What is a flange?

Release time:

2020-04-21

Flange connections are an important method of joining pipes in pipeline construction. A flange connection involves first securing two pipes, pipe fittings, or equipment pieces onto separate flange plates. Then, a gasket is placed between the two flange plates, and the assembly is tightened together using bolts, thereby completing the connection. Some pipe fittings and equipment already come equipped with integral flange plates, which also fall under the category of flange connections. Flanges can be classified into threaded (screwed) flanges and welded flanges. For low-pressure, small-diameter applications, screwed flanges are commonly used; whereas for high-pressure and low-pressure, large-diameter applications, welded flanges are preferred. The thickness of flange plates and the diameter and number of connecting bolts vary depending on the pressure rating. Depending on the different pressure levels, flange gaskets are made from various materials, starting from low-pressure...

Flange connections are an important method of joining pipes in pipeline construction.

Flange connections involve first securing each pipe, fitting, or piece of equipment onto a flange. A gasket is then placed between the two flanges, and the flanges are bolted together to complete the connection. Some fittings and equipment already come equipped with flanges, and these also fall under the category of flange connections.

Flanges are classified into threaded (screwed) flanges and welded flanges. For low-pressure, small-diameter applications, screwed flanges are used; for both high-pressure and low-pressure, large-diameter applications, welded flanges are employed. The thickness of flange plates and the diameter and number of connecting bolts vary depending on the pressure rating of the flange.

Depending on the pressure rating, flange gaskets come in various materials—from low-pressure asbestos gaskets and high-pressure asbestos gaskets to metal gaskets.

Flange connections are convenient to use and can withstand high pressures.

In industrial pipelines, flanged connections are widely used. In households, however, the pipe diameters are small and the pressure is low, so flanged connections are not visible. But in a boiler room or a production facility, you’ll find pipelines and equipment everywhere equipped with flanged connections.