Orifice Flange

Orifice flange

Orifice flange for run installation should be so constructed, machined and attached to the that the inner surface of the passage extends through the orifice flange so that there is no recess at the orifice plate.

An orifice flange is used to measure the flow of the fluid conveyed by the pipeline via a flow nozzle positioned on the flange itself. Pairs of pressure tappings are machined onto the orifice flange, making separate tappings on the pipe wall unnecessary.

The traditional orifice flange assembly consists of a pair of flanges, orifice plate, bolts, nuts, gaskets, jacking screws and plugs. Jacking screws ensure the easy removal of the primary flow element.

Orifice flanges are available in all ASTM forged grades (ASTM A105, ASTM A350, ASTM A694, ASTM 182 respectively for carbon, alloy and, stainless steel flanges), dimensions (combinations of nominal sizes and pressure ratings) and, in socket weld, threaded or weld neck shape (WN is the most used).

Orifice flange for run installation should be so constructed, machined and attached to the that the inner surface of the passage extends through the orifice flange so that there is no recess at the orifice plate.

Orifice flanges are used instead of the standard pipe flanges when orifice plate or flow nozzle is used. The basic purpose for this is to measuring the flow rate of either gases or liquids in the respective pipeline.

These flanges are used in various industrial applications and are available in various sizes and materials.

What is an Orifice Flange? Purpose and Applications

An Orifice Flange is used in combination with orifice meters to measure the flow rate of oil, gas, and other liquids conveyed by the pipeline.

Orifice flange installation

Orifice flange installation

An orifice flange is a type of flange assembly used to measure the flow of products, such as liquids, steam, or gases, through a piping system. It consists of a pair of flanges, bolts, nuts, gaskets, jack screws, and plugs The orifice plate, which is a thin plate with a center bore, is installed in the orifice flange to create a restriction of flow, resulting in a differential pressure that can be used to measure the flow rate.

Orifice flanges are typically installed in a straight run of pipe to avoid turbulence at the orifice plate. According to the American Gas Association, there should be ten pipe diameters upstream of the orifice plate and five diameters downstream.

The orifice flange sets are available in various sizes and pressure classes, and they are primarily supplied as raised face weld neck flanges. Other flange facings and types can be supplied upon request to meet specific needs and requirements.

The orifice flange assemblies are designed to ensure accurate centralization of the orifice bore to the flange bore, following the requirements of standards such as ASME MFC-3M, ASME MFC-14M, AGA 3, and ISO 5167-2.

Orifice flanges are commonly used with orifice meters to measure the flow rate of liquids or gases in a pipeline. They are manufactured with high-quality materials and comply with applicable industry standards.

Orifice flanges are available in all ASTM forged grades (ASTM A105, ASTM A350, ASTM A694, ASTM 182 respectively for carbon, alloy and, stainless steel flanges), dimensions (combinations of nominal sizes and pressure ratings) and, in socket weld, threaded or weld neck shape (WN is the most used).

Orifice Flange manufacturer Sunny Steel supplies Orifice Flanges, Plate Flanges,

Orifice flanges, abbreviated as ORFF, are for metering the volumetric flow rate of liquids and gasses through a pipe. Two orifice flanges are called an orifice flange union. Each flange comes with two pipe taps for measuring the pressure drop of the flow through an orifice plate. Orifice plates do not come with the flanges and are sized based on the requirements of the process. Two jack screws are used to spread the flanges apart in order to change the orifice plate. This flange is normally available in weld neck, slip-on, and threaded flanges. These flanges have a raised face.

Orifice flanges are installed in a straight run of pipe in order to avoid turbulence at the plate. As a rule of thumb, an orifice flange has ten diameters of straight pipe upstream and five diameters of pipe downstream. There are guidelines set out in (American Gas Association) AGA Report #3 which is the Orifice Metering of Natural gas.

When installing the orifice plate flange the pressure taps need to be at the same elevation to each other. The assumption when making the calculation for the orifice plate is that static head of the tubes is the same on both sides of the orifice plate. Pressure taps should not be installed facing down as the taps could become plugged with debris in the line.

Weldneck orifice flanges are butt-welded into the pipeline. The inside diameter (bore diameter) of the pipe should be specified when ordering. Weldneck orifice flanges are available in ANSI classes 300, 600, 900, 1500 and 2500. They are not available in ANSI 150 sizes because the thickness of ANSI 150 flanges are not enough to allow for drilling pressure taps.

The range of orifice flanges covers all standard sizes and ranges, and all common flange materials. Flanges are available in Welding Neck, Slip On, and Threaded form, and are typically supplied with two 1/2″ NPT tappings in each flange.

ASME B16.36 covers Dimensions and dimensional tolerances from orifice flanges (similar to those covered in ASME B16.5) that have orifice pressure differential connections.

The range of orifice flanges covers all standard sizes and ranges, and all common flange materials. Flanges are available in Welding Neck, Slip On, and Threaded form, and are typically supplied with two 1/2″ NPT tappings in each flange.

The American National Pipe Thread Tapered

Nipo Flange

NPT is the best known and most widely used connection where the pipe thread provides both the mechanical joint and the hydraulic seal.

ASME B1.20.1 covers dimensions and gaging of NPT pipe threads for general purpose applications.

Drawing of orifice flanges

Nipo Flange

Orifice Flanges generally come with either Raised Faces or RTJ (Ring Type Joint) facings. They are, for all intensive purposes, the same as weld neck and slip on flanges with extra machining.

Orifice flange for run installation should be so constructed, machined and attached to the that the inner surface of the passage extends through the orifice flange so that there is no recess at the orifice plate.

The flange bore and the section of pipe shall be of the same internal diameter.

Weldneck and Slip-On Orifice Runs

Weldneck and Slip-On Orifice Runs

Weld Neck Orifice Run

Weld Neck Orifice Run

Slip-on Orifice Run

  1. End of pipe should be reamed after cutting to ensure a perfectly smooth bore and should enter the flange as shown, for raised face flanges. For ring type joints the ends of the pipe should be a maximum of 3 mm from flange face.
  2. The pipe should be drilled through each flange pressure tapping using a 12 mm drill for 4” bore pipe and over, a 10 mm drill for 3” bore pipe and a 6 mm drill for 2½” bore pipe and smaller.

Orifice flange union

Two Orifice Flanges are called an orifice flange union. Each flange comes with two pipe taps for measuring the pressure drop of the flow through an orifice plate.. Orifice plates do not come with the flanges and are sized based on the requirements of the process. Two jack screws are used to spread the flanges apart in order to change the orifice plate. This flange is normally available in weld neck, slip-on, and threaded flanges.

These flanges have a raised face.

These flanges have a raised face.

Weld Neck Orifice Run

Orifice flanges are installed in a straight run of pipe in order to avoid turbulence at the plate. As a rule of thumb, an orifice flange has ten diameters of straight pipe upstream and five diameters of pipe downstream.

An Orifice Flange

An Orifice Flange is intended for use instead of standard pipe flanges when an orifice plate or flow nozzle must be installed. Pairs of pressure tapings are machined into the Orifice Flange, making separate orifice carriers or tapings in the pipe wall unnecessary. This type of flange includes the orifice plate with data tap, a pair of flanges with integrated taps, a set of gaskets, bolts and nuts and a jackscrew to assist separating the flanges for orifice inspection.
Design can be with RF or RTJ weld neck flanges or RF slip-on flanges. The orifice plates are centered within very close tolerances of the standards.

An Orifice plate is a device used for measuring flow rate. Either a volumetric or mass flow rate may be determined, depending on the calculation associated with the orifice plate. It uses the Bernoulli’s principle which states that there is a relationship between the pressure of the fluid and the velocity of the fluid. When the velocity increases, the pressure decreases and vice versa.

An Orifice plate is a thin plate with a hole in the middle. It is usually placed in a pipe in which fluid flows. When the fluid reaches the orifice plate, the fluid is forced to converge to go through the small hole; the point of maximum convergence actually occurs shortly downstream of the physical orifice, at the so-called vena contracta point As it does so, the velocity and the pressure changes. Beyond the vena contracta, the fluid expands and the velocity and pressure change once again. By measuring the difference in fluid pressure between the normal pipe section and at the vena contracta, the volumetric and mass flow rates can be obtained from Bernoulli’s equation.

When installing the orifice plate flange the pressure taps need to be at the same elevation to each other. The assumption when making the calculation for the orifice plate is that static head of the tubes is the same on both sides of the orifice plate. Pressure taps should not be installed facing down as the taps could become plugged with debris in the line.

Weld Neck Orifice Flanges are butt-welded into the pipeline. The inside diameter (bore diameter) of the pipe should be specified when ordering. Weldneck orifice flanges are available in ANSI classes 300, 600, 900, 1500 and 2500. They are not available in ANSI 150 sizes because the thickness of ANSI 150 flanges are not enough to allow for drilling pressure taps.

Installing the orifice plate flange

Orifice flanges are installed in a straight run of pipe in order to avoid turbulence at the plate. As a rule of thumb, an orifice flange has ten diameters of straight pipe upstream and five diameters of pipe downstream.

Union

Union

pipe tap

Pipe tap

Jack screw

Jack screw

Pipe taps

Pipe taps

When installing the orifice plate flange the pressure taps need to be at the same elevation to each other. The assumption when making the calculation for the orifice plate is that static head of the tubes is the same on both sides of the orifice plate. Pressure taps should not be installed facing down as the taps could become plugged with debris in the line.

Weldneck orifice flanges are butt-welded into the pipeline. The inside diameter (bore diameter) of the pipe should be specified when ordering. Weldneck orifice flanges are available in ANSI classes 300, 600, 900, 1500 and 2500. They are not available in ANSI 150 sizes because the thickness of ANSI 150 flanges are not enough to allow for drilling pressure taps.

Union
Union
Union

Orifice flanges are used instead of the standard pipe flanges when orifice plate or flow nozzle is used. The basic purpose for this is to measuring the flow rate of either gases or liquids in the respective pipeline. These flanges are used in various industrial applications and are available in various sizes and materials.

Orifice Flange manufacturer Sunny Steel supplies Orifice Flanges, Plate Flanges, Orifice Plates Fittings in alloy steel, forged steel, ductile iron, Stainless Steel etc.

ASME B1.20.1 covers dimensions and gaging of NPT pipe threads for general purpose applications.

Orifice Flanges cover all standard sizes and ranges, and all common Flange materials

Union

Orifice unions come complete with gaskets nuts bolts and jack screws

Advantages of Orifice Flanges

Key Features

Uses of orifice flanges

These flanges are used in the following industries:

Purpose of an Orifice Flange

  1. They are widely used with orifice meters to measure the flow rate of either liquid or gases, flowing through the pipe.
  2. An orifice plate, a device measuring the flow of the inner fluid or gas, is secured between two orifice flanges, attached to the pipe.
  3. The orifice plate contains a small hole; two pressure tap holes are drilled in each flange which helps in measuring the pressure built inside the pipe.
  4. A ‘jack screw’ fitted between the two flanges, it enables to separate the flanges during inspection or replacement process.

Materials

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

Frequently used astm grades

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.

Flange materials acc. to ASTM

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.

What are ASTM Grades?

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.


Standard

Pipe Flange Standards mainly include three systems in the world, ANSI/ASME flange system(American), DIN flange system(European system), JIS flange system, other system made according to this three systems, like GB flange standard, which mainly made according to ANSI/ASME and DIN flange standard, Duwa Piping supplies those flanges with top quality and soonest delivery time.

ASME standards

ASTM standards

AWWA standards

ISO standards

MSS standards

Application of flanges

Applications

A flange is a method of connecting pipes, valves, pumps, and other equipment to form a piping system. It also provides easy access for cleaning, inspection, or modification.

When a piping joint requires to be dismantled, flanges are being used. These are primarily used on equipment, valves, and specialty items. Breakout flanges are provided at predetermined intervals in certain pipelines where maintenance is a regular occurrence. The flanges, gaskets, and bolting make up a flanged joint, which is made up of three separate but interconnected components. To achieve a leak-proof joint, special controls are required in the selection and application of all of these elements.

Here are the details of Flanges about their advantages and their applications.

Advantages of Flanges

Pipes, valves, pumps, and other parts are connected with flanges to form a piping system. Generally, flanges are welded or screwed together. The use of flanges makes pipe system maintenance and repair a breeze. Instead of taking the entire pipe for inspection, a small section of the pipe can be carefully investigated to use a flange to locate the fault.

The following are the five most important benefits of The following are the five most important benefits of flanges:

A flange is a method of connecting pipes, valves, pumps, and other equipment to form a piping system. It also provides easy access for cleaning, inspection, or modification. Flanges are usually welded or screwed.

In many applications, engineers need to find a way to close off a chamber or cylinder in a very secure fashion, usually because the substance inside must differ from the substance outside in composition or pressure.

They do this by fastening two pieces of metal or other material together with a circle of bolts on a lip. This “lip” is a flange.

Plumbing

You can connect two sections of metal piping by soldering or welding them together, but pipes connected in this way are very susceptible to bursting at high pressures. A way of connecting two sections of pipe more securely is by having flanged ends that you can connect with bolts. This way, even if gases or liquids build up to high pressures inside the pipe, it will often hold with no problem.

Mechanics

In order to connect two sections of a large, enclosed area, it is often best to used flanges and bolts. An example of this is the connection between the engine and the transmission in an automobile. In this case, both the engine and the transmission contain a number of moving parts that can easily get damaged if they get dust or other small objects inside of them. By connecting the outer casings of the engine and transmission in this way, engineers protect the inner workings of both.

Electronics

Flanges have a specific purpose in cameras and other electronic devices. Though flanges in such items do not usually have to sustain high pressures, they do have to hold tight so they can keep out harmful particles. These flanges are usually found connecting two different materials, such as the glass of a lens and the rest of the body of the camera.

Flanged connection

There are many ways to connect flanges, including threading, welding or bolting. The threaded flange is best for low pressure or smaller pipelines because it can maintain its seal. When your pipeline is larger or high pressure, then the welded flange is preferable. A boiler room is one place where welded blind flanges might be used, due to the high pressure involved.

Flanged joints: flanges, bolts and nuts and gaskets

A flange is a external rib at the end of pipes, valves and other flow devices to assemble them.

Dimensions of the flanges are up to specific Standards : DIN, ANSI, AS, BS, JIS

Flanged connection

A flanged connection requires two flanges (the “main” and the “companion”), a set of bolts and nuts (whose number depends on the flange diameter and class) and two sealing gaskets. Flanged connections have to be executed and supervised by trained personnel, as the quality of the joint has a critical impact on the performance of the piping system / pipeline (the standard TSE – TS EN 1591 Part 1-4, “Flanges and their joints”, defines a number of requirements for the execution of proper flanged connections). Whereas all elements of the joint are critical, experience shows most leaks are originated by the improper installation of the sealing elements, i.e. the gaskets.

The typical pipe to flange connections are welded or threaded. Welded flanges are used for pipelines and piping systems with high pressures and temperatures, and with diameters above 2 inches.

Threaded connections are instead used for installations of smaller diameter and not subject to severe mechanical forces such as expansion, vibration, contraction, oscillation (forces that would crack the threaded joint). In all these critical cases, butt weld connections are recommended.

Pipe bend

FAQs

The most frequently asked questions regarding flanges and flange fittings have to do with how flanges fit on specific steel tube and steel pipe ends.

How flanges operate?

Flange process

Flanges have flat or flush surfaces that are vertical to the pipe to which they are attached. The attachment process involves mechanically joining two or more faces using bolts, adhesives, collars, or welds. Due to the attachment requirements, a flange must fit the equipment or pipe that it’s designed. That’s why it’s necessary to check all the possible specifications and dimensions to ascertain that it’s of the right size, type, and material.

What are the three parts of a flanged connection?

Pipe flanges, gaskets, and bolts are the three parts that comprise a flanged connection. Gaskets and bolts are typically made of the same flange materials or a material approved for the pipe components. Each component comes in various materials that suit specific applications and must be matched correctly for proper functioning. The gaskets come in two conventional types: full-face gaskets and ring gaskets. Full-face gaskets have the bolt holes visible and pair up with raised-face gaskets. Ring gaskets tend to be smaller rings minus the bolt holes and pair up with flat-faced flanges. Securing the flange components requires matching the surfaces evenly and plumb, adjusting as needed for a uniform fit. Once all surfaces match, bring the flanges together and secure at least two of the bolts. Refine the alignment, so the remaining bolt holes match and their corresponding bolts are tightly secured.

How do I properly size a flange for pipe use?

Properly sizing a flange for pipe use depends not only on the type of flange but its compatible piping. The pipe must slip into the flange’s inside diameter easily and securely, and the outside diameter should cover wall holes. Once you determine the specific flange type and material you need for the job, you’ll need to take several measurements. The four measurements you’ll need are the inside diameter, outside diameter, bolt hole count, and bolt hole center. You’ll need to align each of these measurements from opposing bolt holes to get the most accurate readings. Take all measurements from edge to edge and try to get as precise as possible to match the correct product. Round up bolt diameter to the next half or whole step since bolts measure half or whole inches. Once you have all four measurements, check them against the manufacturer’s table to find the correct flange. Most manufacturers list these specifications on their websites for easy reference.

Flange Inspection

Before dispatching from manufacture each flange is inspected to ensure quality. During an inspection you have to check the following;

ASME B16.5 and B16.47 standards cover permissible tolerances for inspection.

Flange material standards

Flanges are used to connect pipes or other equipment components in various industries, and they come in a variety of materials and sizes. Flange material standards are developed by standard-setting organizations and describe the properties and characteristics of different materials that can be used to make flanges. Some examples of commonly used flange material standards include:

  1. ASTM A105: This standard covers forged carbon steel piping components, including flanges, that are suitable for use in high-pressure applications.
  2. ASTM A182: This standard covers forged or rolled alloy steel pipe flanges, forged fittings, and valves and parts intended for high-temperature service.
  3. ANSI B16.5: This standard specifies the dimensions, tolerances, and markings for steel pipe flanges and flanged fittings.
  4. DIN 2632-2638: This standard defines the dimensions and tolerances for flanges made from steel, including carbon steel, stainless steel, and other alloys.
  5. ASME B16.47: This standard covers large diameter steel flanges, typically used in high-pressure applications where larger bore sizes are needed.
  6. BS 4504: This British standard covers circular flanges for pipes, valves, and fittings, with nominal sizes ranging from 15 to 600 mm.

The choice of flange material standard will depend on various factors such as the application, the environment, the fluid being transported, and the required performance characteristics. For example, high-pressure applications may require flanges made from materials with high strength and durability, while corrosive environments may require flanges made from materials with good resistance to corrosion.


Delivery

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.

PMI-raw material inspection

Flange raw material PMI
Flange raw material PMI
Flange raw material PMI

Flange Marking

Flange markings are governed by ANSI ASME codes. Flange marking includes;

  • Manufacturer logo
  • ASTM material code
  • Material Grade
  • Service rating (Pressure-temperature Class))
  • Size
  • Thickness (Schedule)
  • Heat No
  • Special marking if any QT (Quenched and tempered) or W (Repair by welding)
Flange Marking

Size inspection

ASME B16.5 and B16.47 standards cover permissible tolerances for inspection.

Flange size inspection
Flange size inspection
Flange size inspection
Flange size inspection
Flange size inspection
Flange size inspection

Packing

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.

Flange size inspection
Flange size inspection
Flange size inspection

【H】 Ceramic lined pipe

Ceramic lined pipe is made through self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) technique.

【H】 Cast basalt lined steel pipe

Cast basalt lined steel pipe is composed by lined with cast basalt pipe, outside steel pipe and cement mortar filling between the two layers.

【H】 Ceramic Tile Lined Pipes

Ceramic tile lined pipes have very uniform coating of specially formulated ceramic material that is affixed to the inner of the pipe.

【H】 Rare earth alloy wear-resistant pipe

The material of the rare earth alloy wear-resistant pipe is ZG40CrMnMoNiSiRe, which is also the grade of rare earth alloy steel.

【H】 Tubes Erosion Shields

Tubes Erosion Shields are used to protect boiler tubing from the highly erosive effects of high temperatures and pressures thereby greatly extending tube life.

【H】 ASTM A213 T91 Alloy Tube

The ASTM A213 T91 seamless tubes are primarily used for boiler, superheater, and heat-exchanger.

Ni-Hard Wearback Pipes Ni-Hard Wearback Pipes
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