A flange adaptor is a crucial component in piping. It joins pipes to flanged products like gate valves, return flow inhibitors, butterfly valves, etc. During installation, the flange adaptor should fit seamlessly into the pipe joints for proper functioning. Selecting a flange isn’t about the price but rather several elements like dimensions and pressure ratings that make it work for the desired application. Wrong selection results in errors that need the entire process redone, and it’s costly. This article highlights the qualities of a heavy-duty flange adaptor.
How to identify an excellent heavy-duty flange adaptor
There are several types of flange adaptors for pipe fittings. Different applications require different flanges; hence it’s necessary to pick what’s right. Here are characteristics to look out for when buying flanges.
Proper size
The size encompasses multiple variables you can’t ignore during the selection. The flange adaptor must be of the correct pressure class and have the proper measurements. This means the inner and outer diameters can fit perfectly in the pipe joints. Each kind of flange adaptor has holes where bolts go through. The ideal adaptor has the correct number of holes, each with the appropriate diameter.
Right material
An excellent heavy-duty flange adaptor has the ideal material. The material must suit the intended application and withstands any elements that it may face along the way. Steel is one of the most common flange materials. Others include copper-nickel, stainless steel, and carbon steel.
Precise thickness
Flange adaptors are exposed to a lot of pressure from the piping systems. Depending on their use and installation position, flanges are either low-pressure or high-pressure. Whichever pressure class the adaptor falls under must match that of components like pipes and valves in the system. By looking at its thickness, you can tell how well the flange will handle pressure. The thicker it is, the better it is at taking high-pressure applications.
Bolt holes
A flange adaptor with extra or fewer bolt holes will prevent the correct operation of the piping system. The holes must be the required number, with a perfect circle diameter. Additionally, they should also be the right size with regard to depth. Flange adaptors have different hole patterns for various uses. If the periphery has six holes, the item it’s being bolted to should match the holes. Also, the kind of bolts used on the flange can increase pressure around the area. If the bolts are heavier and more robust, the flange adaptor holes must withstand the high pressure resulting from the bolting.
Ideal flange adaptor standards
The wide range of these items makes it hard to choose one. However, it gets easier once you understand the standards of each type of flange adaptor. These standards highlight the dimensions, material and surface finish, marking, facing type, and other technical specifications.
Bottom line
Following the qualities above, it’s easier to identify suitable heavy-duty flange adaptors. Avoid buying the wrong item, as it will affect the system functionality and cost more money to fix the error. Get the adaptor in the right size, material, thickness, and hole pattern for bolting. The flange adaptor connects well with the pipe joints when every component is okay.
