Flange forgings are crucial connecting components in the industrial field, made through forging processes and used to connect pipelines, valves, and other equipment. So, how much do you know about the basic concepts, materials, classifications, usage scenarios, and application areas of flange forgings?
The main materials for flange forgings include carbon steel, alloy steel, and stainless steel. Carbon steel flanges have a relatively low price and are suitable for low-pressure pipeline systems, but they are prone to damage under harsh conditions such as high temperature and high pressure. Stainless steel flange is a high-end material that can withstand high pressure at high temperatures, is not easy to rust, has good corrosion resistance and mechanical properties, but is relatively expensive. Alloy steel flanges are suitable for high-pressure and high-temperature pipeline systems, with high corrosion resistance and high-temperature strength.
According to the structural form, flange forgings can be divided into various types such as butt welding flanges, threaded connection flanges, forged welding flanges, socket welding flanges, flat welding flanges, blind plates, flanges, etc. These different types of flange forgings are suitable for different connection methods and working conditions requirements.
The usage scenarios of flange forgings are very extensive, mainly including the following aspects:
Petrochemical industry: Flange forgings are commonly used in petroleum, natural gas, chemical equipment and pipeline systems to connect pipelines and equipment that transport fluids. Due to the harsh environments such as high temperature, high pressure, and corrosion that petrochemical equipment needs to withstand, the performance requirements for flange forgings are relatively high.
Electricity: Flange forgings are mainly used for connecting equipment such as generator sets, boilers, steam turbines, transformers, etc. In the power industry, especially in thermal power generation and nuclear power plants, flanges are required for connecting steam pipelines, water supply pipelines, etc. Flange forgings, due to their high strength and good sealing performance, can effectively prevent steam and water leakage, ensuring the normal operation of power equipment.
Ship and Ocean Engineering: Due to the harsh marine environment and complex working conditions that ships and ocean engineering equipment need to withstand, the material, performance, and quality requirements for flange forgings are extremely high. Flange forgings, due to their high strength, good sealing performance, and corrosion resistance, can meet the stringent requirements for flanges in the shipbuilding industry.
Mechanical manufacturing: Flange forgings are one of the important basic components in the field of mechanical manufacturing, with wide applications, especially in industrial environments that require high pressure and high temperature. For example, in the manufacturing of aircraft, rockets, and other aerospace vehicles, flange forgings are used to connect the piping systems of aircraft. These components need to have lightweight and high-strength characteristics to meet the strict performance requirements of aerospace vehicles.
In addition, flange forgings are widely used in various fields such as construction, water conservancy, environmental protection, food, and pharmaceuticals. In the field of construction, flange forgings are commonly used to connect water supply and drainage systems, HVAC systems, etc. In the field of water conservancy, flange forgings are widely used to connect equipment such as water pumps and valves. In the field of environmental protection, flange forgings are used to connect exhaust gas treatment equipment, sewage treatment equipment, etc., to prevent secondary pollution caused by pollutant leakage to the environment.
In summary, flange forgings, as key components of industrial connections, have excellent comprehensive performance and a wide range of application fields.