A systematic and secure water supply is the most important requirement of any establishment. Water that flows out of taps actually traverses a complex network of piping before it reaches us. A secure piping system is a must for the normal functioning of any house or office. Pipe fittings form an integral part of all plumbing systems. With pipes being the most visible parts of plumbing fixtures, fittings for pipe play a more behind-the-scene role of holding it all together.

These fittings perform the role of connecting different straight or tube pipes, serve as bridges in connecting two pipes of differing shape or size, or even regulate water flow. A commonly used fitting is a flange, which we discuss in more detail.

What is a Flange?

All pipes are lined by rims, sometimes external and other times internal. These rims at the edges of pipes aid the assembling and dissembling of the two connected pipes. Many pipes already have these rims built into them, but there are separate fittings that can be attached for this purpose, and these fittings are what are known as flanges.

Standard Flange Dimensions

To follow some uniformity in the size options available for different piping solutions, there are standard flange sizes which are followed in different parts of the world. These are ASA/ANSI in the United States, PN/DIN in Europe, BS10 followed by the British and Australian, and JIS/KIS for the Japanese and Korean.

Further, the flanges within a given standard are classified according to varying pressure classes; i.e. each flange has its own pressure rating which signify the pressure and temperature ranges for different materials.

There is a standardization followed in the flange shape as well. The flange faces available typically are raised, flat, tongue and groove, or the ring joint forms. There are other uncommon shapes too, but those are used more in a customized fashion.

Flange Types Available

1 When it comes to design, pipe flanges are available as a weld-neck, blind, slip-on, lap-joint, screwed, socket-weld, etc. among some more. In general, a flange is available in common shapes of square, round, and rectangle forms.

2 In some cases, they are in form of a rim or ring that fastens around connecting pipes. This form of flange is a closet flange.

3 Another type of flange is the blind flange, which basically covers the face of a pipe like a plate.

Flange Materials Used

These fittings commonly found are made from a wide range of materials. There is a vast variety to choose from, and people can find the best flange for the job depending on the plumbing job itself. Commonly used materials include steel, stainless steel, copper, cast iron, brass, galvanized steel, carbon steel, aluminium and polypropylene.

Whatever is the design, a flange functions to support mechanical parts used in plumbing, either as internal support or as external rims. They are, thus, like the building blocks on which complex network of pipes is laid.