Texas Flanges

Welcome to the introductory guide on flanges integral components that help streamline assembly processes within complex industrial settings and large-scale machinery. If you are wondering – “What exactly makes a flange, a flange?” – we have your answer right here! Think of a flange as a reinforcement component designed for connecting pipes, valves, pumps, and other machined parts. They operate in much the same way as the joints in our body, allowing the entire assembly to function correctly as fluids and gases move within. Flanges can be manufactured in different styles and are used based on their requirements, whether they are industrial or cosmetic. They are typically joined to other pipe fittings with weld connections and sealed to other flanges with bolts and gaskets. In short, flanges connect many things we use every day in the process industry, from utility water pipes to oil refinery equipment, to food processing assemblies, to pressure vessels, etc. With this guide, we will embark on an in-depth exploration of flanges. These industrial components were designed in various specifications over decades, each serving an indispensable function. Their roles extend across various industries, inducing invaluable contributions to various sectors that keep our economy functioning. UNDERSTANDING THE BASICS OF FLANGES Gaining a comprehensive knowledge of the world of flanges might sound like a difficult undertaking, but they’re simple once you understand their purpose. Imagine building and installing a series of pipes to move fluids or gases from one location to another in multiple directions. You generally can’t just weld pipes together and hope everything runs smoothly without supervision. Flanges are helpful when you want to keep pipes connected securely and avoid leaks within the system. If you take the time to look at much of our infrastructure worldwide, you will typically find flanges if you know where to look. They keep pipes connected properly and allow them to stay in service for long periods of time. Now, let’s discuss a few of the most used types of flanges! Weld neck flanges are ideal for most high-pressure and/or high-temperature situations. Slip-on ones are capable of the same function in most cases but are often easier to install and ideal for non-critical jobs. Blind flanges are required for most assemblies as they close off the end of a pipeline. Just like choosing the best tool for a job, you will usually want an engineer to sign off on the design! Safety is of course paramount, which is why the flanges we provide adhere to the latest ASME and ANSI standards. In short, flanges keep liquids or gases moving safely. Next time you see a pipeline, you’ll know that flanges are those connectors that make it all work.