Reducing flanges connect pipes of different diameters, either larger to smaller, or smaller to larger. These specialized fittings are carefully joined to create a smooth transition between the pipes with minimal disruption to the flow and pressure of the fluid inside.
Choosing the right type of reducing flange for an application improves efficiency and safety without compromising on design specifications or required standards. They are also useful for managing fluid systems in constrained spaces because of their compact design. At Coastal Flange, we provide a range of industrial flanges in different sizes and materials for many industrial applications.
Here, we’ll look at where and how reducing flanges are used, the common types available, and some benefits of incorporating them into fluid systems.
Common Reducing Flange Industries and Applications
Fluid systems are found throughout industries for processing, production, or utility fluid management applications. Reducing flanges are important for maintaining proper pressure and flow and reducing turbulence of both liquids and gases in critical systems. These flanges are available in many sizes and materials for different types of fluids, including a range of temperatures, pressures, and corrosion resistant properties.
Coastal Flange products are used by customers in many industries including oil and gas, water treatment, and commercial HVAC and plumbing. We provide high-quality standard and custom flanges to meet the needs of nearly any application. Some common examples include:
Oil & Gas Pipelines
The oil and gas industry uses flanges and pipe systems during every stage of processing, refining, and transport. All of these have complex pipe configurations, with different sections having significant changes in diameter. Reducing flanges can help fluids transition smoothly between sections of pipe over long distances or as they enter and exit different parts of a processing facility. Reducing flanges can accommodate different combinations of diameters, pressure and flow requirements, and leak minimization.
Water Treatment Facilities
Water treatment systems are extensive and connect many sources of water across communities and through multiple stages of water treatment. Reducing flanges connect one pipe to the next where different pipe diameters could cause flow or pressure to change significantly. The flange smooths out the transition, allowing water to easily move forward through the collection, processing, and distribution phases. Coastal Flange develops highly durable flanges that can handle large volumes of water.
Commercial HVAC & Plumbing Systems
Commercial buildings have networks of pipes connecting every room and floor to circulate air and water for heating, cooling, ventilation, and plumbing. Reducing flanges connect the different pipe configurations to facilitate efficient flow and pressure at every point in a system with minimal leaks, clogs, or obstructions.
Types of Reducing Flanges
Choosing the right type of reducing flange creates smooth integration and better leak prevention between sections of pipeline. As always, the details of the connecting pipes, fluid, pressure, volume, and temperature will dictate which flange is the right solution for the application. There are three common types of reducing flanges, based on their neck or installation style.
Weld Neck Reducing Flanges
Weld neck reducing flanges have a long and tapered hub that is compatible with highly pressurized fluids. The hub reinforces the flange so it can resist stress damage without failing. High-strength, welded installations also help eliminate leaks and failures. Common applications for these flanges are found in refineries and power plants.
Slip-On Reducing Flanges
As their name implies, slip-on reducing flanges slide over one end of the pipe before being welded into place. They are best suited for low- and medium-pressure applications, are easy and efficient to install, and generally have a low cost, making them a popular option for many general uses.
Threaded Reducing Flanges
These reducing flanges have internal threads that match the external threads on connecting pipes. They are tightened into place without welding, for easy assembly, disassembly, and reassembly. Threaded connections are secure and work well in low-temperature and low-pressure systems, or can be welded in addition to threading for use with higher temperatures and pressures.
Benefits of Using a Reducing Flange
Reducing flanges are a simple, reliable solution for connecting pipes of different diameters. Some of the key benefits they provide are:
Cost and Space Efficiency
Flanges eliminate the need for extra hardware like separate reducers, extenders, and other fittings. This simplifies assembly and maintenance, saves money on extra components, labor, and assembly, and keeps connections streamlined.
Improved Flow and Pressure Control
High-quality reducing flanges are designed to minimize disruption to flow and pressure levels. They create a smooth transition from one pipe size to the next for efficient system operation with fewer disruptions.
Enhanced Safety and Reliability
Reducing flanges make systems safer because they minimize pressure drops, leaks, and breakdowns. They are also sturdily designed and built from durable materials, which gives them a long service life for a variety of fluids and applications.
Broad Material Selection
Reducing flanges can be fabricated from different materials for use in different pipelines, including very high or low pressures and temperatures, corrosive liquid or gas, outdoor and indoor applications, and more. Coastal Flange supplies flanges made from these materials:
- Carbon Steel
- Alloy Steel
- Stainless Steel
Final Thoughts on Reducing Flanges
Streamline pipeline systems with reliable reducing flanges, available in many sizes, materials, and configurations from Coastal Flange. We supply standard reducing flanges for customers in many industries, and offer custom fabrication to meet the unique requirements of your application.
Contact us today to discuss your application, or to start your order.