Flanges play a pivotal role in piping systems by allowing easy access for maintenance, inspection, and modification. They provide a means to connect or disconnect pipes and equipment without the need for welding, which simplifies installation and reduces downtime during repairs or upgrades. Additionally, flanges facilitate the alignment of pipes, ensuring a proper fit and minimizing stress on the system.
Types of Flanges:
Making the Connection: Flange Facing Types:
Flange design is only the start when considering the ideal flange for your piping system. Face types are another characteristic that will have a major impact on the final performance and service life of your flanges.Facing types determine both the gaskets needed to install the flange and characteristics related to the seal created.
Common face types include:
1. Flat Face (FF): As the name suggests, flat face flanges feature a flat, even surface combined with a full face gasket that contacts most of the flange surface.
2. Raised Face (RF): These flanges feature a small raised section around the bore with an inside bore circle gasket.
3. Ring Joint Face (RTJ): Used in high-pressure and high-temperature processes, this face type features a groove in which a metal gasket sits to maintain the seal.
4. Tongue and Groove (T&G): These flanges feature matching grooves and raised sections. This aids in installation as the design helps the flanges to self-align and provides a reservoir for gasket adhesive.
5. Male & Female (M&F): Similar to tongue and groove flanges, these flanges use a matching pair of grooves and raised sections to secure the gasket. However, unlike tongue and groove flanges, these retain the gasket on the female face, providing more accurate placement and increased gasket material options.
Many face types also offer one of two finishes: serrated or smooth.Choosing between the options is important as they will determine the optimal gasket for a reliable seal.In general, smooth faces work best with metallic gaskets while serrated faces help to create stronger seals with soft material gaskets.
