Steel flange materials and their performance

Analysis of steel flange materials and their performance:

Types of steel flange materials:

1. Carbon steel

Carbon steel flange is a common type, mainly made of Q235, 20# (A234), A105, etc. Its advantage is that the price is relatively low and it is suitable for pipeline connections under certain low pressure and normal temperature conditions. However, carbon steel flanges have poor corrosion resistance and are easily affected by moisture, oxygen and other environmental factors, and have a relatively short service life.

2. Stainless steel
Stainless steel flange is a high-quality flange material, mainly made of stainless steel materials such as 304, 316, and 316L. Stainless steel flanges have good corrosion resistance and are widely used in some special environments such as high temperature and high pressure. However, stainless steel flanges are more expensive than carbon steel flanges.

3. Alloy steel
Most alloy steel flanges refer to chromium-molybdenum alloy steel. Alloy steel flanges have excellent high temperature resistance and corrosion resistance, and are especially suitable for pipeline connections under high temperature and high pressure environments. However, the price of alloy steel flanges is relatively expensive, and the application fields are generally in high-end industries such as chemicals and pharmaceuticals.

Performance of steel flanges:

1. Pressure resistance
The pressure resistance of steel flanges is one of the basic performance indicators related to pipeline connection. Depending on the material and specifications, the pressure resistance of steel flanges also varies. Generally, the pressure resistance of steel flanges mainly depends on the performance parameters such as the hardness and strength of its material.

2. Corrosion resistance
Steel flanges are prone to corrosion in humid environments, resulting in loose pipeline connections, which in turn affects the safety and service life of the entire pipeline. The corrosion resistance of steel flanges is related to their materials. Generally speaking, the corrosion resistance of stainless steel flanges is better than that of carbon steel and alloy steel.

3. Sealing performance
As one of the important accessories for pipeline connection, steel flanges need to ensure good sealing performance. The two commonly used sealing methods are flat sealing and flange sealing. The former is a common and simple sealing method, while flange sealing is more suitable for occasions with high sealing requirements due to its reliable sealing performance.

4. Wear resistance
Steel flanges usually need to withstand greater friction and wear, so their wear resistance is also one of the key performances. Steel flanges made of high-hardness and high-strength materials usually have good wear resistance, especially in harsh environments such as high temperature and high pressure, where wear resistance is even more important.

Conclusion:

Steel flanges are important accessories for pipeline connections. Their material types and performance are related to the basic performance and service life of pipeline connections. This article introduces three common steel flange materials and makes a detailed analysis of their pressure resistance, corrosion resistance, sealing and wear resistance. It is hoped that readers can have a deep understanding of them so that they can choose the steel flange that suits them in practical applications.

Read more: Pipe flange size type and selection or Pipe and flange connection