. Another advantage is its ability to swivel and align with bolt holes. As the flange never comes into contact with the fluid, the flange is highly durable and can be re-used.
Not recommended in extreme or high-pressure temperature applications.
Typical use:
Low-pressure applications
When flange needs frequent dismantling for maintenance
Slip-on flanges
These low-pressure flanges are thinner than most other flanges. With an inside diameter slightly larger than the pipe&#;s outside diameter, the flange slips onto the pipe. A fillet weld is applied at the top of the flange and at the bottom. The welds enhance strength and prevent leakage. Also known as hubbed flanges. Installation of slip-on pipe flanges is easy and therefore low cost.
The speed at placing the flange on the pipe saves costs, but those savings are reduced with the additional costs of two fillet welds which are needed for proper installation.
Typical use:
Cooling and firefighting water lines
Process lines for oil, gas and steam
Blind flanges
The lack of an inner hole enables blind flanges to seal off the end of pipe systems, preventing flow. This makes it easier and more cost efficient to carry out pressure tests. The blind flange connection is also an ideal pipeline flange. You can stop the flow of fluid and safely add new pipes or new lines to the pipeline.
Without blind flanges, shutdowns and repairs would be incredibly difficult to handle. While shutoff valves solve the problem of stopping flow, the location of the valve can be a problem. For example, if the valves are a mile or two away, then you&#;re looking at a significant amount of wasted fluid.
Blind flanges are installed with bolts, so they&#;re also easy to remove.
Typical use:
Testing pipe pressure
Creating access points to piping systems
Seal a piping system temporarily to make repairs, or permanently
Welded neck flanges
Also known as weld bend flanges. Their long necks are butt welded to a pipe. The flange&#;s bore matches that of the pipe, reducing turbulence and erosion. This flanged connection relocates stress to the pipes, ensuring a decrease in high-stress concentration at the bottom of the flange. When installing, weld neck pipe flanges must be positioned parallel at the time of fitting. Flanges at opposite ends of a pipe should typically have the same bolt-hole direction too.
Typical use:
Piping systems with repeating bends
Additional reading:Who is the manufacturer of valves in China?
If you want to learn more, please visit our website excellent stainless steel flange.
In conditions with wide fluctuations in temperature and pressure
Volatile and hazardous fluids
Flange types: at a glance
Type
Pressure capacity
Pipe sizes
Use for
Threaded
Low
Small
Attaching without welding
Lap joint
Low
All
Systems that need frequent disassembly
Slip on
Low
All
Low installation cost; easy assembly
Blind
Very high
All
Flow pressure testing; closing pipes
Welded neck
High
All
High-pressure systems; extreme temperatures
The flange face is the area on the head where your gasket will go. The three most common types are:
Raised face (RF)
Ring type joint (RTJ)
Flat face (FF)
Flanges with different faces should not be mated. For example, a raised face to flat-face flange connection will result in leakage from the joint, per ASME code B31.3.
Raised face flanges
The most common type is the raised face flange. Its name comes from the raised gasket surface, above the bolting circle face. The raised face concentrates more pressure on a smaller gasket area. In turn, this increases the joint&#;s pressure containment capability.
The height of the raised face is determined by the flange&#;s pressure rating. Likewise, the higher the pressure rating, the bigger the flange diameter, the more bolts needed and the thicker the flange.
Flat face flange
Raised face vs. flat face flange, also called full face flange, isn&#;t an issue. They play different roles. Instead of a raised face, this is a flat surface. Consequently, the gasket surface is the same plane as the bolt frame, covering the flange from its inside diameter to outside diameter.
Full face is designed to avoid the bending that flanges undergo as bolts are torqued.
Cast iron can break during this process, which is why this material is often used to make flat face flanges. The design prevents this problem from happening.
Ring-type-joint face flange
High temperature, high-pressure flanges or rather, flanges used in extreme environments, utilize a ring-type-joint face. These flanges often have a raised face with a ring groove machined into it. They can also have grooves cut into their faces with steel ring gaskets. The flanges seal when the bolts are torqued, compressing the gasket between the flanges into the grooves.
Ring joint flange vs raised face
The purpose behind a raised face flange is to concentrate more pressure on a smaller gasket area, increasing the joint&#;s ability to contain the pressure. Ring-type-joint face flanges don&#;t use gaskets. The groove within the flange enables the ring to center itself when the bolts are torqued. As the process pressure increases, so, too, does the sealing pressure.
Face flanges: at a glance
Typically used:
Raised face flange
Flat face flange
Ring-type- joint face
Process plants (chemical, etc.)
l
Oil & gas
Valves
Cast-iron equipment
Low-pressure water pipe systems
Severe applications: high pressure and high temperature (up to 1,382&#;F/ 750&#;C)
The pipe flange face is vulnerable to damage during handling and transport, so you need to think about flange covers. This flange cover shown here is made of durable and flexible polyethylene. It protects both raised and flat face flanges, along with full-face gaskets.
Flange protectors are also critical. The studded full face flange protector here is also made of polyethylene and provides full coverage by inserting the lugs firmly into the bolt holes.
Understand more about flange covers in our guide, Why Flange Covers are Essential.
The raised face flange protector shown here has an adhesive backing for fast application.
You can learn more about flange protection in Pipe & flange protection: a quick buyer&#;s guide.
Flange materials
Whether steel pipe flanges or a plastic flange, you should base the material you choose on its application. Typically, the materials should match your pipe material, but again, it depends on your application. For example, if your piping system is used for air or other non-corrosive applications, then your flanges and pipes may not need to be of the same corrosion-resistant material as acidic or caustic liquids.
Otherwise, if you&#;re interested in say, carbon steel slip-on flanges, you need to match the grade steel you choose to the pipe. Common flange materials include:
Carbon steel
Carbon-steel flanges are alloyed primarily with carbon. Carbon steel has a high hardness and strength that increases with carbon content but lowers ductility and melting point. Carbon steels range from mild and low, with 0.16&#;0.29% carbon to ultra-high carbon steel, with around 1&#;2% carbon. Steels with carbon content above 2% are considered cast iron.
Alloy steel
Just as you can enhance properties in plastics with additives, you can alloy steels with other elements to enhance the properties of your chose steel. Common alloys include molybdenum and chromium. Through different elements, you can increase a steel&#;s strength, ductility, corrosion resistance, and machinability.
Stainless steel
Stainless steel is alloyed with chromium in amounts above 10%. It&#;s chromium that gives stainless steel a higher corrosion resistance than carbon steel, which easily oxidizes from air and moisture exposure. Stainless steel is ideal for corrosive applications that also require high strength. Different grades of stainless steels yield different outcomes. You can learn more in our guide, Understanding stainless-steel grades.
Cast iron
When iron is alloyed with carbon, silicon, and other alloyants, the result is cast iron. Cast irons have good fluidity, castability, machinability, and wear resistance. They tend to be brittle to a degree with low melting points.
Aluminum
This is a low-density metal with medium strength. Malleable and ductile, it&#;s more corrosion resistant than typical carbon and alloy steels. Aluminum is suitable for flanges that need both strength and low weight, such as for irrigation applications.
PVC
A PVC flange is low cost and durable. PVC pipe flanges also have the advantage of being both chemical and corrosion resistant. Additives can make PVC more flexible and softer. PVC flange connections can provide extra protection to underlying pipes. They&#;re also popular for water-treatment processes, favored by the agricultural industry and used in domestic plumbing. Lightweight and easy to install, PVC flanges are perfect for PVC pipe systems.
Gasket materials
For all flange types excluding ring-type-joint faces, you&#;ll need gaskets. Choose them based on factors such as operating temperature, the fluid being conveyed by the pipeline, flange type, size, pressure class or rating and other specifications. First, however, you need to know material properties, which can be enhanced with additives.
Flange sizes
Flange dimensions are determined by the nominal pipe size (NPS) and the pressure class that your application requires. The higher the pressure rating of the class, the higher the size and dimensions of the flange. Typically, a 1/2" pipe flange will belong to the 150-pound pressure class. For threaded flange, a 4" pipe flange is the largest size available.
Large diameter flanges are in higher pressure classes. Below are the different classes:
Pressure classes
150 lbs
300 lbs
400 lbs
600 lbs
900 lbs
lbs
lbs
Size standards
Flange types and sizes vary, but they&#;re manufactured according to the standards set by organizations. For example, a long weld neck flange ASME B16.5 conforms to ASME standards, and might differ slightly from another standard. ASME B16.5 swivel flange dimensions &#; a type of weld neck flange &#; have equivalents in EN and MSS standards.
(If you see, for example, ANSI 150 swivel flange dimensions, this is incorrect. ANSI at one time published standards and started working with ASME in . At the time standards appeared as ANSI/ASME, but by , ASME had taken over standards.)
So your first task is determining the standard you&#;ll work to, which will likely follow what&#;s commonly used in your area.
Size standards are set according for each pressure class.
Want more information on stainless steel ptfe ball valve prices china? Feel free to contact us.
Stainless steel toilet flange
This is something that would last forever.
Now, we are seeking for the plumbers opinion, do you guys think this is something you would buy?
How much would you or your customers be willing to pay for a toilet flange that would last forever?
Would you rather buy it online or at a retail store like Home Depot or Lowes?
I would appreciate your thoughts!
thanks!
Sergio. Thanks John and Dave for your inputs, I really appreciate them.
We have seen the one you are mentioning, I think that's the closest one to our design.
However, our design is all stainless steel, the flange area is bigger and it fits under the toilet with no problems, the idea of this design is so in case the concrete or wood floor is damage you would have more area to screw or anchor it, also, this flange would fit on top of the existing classic flange so you won't have to remove your existing broken one.
The idea started when working with some houses close to the beach, the rust gets into the screws so eventually they end up breaking up. Also, we have noticed that sometimes heavy people could end up breaking the existing plastic flanges. With this stainless body, it won't happen.
You will never see that nasty rust coming out of the toilet bolts, since this flange has welded bolts to the flange so you won't have to worry about aligning them and fitting them into the toilet slots.
The project still and progress, but we would love to hear from the experts like you guys, the guys that have to deal with these type of issues.
I really appreciate your time.
Thanks!
Comments
0