“A pipework flange is a mechanical component used in piping systems to connect pipes, valves, pumps, and other equipment. It is a disc-like fitting with a flat or raised surface, designed to be bolted to the end of a pipe or equipment to create a secure joint.
The primary purpose of a flange is to allow for easy assembly and disassembly of the piping system. By using bolts to connect the flanges, it becomes simple to join or separate sections of the pipeline for maintenance, repairs, or modifications.
Key features and components of a typical flange include:
Flange Face: The flat or raised surface of the flange where the gasket sits to form a seal.
Bolt Holes: Holes around the circumference of the flange used for inserting bolts to fasten the flange to its mating counterpart.
Gasket: A soft material (e.g., rubber, Teflon) placed between two flanges to ensure a leak-proof joint by filling any irregularities between the mating surfaces.
Raised Face (RF) or Flat Face (FF): Flanges may have a raised face (slightly raised above the flange face) or a flat face, depending on the application and the type of gasket used.
Flange Types: Flanges come in various types, including weld neck, slip-on, socket weld, threaded, blind, lap joint, and others. Each type serves specific purposes in different applications.
Flange Material: Flanges are typically made of materials such as carbon steel, stainless steel, alloy steel, or other suitable materials based on the application, pressure, and temperature requirements.
Flanges are essential components in industries like oil and gas, petrochemicals, water treatment, power generation, and many others, where pipelines are used to transport fluids or gases over long distances or within processing facilities. Proper selection, installation, and maintenance of flanges are crucial to ensure the integrity and safety of the piping systems.”