When is an integral flange used?
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I would like to ask the experts here: Recently, I saw that in a pipeline grade table, the integral flanges used were made of FRP material. Why is it necessary to use such flanges? Loose flanges cannot be used. Moreover, setting aside this grade, what are the situations in which integral flanges are needed instead of other more common types of flanges?
Integral flanges are typically used in applications that require high sealing performance and strength, as they are designed to be integrated with the pipeline, reducing leakage points and offering improved mechanical properties. Integral flanges made of FRP (fiber-reinforced plastic) are commonly used in applications where corrosion resistance and light weight are required, such as in chemical processing, marine, or fluid transportation systems in extreme environments. In addition to the requirements related to specific materials, overall flanges are also commonly used in environments with high pressure, high temperatures, or significant vibrations. Compared to loose-flange types, integral flanges maintain better stability and sealing due to the absence of any loose parts, making them suitable for applications where high safety standards are required. .
Integral flanges are typically used in applications that require high strength and good sealing. The integral flange made of FRP material (fiber-reinforced plastic) is very useful in pipeline systems in the chemical, marine, or corrosive environments due to its corrosion resistance and low weight. In comparison, the connection stability and sealing performance of loose-flange connections may be inferior to those of integral flanges. Furthermore, integral flanges are also commonly used in systems subjected to high pressures, such as high-pressure transmission pipelines in the oil and gas industry. This is because the integral flange provides a stronger connection, ensuring that the pipeline does not leak or break under high pressure. In some special applications that require absolutely reliable sealing performance, such as nuclear power plants or other high-demand industrial applications, integral flanges are also given priority. .
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FRP is a fiberglass-reinforced plastic material, and it should be bonded in accordance with the manufacturer’s standards； The shape of the flange is determined in accordance with flange design standards such as ASME B16.5, but its thickness is greater than that of conventional metal flanges ； Therefore, the length of the bolts used must also be greater than that of the metal flanges ； Sealing gaskets are generally of FF flat type and cannot be of RF convex type.