What are the dimensions of the flange?

1. Introduction

Flanges are vital components in piping systems that act as flanges, edges, ribs, or collars to reinforce objects, connect other objects, or provide a connection location. In piping systems, flanges are indispensable components for connecting pipes, valves, pumps, and other equipment.

The dimensions of a flange are key parameters that determine its size, shape, and compatibility with other components. These dimensions play a vital role in ensuring the proper fit, alignment, and sealing of various mechanical systems and structures. Accurate flange dimensions are critical to the overall integrity, safety, and efficiency of mechanical assemblies in various industries in the United States and around the world.

Knowing flange dimensions is essential for engineers, designers, and technicians in piping systems. Proper knowledge of these dimensions ensures that the appropriate flange is selected for the specific application, resulting in reliable and safe operation in a variety of industrial environments.

2. Flange Standards and Certifications

Flange dimensions have been standardized to ensure consistency and interchangeability between different manufacturers and applications. Flange dimensions are primarily controlled by two standards:

A. ANSI (American National Standards Institute) certification:

ANSI-certified flanges are widely used in the United States to provide additional strength to mechanical systems, structures, and assemblies. ANSI B16.5 standard specifies the dimensions of flanges used in piping systems. The standard covers pressure-temperature ratings, materials, dimensions, tolerances, marking, testing, and methods for specifying openings for pipe flanges and flange fittings.

B. DIN EN1092 standard:

This European standard is also very commonly used and provides flange size specifications in metric units. It covers circular flanges for pipes, valves, fittings, and accessories specified in PN (nominal pressure). The standard covers flanges made of various materials such as steel, cast iron, copper alloys, and aluminum alloys.

These standards ensure that flanges produced by different companies are compatible and interchangeable, which is critical to the global pipeline industry.

Types of flanges

There are many types of flanges, each with its specific dimensional characteristics:

A. ANSI grade flanges:

These flanges are classified by pressure class (e.g., 150, 300, 600, 900, 1500, 2500 classes), and their sizes vary according to the class and nominal pipe size. ANSI grade flanges are widely used in the oil and gas, chemical, and petrochemical industries.

B. Blind Flange:

A solid, disc-shaped flange used to close off the end of a piping system. Blind flange dimensions include outside diameter, thickness, and bolt hole pattern. They are used to seal the end of a piping system or for pressure testing.

C. Slip-on Flange:

This flange slips onto the pipe and is welded in place. Slip-on flange dimensions include the bore (inside diameter), outside diameter, and hub size. They are easy to align and are often used in low-pressure applications.

D. Threaded Flange:

Also known as a threaded flange, this flange has internal threads that screw directly onto a threaded pipe. Threaded flange dimensions include thread size, outside diameter, and thickness. They are often used in systems with smaller diameters and lower pressures.

IV. Primary Flange Dimensions

The primary dimensions of a flange include:

A. Outside Diameter (O):

The overall diameter of the flange. This dimension is critical to ensuring the flange fits properly within the available space in the piping system.

B. Bolt Circle Diameter (W):

The diameter of the circle where the bolt hole centers are located. This dimension is critical to proper alignment of the mating flange.

C. Flange Thickness (Tf):

The thickness of the flange at its thickest point. This dimension affects the flange's strength and ability to withstand pressure.

D. Bolt hole diameter (d):

The diameter of each bolt hole. This size must match the bolt size used for the connection.

E. Number of bolt holes:

The total number of bolt holes around the flange. This depends on the flange size and pressure rating.

V. Factors affecting flange size

Several factors affect the size of the flange:

A. Nominal pipe size (NPS):

The standard size identification of the pipe for which the flange is designed. As the NPS (American National Standard) increases, the flange size usually increases.

B. Pressure rating:

Higher pressure ratings usually require larger and thicker flanges to withstand greater forces. For example, a 600-pound flange of the same NPS is usually larger than a 150-pound flange.

Cangzhou Aosendic Pipe Fittings Manufacturing Co., Ltd. is a large manufacturer specializing in the production of elbows, tees, reducers, elbows and caps. We can implement ASTM, ANSI, JIS, DIN, GB and other standards, basically covering all types of steel.

If you have any purchasing needs or questions, please contact us.

Mobile: 86-13668807131

Website: https://www.authenticfitting.com/

Address: Mengcun Hui Autonomous County, Cangzhou City, Hebei Province

Email: authentic013@steelpipes-fitting.com