A flange is a mechanical device used to connect pipes, valves, pumps, and other equipment in a piping system. It allows for easy assembly, disassembly, inspection, and maintenance. Flanges are essential for creating secure, leak-proof connections.
What Is a Flange?
Flange Standards
Every flange is manufactured to a flange standard. The standard defines the outside diameter, thickness, hole size and the PCD the holes are drilled on, as well as many other characteristics of the flange.
ANSI/ASME Flanges
DIN EN 1092 Flange
JIS Flanges
AS4087/ AS2129 Flange
AS2129 (Table D, Table E, Table F, Table H, Table J) AS4087 (PN16, PN21, PN35) Applications: For water industry and other general uses.
Types of Flanges
Every flange is manufactured to a flange standard. The standard defines the outside diameter, thickness, hole size and the PCD the holes are drilled on, as well as many other characteristics of the flange. You need to know the standard you flange is made to. This site has a tool (link) to identify your flange size and standard. Additionally dimension tables for common standards are available. The most common Flange standards and a brief overview are as follows:
Weld Neck Flanges
Tapered hub, butt-welded connection.
High-pressure, high-temperature services.
Slip-On Flanges
Slip over pipe, welded inside and outside.
Low to medium-pressure systems.
Blind Flanges
No bore, seals end of piping systems.
Testing, isolating sections for maintenance.
Threaded Flanges
Internal threads, no welding needed.
Interface between non-threaded and bolted systems
Socket Weld Flanges
Pipe inserted into socket, fillet welded.
Small-size, high-pressure pipelines.
Lap Joint Flanges
Used with stub end, allows rotation.
Systems requiring frequent dismantling.
Flange Materials
Each flange standard will have a list of approved materials that can be used to make the specific flange.
Carbon Steel Flanges
Properties: High strength, durable, cost-effective,
excellent weldability.
Applications: General engineering, non-corrosive environments, pipeline systems.
Standards: ASTM A105, A694, forged carbon steel, plate.
Properties: Excellent corrosion resistance, high temperature tolerance.
Grades: 304/304L, 316/316L, Duplex.
Applications: Chemical, food, marine, pharmaceutical industries.
Alloy Steel Flanges
Properties: Enhanced mechanical properties, heat
resistant, high tensile.
Applications: High-temperature, high-pressure environments.
Standards: ASTM A182, F1, F5, F11.
Duplex Steel Flanges
Properties: High strength, corrosion resistant,
stress-crack resistant.
Applications: Aggressive chemical environments, offshore operations.
Standards: ASTM A182 F51/F53/F55.
Flange Measurement
Understanding Flange Measurements involves assessing the following criteria:
The outside diameter measurement refers to the distance across the widest part of the flange.
The thickness measurement represents the total thickness. Some standards include the raised face.
The diameter of the circle passing through the centers of all bolt holes in the flange.
The total count of bolt holes on the PCD.
The measurement of each bolt hole's diameter.
Technical Resources
Access valuable resources to support your project.
Flange Applications
Our flanges are used across various industries.
Oil and Gas
Pipelines, refineries, drilling rigs.
Petrochemical
Chemical plants, storage facilities.
Power Generation
Thermal, nuclear plants.
Water Treatment
Desalination, wastewater systems.
Food and Beverage
Processing equipment, hygienic piping.
Medical/Pharmaceutical
Clean rooms, sterile processing systems.
Why Choose Balcombe Engineering
Quality Assurance
Flanges meeting international standards (ANSI, DIN, JIS, AS).
Extensive Range
Wide selection of flange types, sizes, and materials.
Expert Support
Real people, knowledgeable and experienced. Ready to assist with your needs
Competitive Pricing
High-quality flanges at affordable prices.
Nationwide Delivery
Prompt service across Australia.
Custom Manufacturing
Able to manufacture flanges to your custom drawing specifications.
