INDUSTRY COMPONENT

Metal flange

A metal flange is a protruding rim or collar used to connect pipes, valves, pumps, and other equipment to form a piping system, providing strength and preventing leaks.

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Component Specifications

Definition
A metal flange is a mechanical component designed as a flat, circular disc with evenly spaced bolt holes around its perimeter and a central opening. It serves as a critical connection point in piping and machinery systems, allowing for the assembly, disassembly, and maintenance of system sections. In viewport applications, it typically secures the viewport window to the housing, ensuring a pressure-tight or vacuum-tight seal while permitting visual inspection. Flanges are engineered to withstand specific pressures, temperatures, and mechanical loads, with surfaces often machined to precise flatness or grooved for gasket seating.
Working Principle
The flange works by creating a bolted joint between two mating surfaces. When bolts are tightened through the aligned holes, compressive force is applied, pressing a gasket (placed between the flanges) into the sealing surface. This compression deforms the gasket to fill microscopic imperfections, forming a leak-proof barrier. The flange distributes the clamping force evenly around the perimeter, maintaining seal integrity under operational stresses such as internal pressure, vibration, or thermal expansion.
Materials
Common materials include carbon steel (e.g., ASTM A105), stainless steel (e.g., 304/316 for corrosion resistance), alloy steel (e.g., ASTM A182 F11/F22 for high temperatures), and aluminum for lightweight applications. Material selection depends on factors like pressure rating, temperature, fluid compatibility, and environmental conditions.
Technical Parameters
  • Face Type Raised face (RF), Flat face (FF), Ring-type joint (RTJ)
  • Thickness Varies by pressure class and material
  • Nominal Size DN 50 to DN 500 (or NPS 2" to 20")
  • Surface Finish 125-250 microinches Ra for gasket seating
  • Pressure Rating PN 6 to PN 40 (or Class 150 to Class 300)
  • Bolt Circle Diameter As per ASME B16.5 or DIN standards
Standards
ISO 7005-1, ASME B16.5, DIN 2501, EN 1092-1

Industry Taxonomies & Aliases

Commonly used trade names and technical identifiers for Metal flange.

metal flange pipe flange industrial flange viewport flange ASME B16.5 DIN flange stainless steel flange flange gasket pressure rating bolted joint Metal flange in Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing

Parent Products

This component is used in the following industrial products

Viewport

A transparent window integrated into a vacuum chamber wall to allow visual observation of internal processes without breaking vacuum.

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Engineering Analysis

Risks & Mitigation
  • Leakage due to improper gasket installation or bolt torque
  • Corrosion in aggressive environments
  • Mechanical failure from overpressure or vibration
  • Misalignment during assembly causing seal failure
FMEA Triads
Trigger: Insufficient bolt torque or uneven tightening
Failure: Gasket compression loss leading to leakage
Mitigation: Follow torque specifications using calibrated tools; use cross-tightening sequence
Trigger: Material corrosion from chemical exposure
Failure: Flange degradation and loss of structural integrity
Mitigation: Select corrosion-resistant materials (e.g., stainless steel); apply protective coatings; implement regular inspections
Trigger: Thermal cycling causing bolt relaxation
Failure: Reduced clamping force and seal failure
Mitigation: Use high-temperature gaskets; re-torque bolts after initial heat cycles; consider spring washers

Industrial Ecosystem

Compatible With

Interchangeable Parts

Compliance & Inspection

Tolerance
Dimensional tolerances per ASME B16.5: flange thickness ±1.5mm, bolt hole spacing ±1mm, face flatness within 0.8mm across diameter
Test Method
Pressure testing per ASME BPVC Section VIII: hydrostatic test at 1.5x design pressure; leak testing with helium mass spectrometry for vacuum applications; visual and dimensional inspection per ISO 9001

Buyer Feedback

★★★★☆ 4.6 / 5.0 (11 reviews)

"Standard OEM quality for Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing applications. The Metal flange arrived with full certification."

"Great transparency on the Metal flange components. Essential for our Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing supply chain."

"The Metal flange we sourced perfectly fits our Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing production line requirements."

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of a flange in a viewport?

In a viewport, a flange secures the transparent window (e.g., glass or polycarbonate) to the equipment housing, ensuring a sealed enclosure that allows visual monitoring while maintaining pressure, vacuum, or containment integrity.

How do I select the right flange material?

Choose based on operating conditions: carbon steel for general service, stainless steel for corrosive environments, alloy steel for high temperatures, and consider factors like pressure, temperature, fluid type, and cost.

What are common flange face types?

Raised face (RF) for most applications, flat face (FF) for low pressure, and ring-type joint (RTJ) for high-pressure/temperature services. The face type affects gasket selection and sealing performance.

Can I contact factories directly?

Yes, each factory profile provides direct contact information.

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