Pipe Flanges
P'pe flanges are used as couplings to join lengths of pipe.
Jraditionall~ there have been two main types of flanges.
Butt-weld i.e. weld neck for very high pressure and slip-0n
flanges for the medium and low pressure. However in the
past few years more companies are using the slip-0n variety
of flanges, even for very high pressures. The reason for this,
Fig. 1. Fig. 2.
is the high and consistent quality of steel plate rolled by _l~r,
and also the cost. The main specifications used in South
Africa are BS 10, BS 4504, DIN and _SA~S 1123. The SABS
1123 specification is being used more than any of the other
as it conforms dimensionally to BS 4504 and DIN but was
·designed for South African conditions.
Flanges are designed to the following pressure ratings: 150 ~,
300 lb, 400 lb, 600 lb, 900 lb, 1500 lb and 2500 lb or 10
Bar, 16 Bar, 25 Bar, 40 Bar, 64 Bar, 100 Bar and 160 Bar.
Fig. 3. Fig. 4.
The most common facings machined on flanges are:
(a) Raised face.
(b) Flat face.
(c) Ring type.
1YPES AND APPLICATIONS
Slip On Flange (Figure 1).
The flange is slipped over the pipe and then welded both Fig. 5. Fig. 6.
inside and outside to provide sufficient strength and prevent
leakage. This flange is used in preference to weld necks by
many users because of its lower cost and the fact that less
accuracy is required when cutting pipe to length.
Blind Flanges (Figure 2).
This is a flange without a bore and is used to shut off a
piping system or vessel opening. It also permits easy access
to vessels or piping systems for inspection purposes. Blind
flanges can be supphed with or without hubs at the manu-
Fig. 7.
facturer's option.
Weld Neck Flanges (Figure 3).
counter-bored to accept pipe. The diameter of the remaining
This is designed to be joined to a piping system by butt bore is the same as the inside diameter of the pipe. The
welding. It is relatively expensive because of its long neck, flange is attached to the pipe by a fillet weld around the
but is preferred for high stress applications. The neck, or hub, hub of the flange. An optional interval weld may be applied
transmits stresses to the pipe, reducing stress concentrations in high stress applications. Its biggest use is in high pressure
at the base of the fl~ge. The gradual transition of thickness systems such as hydraulic and steam lines.
from the base of the hub to the wall thickness at the butt
weld provides important reinforcement of the flange. The Lap Joint Flange (Figure 6).
bore of the flange matches the bore of the pipe, reducing This is again similar to a slip on flange, but it has a radius at
turbulence and erosion. the intersection of the bore and the flange face to accomo-
date a lap stub end. The face on the stub end forms the
Threaded Flanges {Figure 4). gasket face of the flange. This type of flange is used in applica-
This is similar to a slip-on flange in outline, but the bore is tions where sections of piping systems need to be dismantled
•threaded, thus enabling assembly without welding. This quickly and easily for inspection or replacement.
obviously limits its application to relatively low pressure
piping systems. The flange may be welded around the joint Blind Plate Flange (Figure 7).
after assembly, but this is not considered a satisfactory This is usually used with a pressed collar or stub end and is
method of increasing its applications. placed behind the collar or stub end. It is not welded and
thus allows for easy alignment. Also permits use of other
Socket Weld Flanges (Figure 5). materials for the flanges as the flange is not in direct contact
This is similar to a slip on flange in outline, but the bore is with the liquid.
