Steel has been a significant component in the construction sector since constructing the world’s first tower. During those times, steel got preserved to construct substantial buildings that required both height and stability. However, in today’s century, steel is used in almost all construction places, be it in the establishment of small houses or skyscrapers. The good thing about steel is that it is a green product that is eco-friendly due to recycling. This material provides the much-needed strength in construction works, which other items such as wood and plastic cannot give. When it comes to functions such as transportation of fluids, steel has played a significant role in ensuring safety and efficiency. Steel pipes are the everyday items used in the transportation of liquid materials like water.
Steel flanges are the joints categorically used in the connection of pipes. Metallic/steel pipes measuring 100 centimeters can link to one another through welding; however, this means it is not viable as it will lead to the destruction of the lines if an issue needs to open the pipes. This becomes easier with a steel flange since no permanent welding gets done as gasket seals and screw caps are used to interconnect two or more pipes together. Additionally, when steel flanges are used on all the sides of a gate valve switch, it would be seamless to remove the button in case of an overhaul. Below are common types of flanges.
Welding Neck Flanges
This is usually the high hub flange intended to transfer stresses to pipes hence decreasing elevated stress accumulation at the bottom of the flange. Welding neck flanges come in two forms; the regular type and the extended type. The standard type welding neck flanges are commonly used with pipes, while the long type flanges are meant for industrial plants and machinery. One could identify a welding neck flange with its circular fitting having a bulging rim around the diameter.
Blind flanges
This a circular plate with pertinent bolt holes and no hole in the center; hence it is utilized to seal the ends of piping and pressure vessel overtures. Blind flanges are viable types of steel flanges and often are preferred since they give access to the inner piping or vessel systems even after the sealing has occurred. One could get blind flanges of various sizes depending on the pipe, equipment spout, or valve to get sealed. Additionally, this type of flange can undergo customization to fit into a small sized pipe.
Lap Joint Flanges
These flanges are common in the piping system that has fitted lap joint stub ends. However, lap joint flanges cost much as compared to other flanges owing to the features they contain. This steel flange comprises a loose backing and a stub end flange that temporarily but firmly joins pipes. Since the closures are easier to dismantle, lap joint flanges are preferable in places that need a frequent opening of the pipes. Many manufacturers who produce LJ flanges use carbon steel to make the backing flange component to reduce the high cost.
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