The flange is second most used joining method after selding. Flanges are used when joints need dismantling. It provides flexibility for maintenance. Flange connects the pipe with various equipment and valves. Breakup flanges are added in the pipeline system if regular maintenance in required during plant operation.
A flanged joint is composed of three separate and independent although interrdlated components; the flanges, the gaskets, and the bolting; which are assembled by yet another influence, the fitter. Special controls are required in the selection and application of all there elements to attain a joint, which has acceptable leak tightness.
A flange is a protruded ridge, lip or rim, either external or internal, that serves to increase strength (as the flange of an iron beam such as an I-beam or a T-beam); for easy attachment/transfer of contact force with another object (as the flange on the end of a pipe, steam cylinder, etc., or on the lens mount of a camera); or for stabilizing and guiding the movements of a machine or its parts (as the inside flange of a rail car or tram wheel, which keep the wheels from running off the rails). The term “flange” is also used for a kind of tool used to form flanges.
