Which metals and alloys are typically supplied for slip-on flanges (A105, F304/316, duplex)?
If they are made of the right metals and fills, slip-on flanges work well and last a long time. This is what most people say:
Carbon Steel (A105)
The ASTM A105 carbon steel slip-on bolts are used in a lot of places. It's known by people because:
- Very strong for how much it weighs
- How much something costs
- Good ability to weld
- Suitable for forces and temperatures that are average
Slip-on flanges A105 are used a lot in the water treatment, oil and gas, and industrial fields.
Stainless Steel (F304/316)
Grades F304 and F316 stainless steel are chosen because they prevent rust better:
- F304: It's resistant to rust and a lot of poisons.
- In terms of resistance to rust, F316 is better, especially when it comes to chlorides.
If you work in the food, drug, or sea industries, these stainless steel slip-on plates are great for you.
Duplex Stainless Steel
The pros of austenitic and ferritic steels are combined in duplex stainless steel, which:
- More durable than regular stainless steels
- Very good protection against stress corrosion cracks
- Good ability to weld
Outside of oil and gas fields, chemical plants and salinity plants often use duplex slip-on flanges.
Low-Temperature Carbon Steel
In places that are very cold, carbon steels like ASTM A350 LF2 are used. Some things don't get soft or weak when they get cold. Because of this, they work well in cold storage systems and places that work with LNG.
Specialty materials: nickel alloys, Hastelloy, titanium, and copper-nickel options
Many times, carbon and stainless steels are helpful. But for slip-on flanges that will be used in tough conditions, they need to be made of special materials. Let's look at these interesting choices:
Nickel Alloys
Nickel metals have great resistance to rust and strength at high temperatures. For slip-on flanges, common nickel metal choices are:
- Like Alloy 625 and Alloy 825, it can't be broken down by oxidizing or reducing air or water.
- Alloy 400 is a type of metal. Very good ability to handle acids and salt water
Metals like these are used a lot in science, the navy, and the airplane industry.
Hastelloy
Hastelloy is a group of nickel-based superalloys that are famous for not rusting at all. Slip-on flanges made of Hastelloy are great for:
- Chemical conditions that are very toxic
- Uses at high temperatures
- Methods that use strong acids or chlorides
Hastelloy flanges are often used in chemical processing, medicine, and garbage treatment, among other fields.
Titanium
Slip-on flanges made of titanium have a unique set of features:
- Excellent ratio of strength to weight
- Excellent resistance to rust
- Good biocompatibility
Ti metal plates are useful in places that need to save weight and keep things from rusting, like ships, the ocean, and medicine.
Copper-Nickel Alloys
The 90/10 and 70/30 types of copper-nickel metal are known for
- Excellent resistance to rust in salt water
- Resistance to biofouling
- Good at moving heat around
Slip-on flanges made of copper-nickel metals are often used in heat exchangers, desalination plants, and naval settings.
Certification & traceability: matching flange material to piping spec (ASTM/ASME)
Always check that slip-on joints are allowed and can be seen to make sure that pipe systems stay safe and whole. Why is it important that the valve's material fit the pipe's needs? What are the ASTM and ASME rules?
ASTM Standards for Flange Materials
There are many rules for flange materials set by ASTM (the American Society for Testing and Materials). Some of these are:
- ASTM A105 is a set of rules for how carbon steel tubes should be forged.
- ASTM A182 lists pipe flanges made of stainless steel and metal that have been cast or rolled.
- Forgings made of carbon and low-alloy steel that are going to be used in cold places need to meet ASTM A350.
These rules make sure that all companies that make goods do so in the same way in terms of quality and performance.
ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code tells us how to:
- Choice of materials
- Criteria for design
- Methods of fabrication
- Needs for Inspection
ASME B16.5 talks about pipe flanges and flanged fittings in particular, which includes slip-on flanges.
Material Traceability
Traceability makes sure that the material of the slip-on flange matches the pipe requirements:
- Material Test Reports (MTRs) list the chemical makeup and mechanical characteristics of a substance.
- Heat numbers make it possible to track materials from production to installation. Certificates of Conformance (CoC) prove that products meet certain standards.
- This paperwork is necessary for quality control and following the rules.
Importance of Proper Material Matching
It is very important to match the slip-on flange materials to the pipe requirements for:
- Making sure the method is safe and works well
- Stopping galvanic rust in metal parts that are not the same
- Getting the right pressure and temperature numbers
Following the rules and laws of the business. When the right materials are used and approved, leaks, problems, and costly downtime are less likely to happen.
Third-Party Verification
Most of the time, slip-on flange materials need to be checked by a third party:
- Material qualities can be checked by independent testing labs.
- Positive Material Identification (PMI) methods make sure that the metal has the right mix of materials.
- Certified testers may be needed to make sure that the requirements are met.
- End users and governing bodies can be sure of the accuracy of this extra layer of proof.
Engineers and procurement experts can make sure that slip-on flanges meet the needs of their specific uses by following ASTM and ASME standards and keeping up with approval and tracking. This level of care is very important for keeping pipe systems safe, reliable, and long-lasting in many different fields.
Conclusion
It depends on what you use to make slip-on flanges, whether they work well, are safe, and last a long time. Carbon steel and stainless steel are the two kinds of steel. Ti and Hastelloy are both types of metal. Each one is better for certain uses and events because of the way it is made. If engineers and buying experts learn about the qualities of these materials and make sure they are properly approved and accessible, they can make decisions that improve system performance and lower risk.
HEBEI RAYOUNG PIPELINE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. has a wide range of products and services for EPC builders, wholesalers, and industry end-users who need high-quality slip-on flanges and other pipe parts. Our goods are made to meet strict industry standards, which means they are reliable and work well in a wide range of situations. Our GOST-R and SGS approvals mean that you can be sure that our goods are of high quality and meet all the rules for both local and foreign projects.
FAQ
1. What is the difference between a slip-on flange and a weld neck flange?
Slip-on flanges slide over the pipe and are welded both internally and externally, while weld neck flanges are welded to the pipe end-to-end. Slip-on flanges are easier to install and align, but weld neck flanges provide better stress distribution and are preferred for high-pressure applications.
2. Can slip-on flanges be used in high-temperature applications?
Yes, slip-on flanges can be used in high-temperature applications when made from appropriate materials. For example, alloy steels like chromium-molybdenum grades or nickel alloys like Inconel are suitable for high-temperature environments. It's crucial to select the flange material based on the specific temperature range and other operating conditions.
3. How do I determine the correct material for a slip-on flange in a corrosive environment?
To select the appropriate material for a corrosive environment, consider factors such as the specific corrosive agents present, temperature, pressure, and concentration. Stainless steels like 316 are suitable for many corrosive environments, while more aggressive conditions may require specialized materials like Hastelloy or titanium. Consult with material experts or refer to corrosion resistance tables for guidance.
Expert Slip-On Flange Solutions for Your Industrial Needs | RAYOUNG
HEBEI RAYOUNG PIPELINE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD knows how important slip-on flanges are for your industrial pipe systems. You can be sure that your projects will work well and last because we have a lot of high-quality flanges that are made to meet foreign standards. Not sure what kind of metal the frames should be made of? Someone from our team is ready to help you choose the best ones.
Don't let subpar components compromise the integrity of your piping systems. Choose RAYOUNG for superior slip-on flanges that deliver long-lasting performance and peace of mind. Contact us today at info@hb-steel.com to discuss your requirements and experience the RAYOUNG difference in quality, expertise, and customer service.
References
1. ASME B16.5-2017 Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings: NPS 1/2 through NPS 24 Metric/Inch Standard
2. ASTM A105/A105M-18 Standard Specification for Carbon Steel Forgings for Piping Applications
3. Flange Materials Selection Guide, Piping Engineering, 2020
4. Corrosion Resistance of Stainless Steels in Marine Environments, International Molybdenum Association, 2019
5. High-Performance Alloys for Severe Operating Conditions, Special Metals Corporation, 2021
6. Material Selection for Process Equipment in the Chemical Industry, Chemical Engineering Journal, Vol. 45, 2018
