Overview of Industrial Flanges and Some Common Flange Types

A flange is a ring or collar, usually provided with bolt holes, and screwed or welded onto the end of a tube or pipe to allow other objects to be attached to it. Flanges are often used in plumbing, piping, and construction areas. Flanges are very useful because they can be adapted to the needs of a project. If a pipe needs to change course, for example, the flange can be removed and changed to accommodate the new pipe channel. Flanges are also valuable because they serve as reinforcement for the pipes, making them much stronger than they are on their own.

There are many different types of cable ties, but below are some of the most common:

Anchor Flanges – Anchor flanges are used to anchor pipelines, often when crossing streams or ravines. They are a double-cubed piece of steel that is placed on a special support that is part of a pile to support the pipe and resist the load. The anchor structure is welded to the pipe and normally embedded in concrete. Anchor flanges actually contain axial thermal expansion, i.e. axial thrust in pipes. The assumed design temperature change is 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The thrust is transferred to the anchor base, on which the anchor is mounted. These flanges are used at crossings and points with changes in the direction of the pipe.

Expansion Flanges – An expansion flange is a type of weld neck pipe flange used to increase the size of the pipe at the flange connection. Expansion flanges are also known as a cost effective alternative to using a separate weld neck flange and reducer combination. Some advantages of the expansion flange are that its compact size saves space compared to the reducing weld neck flange and that only one butt weld is needed for installation, making it very cost effective.

Split Flanges – A split flange is easily installed on existing pipe. It is made up of two interlocking pieces that fit together securely with bolts and nuts or by welding them into place. Because it is made of two parts, split flanges are used to reinforce weakened areas of pipes or to add a fitting where conventional flanges cannot.

Like most other industries, cable ties have standards that they must meet in order to be sold and used in the field. Flanges made in the United States are judged to ASME standards. Flanges that are manufactured to ASME standards are typically made from forged materials. Flanges are important pieces of equipment that are used on most construction sites, pipelines, and plumbing jobs in the world. These are just a few types of bridles to give you an idea of ​​what to look for and how diverse bridles are. There are many manufacturers of cable ties that offer very high quality products. When choosing a manufacture, make sure the sales representative knows your inventory and the capabilities of your flanges.