Custom Flanges
A custom flange is manufactured to meet specific customer requirements, such as non-standard dimensions, materials, or finishes.
An Expander Flange is a type of welding neck pipe flange used to increase pipe size at the flange connection (see sketch).
The Expander Flange is normally referred to as the high hub flange. It is designed to transfer stresses to the pipe, thereby reducing high stress concentrations at the base of the flange.
An Expander Flange is a type of welding neck pipe flange used to increase pipe size at the flange connection (see sketch). Expander flanges are also known as a cost effective alternative to using a separate reducer-welding neck flange combination.
Expander flanges are also known as a cost effective alternative to using a separate reducer-welding neck flange combination. The expander flange is available in a range of sizes and materials.
An expander flange is similar to a weld neck flange but with the hub expanding to a larger size (one or two sizes). If you have limited space or just need to connect to a larger pipe size, it provides a convenient way for equipment, pumps and valves. It can replace the use of a flange and reducer. Pressure ratings and dimensions are in accordance with ANSI/ASME B16.5.
Dimensions of Expander Flanges
It’s compact size saves space when compared to a reducer-welding neck flange. This flange has a raised face.
The expander flange can be used to connect pipe to pumps, compressors and Valves.
An expander flange, abbreviated as EXPF, is similar to a weld neck flange but with the hub expanding to a larger size (one or two sizes). If you have limited space or just need to connect to a larger pipe size, it provides a convenient way for equipment, pumps and valves. It can replace the use of a flange and reducer. Pressure ratings and dimensions are in accordance with ANSI/ASME B16.5. This flange has a raised face.
Pipe flanges are manufactured in all the different materials like stainless steel, cast iron, aluminium, brass, bronze, plastic etc. but the most used material is forged carbon steel and have machined surfaces.
Flanges are welded to pipe and equipment nozzle. Accordingly, it is manufactured from the following materials;
The list of materials used in manufacturing is covered in ASME B16.5 & B16.47.
Commonly used Forged material grads are
| Material | Fittings | Flanges | Valves | Bolts & Nuts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon Steel | A234 Gr WPA | A105 | A216 Gr WCB | A193 Gr B7 A194 Gr 2H |
| A234 Gr WPB | A105 | A216 Gr WCB | ||
| A234 Gr WPC | A105 | A216 Gr WCB | ||
| Carbon Steel Alloy High-Temp |
A234 Gr WP1 | A182 Gr F1 | A217 Gr WC1 | A193 Gr B7 A194 Gr 2H |
| A234 Gr WP11 | A182 Gr F11 | A217 Gr WC6 | ||
| A234 Gr WP12 | A182 Gr F12 | A217 Gr WC6 | ||
| A234 Gr WP22 | A182 Gr F22 | A217 Gr WC9 | ||
| A234 Gr WP5 | A182 Gr F5 | A217 Gr C5 | ||
| A234 Gr WP9 | A182 Gr F9 | A217 Gr C12 | ||
| Carbon Steel Alloy Low-Temp |
A420 Gr WPL6 | A350 Gr LF2 | A352 Gr LCB | A320 Gr L7 A194 Gr 7 |
| A420 Gr WPL3 | A350 Gr LF3 | A352 Gr LC3 | ||
| Austenitic Stainless Steel | A403 Gr WP304 | A182 Gr F304 | A182 Gr F304 | A193 Gr B8 A194 Gr 8 |
| A403 Gr WP316 | A182 Gr F316 | A182 Gr F316 | ||
| A403 Gr WP321 | A182 Gr F321 | A182 Gr F321 | ||
| A403 Gr WP347 | A182 Gr F347 | A182 Gr F347 |
ASTM standards define the specific manufacturing process of the material and determine the exact chemical composition of pipes, fittings and flanges, through percentages of the permitted quantities of carbon, magnesium, nickel, etc., and are indicated by "Grade".
The usual materials of flanges include stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum and plastic. The choice of the material largely depends on the purpose of the flange. For example, stainless steel is more durable and is necessary for heavy use. On the other hand, plastic is more feasible for use in the home because of its reasonable price and easy installation. The materials used for flanges are under the designation of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
The most common materials for pipe flanges (forged grades) are: ASTM A105 (carbon steel high temperature to match A53/A106/API 5L pipes), A350 Grades LF1/2/3 (carbon steel low temperature to match A333 pipes), A694 Grades F42 to F80 (high yield carbon steel to match API 5L pipe grades), ASTM A182 Grades F5 to F91 (alloy steel flanges to match A335 pipes), A182 Grade F304/316 (stainless steel flanges to match A312 SS pipes), A182 Gr. F44/F51/F53/F55 (duplex and super duplex to match A790/A928 pipes) and various nickel alloy grades (Inconel, Incoloy, Hastelloy, Monel).
The material qualities for these flanges are defined in the ASTM standards.
For example, a carbon steel pipe can be identified with Grade A or B, a stainless-steel pipe with Grade TP304 or Grade TP321, a carbon steel fitting with Grade WPB etc.
Steel flanges must be packed with seaworthy packing method then delivery to customers, usually the packing way include wooden box, wooden pallet, iron & steel cage, iron & steel pallet etc.
Flange markings are governed by ANSI ASME codes. Flange marking includes;
ASME B16.5 and B16.47 standards cover permissible tolerances for inspection.
Because of the normal wooden boxes or wooden pallets have to do fumigation treatment, we usually use plywood pallet or plywood case or box to pack steel flanges without fumigation treatment.
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