According to Explore the World of Piping’s (EWP) website, when it comes to handling more (or less) pressure in the system, knowing the class 300 flange dimension can help determine the correct part for the job. There are online reference charts that map out the conditions each system might operate in and the engineer/user can make an educated decision from there. There are a variety of factors on each reference chart that affect the pressure a flange can withstand. Knowing these factors and making the correct selection and subsequent installation.
Different Specs For Different Jobs
The obvious differences between the class 300 flange dimension and that of a class 150 flange dimension would be the amount of metal involved. The class 300 dimension involves more metal and therefore can withstand more pressure according to the EWP website. Similarly, the class 400, 600, 900, 1500, or 2500 would be able to withstand more pressure than the class 300 flange.
Additional Pressure Factors
The amount of pressure a flange can withstand also involves other factors like the type of flange it is and the material from which it is made. The ability to seal is also affected by the type of flange that is used for a particular job. For example, a ring flange–with an ability to hold back and hold in more pressure–might have the issue of leaking more easily than if a different flange was used according to the piping designer’s website. Or, according to Wikipedia, if maintenance isn’t needed or anticipated much in that area of the piping system, a weld might be more appropriate to handle the pressure of a particular area.
Pressure Considerations
When considering whether to get a class 150 flange or a class 300 flange dimension, for example, it is important to consider the factors that affect the pressure within a pipe. After all, EWP’s website makes it clear that it is the overall pressure that determines the type. And so, Pipe Flow’s website based in the UK explains that there are multiple factors to consider. First is the viscosity of the fluid moving within the pipe. Additionally, an engineer or installer of the piping system needs to think about the temperature the piping system will be operating in or what temperature the fluid moving inside will be. The pressure is directly affected by temperature! A couple of other factors when determining pressure and the subsequent flange are pipe length, supply & discharge locations, and even the types/numbers of valves in the system as a whole.
Safety First!
Flange failure can be dangerous. Mirage, on its website, offers suggestions to help fight flange failure. The first suggestion they offer is to use to right parts. Additionally, making sure the parts are well-kept and clean and stored correctly can go a long way in keeping everyone safe. Thirdly is managing corrosion–as many flanges are made of metal and can easily be affected over time. And finally is the “fatigue” of the parts themselves. Keeping track of when parts were installed and how hard each part works can also go a long way in safety with flanges.
