What Are the Difference between Flat Flange and Raised Face Flange?

В чем разница между плоским фланцем и фланцем с рельефной поверхностью?

Фланец By Updated

As a professional manufacturer, we are well aware of the importance of flanges in pipeline connection systems. Among them, flat flanges and raised face flanges, as two mainstream products, have unique structure and performance characteristics, and are suitable for different application scenarios. In this article, we will discuss the differences between flat flanges and raised face flanges in terms of structure, performance, application scenarios, manufacturing process, cost and future development from the perspective of professional manufacturers.

I. Структурные характеристики

Flat flange, as the name suggests, its structural characteristics are mainly reflected in the word “flat”. The two flange surfaces of the plane flange are parallel and on the same level, and the two flange surfaces are tightly fitted by bolts and other fasteners, and then the sealing gasket or packing is used to realize sealing on the plane. This structure makes the plane flange has the advantages of high manufacturing precision, not easy to deform, simple and convenient installation and disassembly.

In contrast, the structure of Raised Face Flange is characterized by its “convex surface”. One side of the Raised Face Flange is raised to a certain height, forming a certain angle with the plane of the other side of the flange. This structure allows the raised face flange to form a tight fit with the corresponding groove or flat surface when connected, thus realizing a seal. The raised part of the Raised Face Flange not only enhances its bearing capacity, but also improves the sealing performance.

II. Performance Characteristics.

  1. Sealing performance

The sealing method of plane flange is relatively simple, mainly relying on the sealing gasket or packing to realize sealing on the plane. This sealing method is easily affected by the deviation of the pipeline itself, flange surface inequality and other factors, resulting in a decline in sealing performance. Raised Face Flange adopts convex surface and corresponding groove or plane close fit to realize sealing, its sealing area is larger, sealing performance is more superior. In addition, Raised Face Flange can also use arc-shaped sealing ring or packing to seal on the convex surface, which further improves the sealing effect.

2. Bearing capacity

The Raised Face Flange has a raised part, which makes its force area relatively small and the pressure concentrated, thus improving its bearing capacity. Therefore, Raised Face Flanges are usually more suitable than flat flanges for high pressure, high temperature and large diameter pipeline connection. Flat flanges are more suitable for low-pressure, non-high-temperature, non-high-pressure, non-corrosive pipeline connection systems.

  1. Installation and dismantling

Flat flange is easy to install and dismantle due to its simple structure. Raised Face Flanges, on the other hand, are relatively more complicated to install and dismantle due to the need to ensure that the raised portion of the flange closely fits with the corresponding groove or plane. However, this also makes the Raised Face Flange more solid and stable after connection.

Ⅲ. Application.

Flat flanges and raised face flanges have their own application scenarios. Flat flanges are widely used in municipal construction, home improvement in the water pipe connection and other low pressure, non-high temperature, non-high pressure, the medium is not strong corrosion of the pipeline connection system. Raised Face Flanges, on the other hand, are more suitable for connection systems with high requirements in chemical, petroleum, natural gas and other industries. Especially under the harsh working conditions of high temperature, high pressure, large caliber, strong corrosion and so on, Raised Face Flanges can give full play to their superior performance characteristics.

Ⅳ. Manufacturing process.

The manufacturing process of Flat Flange is relatively simple, mainly including forging, welding, cutting, grinding and other processes. The manufacturing process of Raised Face Flange is more complicated, which requires high-precision processing equipment and technical support. In the manufacturing process, the raised part of the Raised Face Flange needs to be accurately processed and polished to ensure its close fit with the corresponding groove or plane. In addition, the raised face flange needs to be sealed with sealing ring or packing, which also requires corresponding processing and installation technology.

V. The Analysis of Cost.

Since Raised Face Flange requires higher requirements in material, processing accuracy and sealing performance, its manufacturing cost is relatively high. The Flat flange has a lower cost advantage due to its simple structure and relatively easy manufacturing process. However, in the actual application, it is also necessary to take into account the use of the scene, performance requirements and other factors to comprehensively assess the cost-effectiveness.

Ⅵ. The future development

With the continuous development of pipeline connection technology, planar flanges and Raised Face Flanges are also being constantly innovated and improved. On the one hand, the performance and quality of the products are improved by optimizing the material formula, improving processing precision and other measures; on the other hand, more diversified and personalized flange products are developed for different application scenarios and demands. In the future, flat flanges and Raised Face Flanges will continue to play an important role in pipeline connection systems and provide strong support for the development of various industries.

Ⅶ. Summary.

As an important part of the pipeline connection system, flat flanges and Raised Face Flanges each have unique structure and performance characteristics. In actual application, we need to choose the right type of flange according to the specific use scenario and demand. As a professional flange manufacturer, we will continue to devote ourselves to improving the performance and quality of our products and providing customers with more high-quality and reliable products and services.