Expander Flanges – Uses, Dimension and Types
An expander flange is an essential component of many industrial and commercial systems. Many industries use expander flanges in their piping systems for a variety of reasons, including increased pressure, temperature, safety, and environmental control. Whether you’re new to the world of expander flanges or just want to learn more about them, this blog post will give you all the information you need.
What is Expander Flange?
An expander flange is a type of flange used in piping systems to connect pipes of different sizes. It consists of a larger flange with a smaller bore (hole) diameter, which allows it to fit over the larger end of one pipe and connect to the smaller end of another pipe. This design helps transition between pipes of different diameters while maintaining a secure and leak-proof connection. Expander flanges are commonly used when pipes need to be enlarged or reduced, providing flexibility and adaptability in piping installations.
Expander Flange Uses
Expander flanges are used in a variety of industries, such as oil and gas processing plants, chemical plants, and food processing plants. They are designed to provide a secure connection between two pipes or other components that have different diameters or shapes. This makes them ideal for applications where connecting two different-sized pipes are necessary. Additionally, they can be used to connect a pipe to another type of fitting, such as valves or regulators.
Expander Flange Welding
When welding an expander flange to another pipe or fitting, it’s vital to ensure the weld is strong enough to withstand the pressures within the system. To achieve this, cleaning any dirt or debris from both surfaces before welding is crucial. Also, ensure your welding equipment is set up correctly for your specific task to avoid any problems with heat distribution during welding.
Expander Flange Types
There are two main types of expander flanges available on the market today: slip-on and weld-neck flanges. Slip-on flanges are typically used when quick installation is necessary and can be easily connected by using bolts around their circumference. Weld-neck flanges are designed for more permanent installations and require welding around their circumference in order to make a secure connection. Depending on your application needs, either type may be suitable for your project, but it’s important to consider all factors before making a decision on which type would be best suited for your system.
Expander Flange Dimension
| Pipe Size (NPS) | Outside Diameter of Flange A | Diameter of Raised Face B | Thickness of Flange C |
Diameter of Bore D |
Diameter of Bore D2 |
Diameter of Hub at Weld H |
Diameter of Hub at Base J |
Length of Hub K |
Compound Taper CT |
Slope at Bevel SB |
Number of Bolt Holes | Diameter of Bolt Holes | Bolt Circle Diameter P |
Approx. Weight (lb) | Design Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 x 3 | 6 | 3 5/8 | 3/4 | 2.067 | 3.068 | 3.500 | 3 1/16 | 2 1/2 | – | 16° | 4 | 3/4 | 4 3/4 | 6 | A |
| 2 x 4 | 6 | 3 5/8 | 3/4 | 2.067 | 4.026 | 4.500 | 3 1/16 | 3 5/8 | 1/2 | 29° * | 4 | 3/4 | 4 3/4 | 6 | C |
| 3 x 4 | 7 1/2 | 5 | 15/16 | 3.068 | 4.026 | 4.500 | 4 1/4 | 2 3/4 | – | 15° | 4 | 3/4 | 6 | 11 | A |
| 4 x 6 | 9 | 6 3/16 | 15/16 | 4.026 | 6.065 | 6.625 | 5 5/16 | 3 1/4 | 1/2 | 30° * | 8 | 3/4 | 7 1/2 | 15 | C |
| 6 x 8 | 11 | 8 1/2 | 1 | 6.065 | 7.981 | 8.625 | 7 9/16 | 4 | 1/2 | 28° * | 8 | 7/8 | 9 1/2 | 24 | C |
| 8 x 10 | 13 1/2 | 10 5/8 | 1 1/8 | 7.981 | 10.020 | 10.750 | 9 11/16 | 4 | 1/2 | 29° * | 8 | 7/8 | 11 3/4 | 39 | C |
| 8 x 12 | 13 1/2 | 10 5/8 | 1 1/8 | 7.981 | 12.000 | 12.750 | 9 11/16 | 6 | 1/2 | 29° * | 8 | 7/8 | 11 3/4 | 39 | C |
| 10 x 12 | 16 | 12 3/4 | 1 3/16 | 10.020 | 12.000 | 12.750 | 12 | 3 15/16 | 1/2 | 39° * | 12 | 1 | 14 1/4 | 52 | C |
| 10 x 14 | 16 | 12 3/4 | 1 3/16 | 10.020 | 13.250 | 14.000 | 12 | 5 7/16 | 5/8 | 30° * | 12 | 1 | 14 1/4 | 52 | C |
| 12 x 14 | 19 | 15 | 1 1/4 | 12.000 | 13.250 | 14.000 | 14 3/8 | 4 1/2 | – | 11° | 12 | 1 | 17 | 80 | D |
| 12 x 16 | 19 | 15 | 1 1/4 | 12.000 | 15.250 | 16.000 | 14 3/8 | 4 13/16 | 5/8 | 30° * | 12 | 1 | 17 | 80 | C |
| 14 x 16 | 21 | 16 1/4 | 1 3/8 | 13.250 | 15.250 | 16.000 | 15 3/4 | 5 | – | 15° | 12 | 1 1/8 | 18 3/4 | 120 | A |
| 14 x 18 | 21 | 16 1/4 | 1 3/8 | 13.250 | 17.250 | 18.000 | 15 3/4 | 5 11/16 | 5/8 | 30° * | 12 | 1 1/8 | 18 3/4 | 120 | C |
| 18 x 20 | 25 | 21 | 1 9/16 | 17.250 | 19.250 | 20.000 | 19 7/8 | 5 1/2 | – | 14° | 16 | 1 1/4 | 22 3/4 | 140 | A |
| 18 x 24 | 25 | 21 | 1 9/16 | 17.250 | 23.250 | 24.000 | 19 7/8 | 8 13/16 | 5/8 | 28° * | 16 | 1 1/4 | 22 3/4 | 140 | C |
| 20 x 24 | 27 1/2 | 23 | 1 11/16 | 19.250 | 23.250 | 24.000 | 22 | 6 7/16 | 5/8 | 30° * | 20 | 1 1/4 | 25 | 170 | C |
| 24 x 30 | 32 | 27 1/4 | 1 7/8 | 23.250 | 29.250 | 30.000 | 26 1/8 | 8 11/16 | 3/4 | 30° * | 20 | 1 3/8 | 29 1/2 | 260 | C |
Conclusion
Expander flanges play a crucial role in ensuring the reliability of connections within piping systems across different industries and environments. Familiarizing yourself with how these components function and the options available can empower you to make well-informed project choices. This understanding allows you to optimize the safety and efficiency of your system, irrespective of its operating conditions or industry requirements.
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