What does a flange mean? Let’s define it briefly. A flange is a construction element used to join two machines or installation components in a leak-proof manner. It is a standardly manufactured component. The word flange comes from German. Its German equivalent is *Flansch* (pronounced flange). Depending on its usage, it can be made from different materials such as iron, copper, or brass. Flanges are mainly classified according to pressure and size. They generally have a circular shape. A flange is formed by connecting two circles with bolts. The number of bolt holes is not fixed; it can change according to the pressure class. As mentioned above, flanges are usually circular, but rarely they can also be designed as square or elliptical. There are many different flange types worldwide according to various standards.
How are flange dimensions determined?
When determining the dimensions of a flange, certain factors should be considered. Some of the important factors are:
- The pressure value of the installation
- The temperature value of the installation
- The material of the flange
- The pipe diameter of the installation
In addition, the five main values affecting the flange size are:
- Inner diameter (d dimension)
- Outer diameter (D dimension)
- Bolt circle diameter (C dimension)
- Thickness (T dimension)
- Number of bolts
What are the types of flanges?
There are many flange models in different standards and types. Some of them can be listed as follows:
- Blind flange
- Threaded flange
- Socket welding flange
- Slip-on flange
A note about one of the most frequently asked and curious flange types: blind flange. What is a blind flange? Its English equivalent is Blind Flange. Its meaning in Turkish is kör flanş. It is a type of flange used to blind a pipeline, that is, to close the pipe end.
What is the purpose of a flange?
A flange is used to join installation components in a leak-proof manner. It has many applications. The most common usage is in piping systems, but they are also used on machines. They are used to connect machine parts together. Flanges can be connected to the installation or machine either by welding or threading. One of the biggest problems with flanges is ensuring leak-proofing. One cause is incorrect installation. If errors occur during installation, leaks are inevitable. To reduce damage and ensure leak-proofing, bolts should be tightened with controlled torque, which significantly prevents potential failures or problems.
How is a flange manufactured?
The flange production process is divided into two parts: forging and casting. Cast flanges are lower in cost and require only simple processing. Forged flanges, however, may have air holes, cracks, or certain manufacturing defects, so they may not be perfectly smooth. The advantage of forged flanges is that they can be forged into various shapes. They are also low in cost. Forged flanges generally have lower carbon content than cast flanges, so they are less prone to rust. Flange materials include stainless steel, cast iron, aluminum, brass, bronze, plastic, and similar materials. The most commonly used material in flange production is forged carbon steel.