Flange covers, also called flange protectors or flange face protectors, are essential for protecting flanged connections in industrial piping systems. These are crucial components across a wide array of industries, essentially wherever fluids or gases are stored or transferred. Whether the piping system is for low-level pressure or high-pressure systems such as pressure vessels, flange covers serve several critical functions. Flange protectors are needed at original manufacturing points, used for shipping and storage solutions, and on job sites to prevent contamination. Many of the components they protect are manufactured under heavily regulations.
Applications
By using the appropriate flange cover for a given application, companies can improve safety, minimize the risk of leaks and corrosion, reduce maintenance costs, and extend the lifespan of their piping systems.
About Flanges
Flanges are characterized by:
1) pressure ratings, 2) dimensions, 3) material specifications, and 4) safety.
Compatibility of materials is crucial for optimum performance and lends to best safety protocol. In particular, flange classes refer to the pressure ratings of flanges that indicate their ability to withstand pressure at specific temperatures. This is critical information for anyone involved in designing, installing, or maintaining piping systems.
Similarly, the specific rating of each flange class depends on the material and operating conditions. For example, a carbon steel flange and a stainless steel flange will have different pressure ratings at the same temperature.
With all the intricacies of piping systems, no matter the application, protection of the flange is not just protocol, it is essential to safety. Flange covers support this safety measure.
Flange Classes
Flange Classes refers to pressure ratings measured in pounds per square inch (psi). A flange’s ability to withstand pressure at specific temperatures determines the class. The most common classes include Class 150, Class 300, and Class 600.
- Class 150 – Low-pressure applications, max pressure approximately 270 psi at ambient temperatures
- Class 300 – Moderate pressure applications withstanding up to 570 psi at ambient temperatures
- Class 600 – Higher pressure applications reaching maximum pressure rating of about 1,500 psi at ambient temperatures.
Types of Flanges
There are many types of flanges. Screw or threaded flanges connect to a threaded pipe. A blind flange features a solid face and attaches to the end of a pipe serving as a closure. Other flanges are designed to use a gasket or O-ring between flange faces which are then attached with nuts and bolts. Some flanges are welded onto the end of pipes. In general, flanges connect pipes enabling the transport of the gases or fluids over longer distances. The type of flange used depends on what is going to flow through the pipes, among other factors.
Key Industries Using Pressure Vessels and Flange Protection
All of these industries require some type of storage of fluids or gases, and many other uses such as transporting, processing and quality assurance.
- Oil and Gas
- Chemical & Petrochemical
- Power Generation
- Food & Beverage
- Pharmaceutical
- Aerospace & Defense
- Water Treatment
- Technology
Case in Point
Cooling Systems for AI Data Centers are among the fastest growing industries requiring flange cover protection. Consider these facts:
Perhaps pairing electronics with liquid seems counter-intuitive, but liquid cooling is standard with AI cooling systems. Not only is it standard, it is required. Processing liquid through systems involves pipes and flow control, very critical to safety and successful systems. Devices managing these crucial processes include flanged devices, which need protection.
