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Steel flanges are metal components commonly used in diverse industries, from the oil and gas sector to the power supply sector. They are a vital part of various pipe systems used in these industries, and without them, any pipe network is incomplete. In this blog, we will take a detailed look at steel flanges and their types. What is a Steel Flange? A flange is a raised rim that facilitates a connection between pipes, valves, and other pipeline components. It is a very common pipe connection method, just like welding. However, using flanges is better than welding as the pipe can be disconnected as well, and it also gives an access point for reaching other pipe components. Flanges have various designs that can fit in various pipeline systems. A flange connection consists of three components • Pipe flanges • Bolting • Gasket Although flanges are made of several different types of materials, steel is the most common one. Within steel there are several types of steel. 1. Carbon Steel The carbon steel flanges are made of carbon alloyed steel. Carbon steel is durable as it is hard, but it is not as ductile and has a low melting point. Low carbon steel contains 0.16-0.29% carbon, while high carbon steel has 1-2% 2. Alloy Steel Like plastic steel can also be hardened by adding additives. Common alloys tht are added for toughening up steel is molybdenum and chromium. These additives enhance the corrosion resistance and ductility of steel 3. Stainless steel Stainless steel is an alloy that is made from adding chromium that forms more than 10% of chemical composition. Due to this steel becomes much more corrosion resistant making it suitable for retaining its integrity when coming in contact with moisture. Flange Design Types Below mentioned are a few design types of flanges: 1. Threaded Flanges Threaded flanges are usually fitted in low-pressure pipe systems. The threaded flange construction consists of a thread inside the flange bore that fits into a male thread on a pipe. No welding is required to attach the flange as it is screwed securely. This makes it really easy to disconnect the pipe system without disrupting or shutting down the entire system for maintenance. Most threaded flanges are used in pipe systems that carry flammable liquids or other pipe systems where the application of welding heat can result in an explosion. They are also used in pipe systems that are set in a congested space. 2. Socket Weld Flanges The socket weld flanges are utilized in high-pressure pipeline networks that consist of small-diameter pipes. The method of attaching socket flanges is to insert the pipe into the socket and then do a fillet weld on the outside of the flange for a tight fit. These flanges are easy to install. The downside of this steel flange design is that there is a gap left between the pipe ends and socket shoulder, which is not resistant to corrosion. The gap is necessary to apply for thermal expansion. This kind of steel flange is used in hydraulic pipes. 3. Lap Joint Flanges This flange type comes in two-piece components. Their design is supposed to match piping with lapped pipe or lap joint stub ends. This steel flange type is more suited for systems that need to be disconnected periodically for maintenance and inspection. The design of the flange has bolt holes that never come in contact with any fluids, which means that there is no risk of corrosion, and these flanges can last a long time. The lap joint flanges are best for low-pressure systems. 4. Slip-On Flanges This steel flange type has a thinner cross-section than other flanges. The flange has a smaller inner diameter than the outer diameter, allowing it to slip on the pipe. The flange is fixed in place by a fillet weld done at the top and bottom end. The weld prevents leakage. Installation is a quick and inexpensive process. This type of flange is compatible with oil, gas, and steam systems as well as cooling and firefighting pipelines. 5. Blind Flanges When it comes to sealing off an end-of-pipe system, the blind flanges are the right component to choose. This flange is installed to stop the fluid flow so that new pipes can be added to the existing system. Blind flanges become particularly useful when repairs need to be done, and the system needs to be shut off. Unlike shutoff valves, they can be installed at any point of the system, and this means no liquid is wasted. Blind flanges are mostly used for testing pipe pressure, sealing off a pipe system, or making an access point. 6. Weld neck Flanges Also referred to as weld bend flanges. Their lengthy necks are buttwelded onto a pipe. The flange's bore corresponds to that of the pipe, decreasing turbulence and erosion. This flanged connection distributes stress to the pipes, reducing high-stress concentrations at the flange's bottom. When installing, weld neck pipe flanges must be parallel. Flanges on opposing ends of a pipe should normally have the same bolt-hole orientation. Conclusion Steel flanges are perfect for industries that require long-lasting, inexpensive, and dependable piping and equipment connections. When it comes to carbon steel flanges, the first step is to choose the flange type you want. Then, think about how it will be utilized and select the features needed for long-term use in the environment and industrial use. Carbon steel flanges can last for many years if they are properly maintained.