A flange is a protruding ridge, lip, or rim—typically metallic—used to strengthen, guide, or attach pipes, valves, pumps, and other equipment in piping systems. They facilitate easy assembly and disassembly for maintenance,, commonly connecting via bolts and a gasket to create a secure, leak-proof seal.
Key Aspects of Flanges
Functions: Connects pipes, allows for easy cleaning/modification, and increases structural stability.
Common Materials:
Carbon steel, stainless steel, cast iron, aluminum, and plastics.
Industries: Used extensively in oil and gas, chemical processing, water treatment, and plumbing
Common Types of Flanges
Weld Neck: Features a long tapered hub, ideal for high-pressure applications.
Slip-On: Slides over the pipe and is welded in place.
Socket Weld: For small, high-pressure pipes.
Blind: Used to seal the end of a piping system.
Threaded: Screwed onto the pipe, often used without welding.
Lap Joint: Used with a backing flange for easy alignment.
