What is a stainless steel flange?

What is a stainless steel flange?

A stainless steel flange is a flange made of stainless steel material with good corrosion resistance and formability. ‌

A pipe flange is a component that connects two pipes together or to equipment. Stainless steel flanges are connected by bolts or welding, and the connected parts can also be easily disassembled. Stainless steel flanges are widely used in various industrial fields, including petroleum, chemical industry, food processing, pharmaceuticals, etc. As an important part of the pipeline system, stainless steel flanges bear the functions of connecting, sealing and supporting pipelines.

Composition of stainless steel flanges:

Stainless steel flanges consist of two interconnected annular parts, which are fixed together by bolts. These two annular parts are called flanges, and there are holes on the flanges. Bolts make the two flanges tightly connected, and gaskets are used to seal between the flanges to connect pipelines. The design and structure of stainless steel flanges can be adjusted according to different needs to meet the requirements of different pipeline systems.

Manufacturing materials of stainless steel flanges:
The stainless steel flanges manufacturing materials are usually stainless steel materials such as 304, 316, 316L, as well as titanium, metal nickel, etc. Different materials can be selected according to different needs to meet different use conditions such as high temperature, high pressure, and corrosive environment.

Advantages of stainless steel flange:

1. Excellent corrosion resistance
Since the stainless steel flange is made of stainless steel material, it has good corrosion resistance and can resist the erosion of various chemical substances. This makes the stainless steel flange used in some special environments, such as in acid and alkali media or under high temperature and high pressure conditions.

2. Good mechanical properties
Stainless steel flange also has high strength and durability. Stainless steel material has good mechanical properties, which enables the flange to withstand greater pressure and tension, ensuring the stability and safety of the pipeline system. Stainless steel flange can also be used for a long time without being easily damaged, reducing the frequency of maintenance and replacement and reducing the cost of use.

3. Good sealing
Stainless steel flange gaskets are made of high-strength polytetrafluoroethylene and other materials, which can achieve a good sealing effect and avoid air or liquid leakage.

4. Long service life
The special material and manufacturing process of stainless steel flange make its service life relatively long.

Functions of stainless steel flanges:
1. Connecting pipes: Stainless steel flanges can connect two pipes in the same system to ensure smooth passage of fluids.
2. Connecting equipment: Stainless steel flanges can be used to connect pipes and equipment, such as water pumps, storage tanks, compressors, transmission belts, etc.
3. Adjusting pipes: Stainless steel flanges adjust pipe flow or pressure by installing larger or smaller flanges.
4. Convenient operation: Stainless steel flanges can be easily installed and disassembled, making it easier to inspect or replace pipes or equipment.
5. Prevent leakage: Stainless steel flanges can keep pipes sealed by tightening bolts to prevent fluid/gas leakage.

6. Corrosion resistance: Stainless steel flanges have excellent corrosion resistance and can be used in humid and acidic environments to ensure the durability of the pipeline system.

Types of stainless steel flanges:

Stainless steel flanges can be classified according to various classification methods such as flange connection method, structural form, and sealing surface type. Common stainless steel flanges include flat welding flanges, butt welding flanges, blind flanges, threaded flanges, etc., and each flange has different models and specifications.

1. Classification by material
Stainless steel flanges can be divided into 304 stainless steel flanges, 316 stainless steel flanges, and flanges of other stainless steel grades according to the material.

2. Classification by manufacturing process
Stainless steel flanges can be divided into forged flanges, cast flanges, sheet metal flanges, etc. according to the manufacturing process.

3. Classification by use
Stainless steel flanges can be divided into ordinary flanges, high-pressure flanges, socket flanges, bolt-tightened flanges, etc. according to their use.

Key points for purchasing stainless steel flanges:

1. Determine the use environment and medium, and select the appropriate material and manufacturing process.
2. Select the appropriate stainless steel flange according to the connection method, such as socket flanges, bolt-tightened flanges, etc.
3. Determine the pressure level of the pipeline and select the corresponding flange pressure level.
4. Select suitable gasket materials according to the special requirements of the pipeline.
5. Select flange sizes with appropriate specifications to ensure the tightness and service life of the connection.

Uses of stainless steel flanges:
Stainless steel flanges are widely used in pipeline systems in the fields of petroleum, chemical industry, aerospace, light industry, metallurgy, papermaking, food and pharmaceuticals. The connection pressure and temperature generally do not exceed 2.5MPa and 120℃. Its main function is to connect pipelines and equipment so that they can effectively transmit various fluid media. At the same time, stainless steel flanges have good anti-corrosion and corrosion resistance and have high use value.

In short, stainless steel flanges are important components for connecting pipelines. They have the advantages of high corrosion resistance, excellent mechanical properties, good sealing, and long service life. They are widely used in pipeline systems in various industries. When purchasing, you should choose the appropriate stainless steel flange according to different use environments and media to ensure its service life and the safety of the connection.

Read more: Stainless steel flange materials or Standard sizes of pipe flanges