Pipe Flanges
Pipe flanges are essential components in fluid transfer applications. They are used in numerous demanding industries to join valves, pumps, pipes, heat exchangers, and other equipment while ensuring safety and efficiency. They can also provide flexibility for maintenance, shipping, and inspection.
Coastal Flange is a trusted manufacturer and distributor of pipe flanges. We provide standard and custom flanges in a range of designs, materials, sizes, and pressure ratings, including options to meet rigorous industry standards like ANSI, ASME, and AWWA. Below, you can learn more about our solutions, including their common applications, key maintenance tips, and more.
What Is A Pipe Flange?
A pipe flange uses bolts and a gasket to form secure, watertight connections in a piping system. Using pipe flanges allows sections of piping to be easily taken apart for inspection, modification, or maintenance work. They also only require moderate torque for assembly, making them easier to install in tight spaces where wrenches wouldn’t have clearance.
Pipe flanges come in different flange types, with each catering to specific installation requirements and performance needs. Below are some common flange types we offer.
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Slip-On
Slip-On
Also known as hubbed flanges, slip-on flanges are designed to slide over the end of a pipe before welding them securely in place. Their internal diameter, or bore size, must be slightly larger than the connecting pipe’s outer diameter. Slip-on flanges have a low-profile hub and can be connected with a single weld, making installation fast and simple.
Since there is no full-penetration weld between the flange and the pipe, these flanges are best for low-pressure and low-temperature applications.
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Weld-Neck
Weld-Neck
Weld-neck flanges attach by welding the neck of the flange to the pipe. The flange’s long, tapered hub provides added mechanical strength and transfers stress from the flange to the pipe. Weld-neck flanges are commonly used in high-pressure and high-temperature environments. They are often used in process piping applications or other challenging applications where other high durability is essential.
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Weld Lap Joint
Weld Lap Joint
Weld lap joint flanges do not require bolt hole alignment during setup. Instead, installation involves welding the stub end to the pipe after sliding the joint flange on. As with slip-on flanges, this setup enables fast disassembly for inspections or cleaning.
While weld lap joints are ideal for applications involving frequent disassembly, they are bulkier in size and cannot be used for smaller piping. -
Blind
Blind
Blind flanges are blank discs that close the ends of pipes or valves. They are easy to remove, even after sealing, and are suitable for various high-pressure environments. Blind flanges come in flat-face, raised-face, or RTJ facing designs. They are installed with a gasket to ensure a leak-free connection.
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Threaded
Threaded
Also known as screwed flanges, threaded flanges feature threads on the internal bore. These fit with the male threads on the pipe easily, without requiring welding. These flanges are often used in air or water utility services or non-hazardous fluid transfer applications.
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Socket-Weld
Socket-Weld
Socket-weld pipe flanges are commonly used on smaller, high-pressure pipes. Installation involves inserting the pipe into the socket end and using a fillet weld to join the two together. Using socket-weld pipe flanges allows for a smooth bore and better flow of the gas or fluid within the pipe.
Types of Pipe Flanges
Common Applications for Pipe Flanges
With their wide range of material options and precision designs, pipe flanges are compatible with a diverse range of applications. At Coastal Flange, we offer quality solutions for demanding needs, including flanges for the chemical industry, power generation, water treatment, and other sectors.
Oil and Gas
Pipe flanges from Coastal Flange are ideal for oil refinery and pipeline environments, since they can be easily dismantled for maintenance and repair. They can be used in both onshore and offshore environments, connecting robust equipment, pipes, pumps, and more.
Water Treatment
Pipe flanges are installed within water transportation pipelines, industrial treatment facilities, wastewater management plants, and more. They connect pipes, pumps, and valves, and also allow water to be safely moved between tanks and facilities.
Petrochemical
Petrochemical facilities handle a wide range of chemicals and gases, often within high-temperature and high-pressure environments. Pipe flanges come in materials that can withstand these conditions while ensuring process safety and efficiency.
Power Generation
The power generation industry uses flanges to convey high-pressure, high-temperature fluids. Weld-neck flanges are a commonly used type as they ensure a secure connection that improves the integrity of piping systems.
Food Processing
In the food and beverage industry, flanges must not only be corrosion-resistant but also sanitary. Stainless steel and nickel alloys are commonly used materials that are hygienic, durable, and compatible with food conveying applications.
Pharmaceutical
Pharmaceutical manufacturing involves many chemical compounds that must be protected during transportation. Pharmaceutical-grade flange materials maintain system integrity and protect the cleanliness of pharmaceutical products.
Benefits of Using Pipe Flanges in Industrial Systems
Industrial systems often involve challenging environmental conditions that require added durability from all system components. Coastal Flange can provide flanges that meet these conditions while also offering numerous additional benefits, such as:
Versatility
Easy installation
Reliability
Customization
Versatility
Coastal Flange’s flange products come in many designs, materials, and ratings, making them adaptable to an extensive range of applications.
Easy installation
Our flanges are simple to install and are typically easy to remove. This not only prevents costly downtime but simplifies maintenance and inspection procedures.
Reliability
Pipe flanges can be built according to rigorous standards, including ANSI, ASME, and AWWA specifications. Their advanced designs allow them to perform safely and efficiently within specific environmental conditions.
Customization
Flanges from Coastal Flange are easily customizable to meet application-specific performance needs.
Pipe Flanges at Coastal Flange
Pipe flanges are essential to many types of piping systems. With the right material and regular maintenance, they can deliver years of reliable performance. Coastal Flange has been a trusted source of precision-engineered flanges for over a century. We offer an extensive product selection, as well as custom manufacturing services for unique applications. No matter what industry you’re in, we have a flange product that will meet your standards and specifications.
Contact us with any questions or request a quote to get started on a solution today.
