Flanges and types of flanges

A flange is a projecting flat rim, or a raised circle formed around the junction areas where two pipe sections, a pipe and a valve or pump, or a pipe and equipment join. Flanges are usually made from metal material like steel or stainless steel and are normally screwed or somehow bonded to the mating surfaces. Flanges can be categorized into several classes in that every class has distinctive characteristics and functions. Some common types of flanges include: Slide-on flanges: These are flanges in which the bore is slightly larger than the pipe bore to make the pipe fit into the flange and then use fillet welds. Weld neck flanges: These flanges have a formation of a neck that emanates from the base of the flange and soldered to the joining pipe. This affords additional reinforcement to the joint. Blind flanges: These flanges have no bore and are employed to block up the end of a pipe work or piece of equipment. Lap joint flanges: These flanges are in fact similar to the slip-on flanges but comes with a radius in the both ends of the flange face for the lap stub end. Threaded flanges: These flanges have internal screw threads by means of which a flange can be screwed on to a pipe. Socket weld flanges: These flanges are the same as slip-on flanges, however their inside diameter of the flange is slightly less than the diameter of the pipe. The pipe passes through the flange and fillet welded to make the connection. Spectacle flanges: These flanges are constructed from two disks of a metals where one of the disk is solid and the other one has a central aperture to create a “spectacle” when two disks are fastened together using bolts. Few of these structures are mainly used to have a distance between isolated structures or to maintain a structure for a certain period. These types of flanges are used in different situations as per the requirements of the application. the suitable type of flange has to be selected for the actual application and the flanges must be effectively installed and maintained for the sake of the piping system safety together with stability.

American Petroleum Institute - (API)

API is a powerful trade organization which unites oil and gas companies of the USA. It was established in the year 1919 with its seat in Washington D. C. API creates and promulgates standards for the oil and gas sector. These standards are adopted globally to achieve safe and quality standards in business by every firm and company dealing in production and services. The API also delivers training as well as certification courses to the workers and executives in the oil and gas industry. These programs are important to guarantee that the professional worker should have adequate knowledge and skills for safe work. The API also lobby on their behalf of the oil and gas industry especially with Congress and other government department. It endeavours to make sure that the industry it is operating within is one that is properly regulated and competitive. The API is an organization of members and it operates on the contributions made by its members financially. The company was incorporated and has its activities being regulated by a board of directors drawn from the members. API currently has more than 600 members involving in production, refining, marketing, and transporting of oil and gas. The API is also blessed with a number of members from the international category. The API is concerned with representation of the oil and gas industry in America and even in the international market. It also has the duty to guarantee the security, standard and efficiency of the oil & gas sector as well as represent the sector’s concerns. Here are some of the key activities of the API: Establishing and distributing specifications for the oil and gas sector Offering courses and credentials for the professionals working in the oil and gas sector Lobbying on behalf of oil and gas industry on the US Congress and other government bodies Compiling data and offering information with regard to the oil and gas sector Encouraging appropriate utilization of oil and gas The API is really beneficial to the oil and gas sector. Companies can also exchange information on operations and, at the same time, strive to make the business safe from hazards and effective in terms of operations.