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.
