Carbon steel flanges serve as connectors, joining pipes, valves, and other components in a piping system. Constructed from robust carbon steel, these flanges possess corrosion resistance and can endure high temperatures and pressures. Available in various sizes and types, carbon steel flanges offer secure and dependable connections, making them suitable for applications in industries such as oil and gas, chemical processing, and other industrial sectors.

In this post, we will learn about carbon steel flange types and their functions.

Welding neck flange 

These flanges are well-known for their elongated conical collar, which is welded at the bottom with the help of a wire. The inner diameter of the tube matches that of the flange. This characteristic of wp11 fittings creates a seamless conduit that ensures minimal friction for gases or liquids passing through it. The extended arm and consistent thickness make these flanges suitable for demanding tasks that involve heavy stress.

Slip-on flanges

This type of flange can be joined to a pipe by either one or two fillet welds (one is located inside the flange and another outside the flange). Its inner diameter i.e. bore size is larger than the connecting pipe diameter which allows it to slide or slip onto the pipe. Since this flange has a hub with a very low profile, this flange is also called a hubbed flange. Available in different sizes, it is more suitable for lower pressure applications.

Blind flanges

These fittings are specifically designed to provide coverage and sealing for tubing, valves, or tube openings, catering to different operational pressures. Technologically speaking, WPHY 42 Fittings are capable of withstanding the most challenging working conditions. In terminals where temperature plays a crucial role or there are cyclic movements, it is recommended to utilize a combination of neck and blind flanges to ensure secure closures.

Threaded flanges

These fittings are known for their non-welding properties, allowing for quick and straightforward assembly. They are primarily employed in specific applications, such as pipelines that operate under high pressures and atmospheric temperatures. However, it is not suitable to use these fittings in ducts where significant temperature variations exist.

Functions of carbon steel flanges 

Carbon steel, also known as medium carbon steel, is a metallic material composed of a combination of iron and carbon. The presence of other elements in small quantities has minimal impact on its properties. Pure carbon steel allows for the inclusion of manganese, silicon, and copper.

Increasing the carbon content enhances the strength and toughness of Carbon Steel Flanges but reduces their ductility and makes them more challenging to weld. Additionally, higher carbon content lowers the melting point and overall temperature tolerance of the flange.

Comparatively, forged flanges contain less carbon than cast flanges and exhibit slower oxidation. They possess a flat structure, are relatively lightweight, and offer superior mechanical properties compared to cast flanges. It is crucial to employ appropriate forging methods to avoid the formation of wide or irregular grains, which can increase the likelihood of cracking and reduce the integrity of the flange when compared to cast flanges.