Flanges are protruding ridges or edges, often used to increase strength or distribute load.
For example, sectional beams typically have flanges that carry most of the load, and the flanges are connected by web plates that hold the flanges together. Pipes can also be equipped with flanges, accessories available. Nuts and bolts may include flanges to distribute the clamping force over a larger area.
Pipeline flange
The pipe flange forms the edge that protrudes radially from the end of the pipe. They have several holes that allow the two pipe flanges to be bolted together, thus forming a connection between the two pipes. Gaskets can be installed between the two flanges to improve sealing.
Pipe flanges can be used as discrete parts to connect pipes. The pipe flange is permanently or semi-permanently attached to the pipe end. It can then easily assemble and disassemble the pipe onto another pipe flange.
Pipe flanges are classified according to how they are connected to the pipe.
Types of pipe flanges include:
Butt welded flange Butt welded at the end of the pipe to provide high temperature and high pressure flange.
The threaded flange has an internal (inner) thread into which the threaded pipe is screwed. This is relatively easy to install, but not suitable for high pressure and temperature.
A socket welded flange has a common hole with a shoulder at the bottom. The pipe is inserted into the hole to butt the shoulder and then welded into place by fillet welds around the outside. This is used for small diameter pipes operating at low pressure.
The slip sleeve flange also has a common hole, but no shoulder. Fillet welds are applied to both sides of the pipe flange.
The lap flange is composed of two parts; A short tube and a support flange. The sub-end butt is welded to the pipe end and includes a small flange without any holes. The support flange can slide over the short tube and is provided with holes to be bolted to another flange. This arrangement allows for disassembly in a limited space.
A blind flange is a form of blind plate that is bolted to another pipe flange to isolate a section of pipe or terminate a pipe.